Cider-Brined, Mustard-Glazed Pork Loin
A succulent pork loin brined in apple cider with aromatic spices, then glazed with a sweet and tangy mustard coating. This impressive main dish features the perfect balance of sweet apple cider, warming spices, and savory Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
- •1 cup kosher salt
- •½ cup light brown sugar
- •2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- •2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- •2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- •12 sprigs thyme
- •2 leaves bay leaves
- •4 cups apple cider
- •5 pounds boneless pork loin
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •½ teaspoon black pepper
- •2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- •½ cup Dijon mustard
- •⅓ cup light brown sugar
- •2 tablespoons maple syrup
- •2 tablespoons thyme leaves
- •2 cups apple cider
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Bring salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, thyme, bay leaves, 2 cups apple cider, and 2 cups water to a low boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking, until sugar and salt dissolve, about 4 minutes. Transfer brine to a large bowl and add remaining 2 cups apple cider and 2 cups ice. Let cool to room temperature.
20 min
- 2.
Place pork and brine in a large resealable plastic bag; turn to coat. Seal and chill at least 8 hours.
480 min
- 3.
Remove pork from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour.
60 min
- 4.
Place rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 400°F.
15 min
- 5.
Season pork all over with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear pork, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (including ends), 10-12 minutes.
12 min
- 6.
Meanwhile, combine mustard, brown sugar, syrup, and thyme in a medium bowl.
5 min
- 7.
Pour apple cider into a large roasting pan or glass baking dish. Transfer pork, fat side up, to pan. Brush all over with mustard mixture. Roast pork, basting every 15 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 140°F, 50-70 minutes.
70 min
- 8.
Transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.
15 min
- 9.
Pork can be brined up to 24 hours ahead. Keep chilled in plastic bag.