Grilled, Cider Brined Pork Holiday Dinner Recipe
Many families go the traditional route on a holiday and make a turkey. This year go off script with a Grilled, Cider Brined Pork Loin for your holiday dinner recipe. The brining process uses salt to increase the volume of liquid within the pork, leaving it juicier than it would be otherwise. This brined pork roast gets even better because you’re also marinating it in apple cider at the same time. And everyone knows that pork and apples are one of those matches made in culinary heaven. So, grab yourself a loin and learn how to brine pork, make this thanksgiving dinner the best one yet.
Learn more about brining here.
Grilled, Cider Brined Pork Holiday Dinner Recipe
PrintIngredients
Directions
Photos
5 lb.
boneless pork loin roast
¾ cup
kosher salt
1 cup
brown sugar, packed
2 cups
water
4 cups
apple cider
2 cups
ice cubes
2 tsp.
fennel seeds
2 tsp.
caraway seeds
2 tsp.
cumin seeds
2 tsp.
whole peppercorns
4
apples, quartered with seeds removed
2
red onions, quartered – leave the root end
4 to 8 cloves
garlic, paper removed, crushed
2 tbsp.
oil
- In a medium saucepan, bring the salt and sugar to a simmer with 2 cups of water until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Remove from heat and combine the salt mixture with the apple cider and ice, allowing it to cool.
- Submerge the pork loin in the brine, if you have a large enough bowl, use that. You can also use a large zip-top bag for this as well. Brine the pork for at least 8 hours.
- PRO TIP: Place the zip bag into a bowl or onto a tray to catch any liquid that can escape if the seal lets go.
- When you are ready to begin cooking, remove the pork from the brine and pat it dry.
- In a frying pan, toast the peppercorns, fennel, caraway, and cumin until fragrant. Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to crush the toasted herbs. Rub the brined pork loin with the peppercorn mixture.
- Preheat the main grill, preparing to use the indirect grilling technique. Light the outside burners to medium-high, about 375°F.
- Prepare the apples, garlic, and onions. Place them into the bottom of a roasting pan. Drizzle with the oil. Place the seasoned pork loin onto the apples and onions. Insert the probe of a BBQ Thermometer and set it to alert you at 140°F. Place the roasting dish onto the grill over the unlit burners.
- Roast the brined pork loin for one to two hours, until an internal temperature of 140°F has been reached. Remove it from the grill and allow the pork to rest on a board for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving with the roasted onions and apples, as well as your favorite holiday side dishes.
Do you need inspiration for some great grilled side dishes to go with this delightful Grilled, Cider Brined Pork Holiday Dinner Recipe? Check out our Thanksgiving Side Dish Guide and pick some favorites.
What are you grilling up for the next holiday meal? Share your best Holiday BBQ recipes and photos on our social pages like Facebook and Instagram, using the hashtags #NapoleonEats and #NapoleonGrills.
Happy Grilling!
Combine brine, cider, and ice, then add the pork
Season with toasted fennel, caraway, cumin, and peppercorns
Fill a roasting dish with sliced apple, onions, and garlic
Place the pork onto the grill and roast using indirect heat
Scoop leftover mashed potatoes onto a soaked plank
Roast the planked potatoes while the pork finishes
Rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing
Serve with your favorite holiday sides
Happy holiday eating!
I used to be the Sultana of Sizzle, but you can call me Andrea. I have always been passionate about food. Even though I was majoring in Art and Graphic Design, I would frequently be found cooking for my friends and family.
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Combine brine, cider, and ice, then add the pork
Season with toasted fennel, caraway, cumin, and peppercorns
Fill a roasting dish with sliced apple, onions, and garlic
Place the pork onto the grill and roast using indirect heat
Scoop leftover mashed potatoes onto a soaked plank
Roast the planked potatoes while the pork finishes
Rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing
Serve with your favorite holiday sides
Happy holiday eating!