pork loin brine recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pork loin brine recipe

I’ve been making pork loin brine for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. I first discovered the recipe on a food blog, and I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and versatility. The original recipe called for a basic brine made with salt, sugar, and spices, but I like to add a few extra ingredients to give it an extra boost of flavor.

My family loves the way the brine tenderizes the pork loin, making it juicy and easy to cook. We’ve had this dish for family gatherings, special occasions, and even just a weeknight dinner. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious and impressive main course without too much fuss. I’ve also found that the brine works well with other types of meat, such as chicken or beef, so feel free to experiment with different proteins. One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is that it’s quite healthy compared to other meat dishes.

The brine is made with natural ingredients like salt, sugar, and spices, which are all easy on the stomach. Plus, when cooked properly, the pork loin becomes incredibly tender and falls apart easily. This makes it perfect for serving to large crowds or families with young children who may be picky eaters.

Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit my family’s tastes, and I’m happy to share it with you now. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!

Simple Brine for Pork Loin

4.7 from 1568 votes

This brine keeps pork loin moist and flavorful during roasting. It uses basic pantry ingredients to enhance the meat’s natural taste.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time10 mins plus brining time
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 10 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

4 cups water
1/4 cup kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 cups ice cubes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine 4 cups water, kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic, black peppercorns, and fresh rosemary in a large pot.
2Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar dissolve completely, which takes about 2 minutes.
3Remove the pot from the heat and add the ice cubes to cool the brine rapidly.
4Stir until the ice melts and the brine reaches room temperature, which should take about 5 minutes.
5The brine must be completely cool before adding the pork to prevent cooking the meat.
6Place the pork loin in a container large enough to hold it and the brine.
7Pour the cooled brine over the pork, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.
8Cover the container and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours for a 2-pound loin, or up to 12 hours for a larger roast.
9Remove the pork from the brine and discard the brine.
10Rinse the pork loin under cold running water to remove excess salt from the surface.
11Pat the meat dry with paper towels before cooking according to your recipe.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Container for brining (large enough to hold pork loin and brine)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 10 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a sweeter brine, increase brown sugar to 1/4 cup. You can substitute apple cider for 1 cup of water for a fruity note. Do not brine longer than 12 hours or the pork may become too salty.

Watch Video Of How Simple Brine for Pork Loin Works

This pork loin brine recipe is a reliable way to get a moist and flavorful roast every time. I use it for family dinners and holiday gatherings because it always impresses without a lot of fuss.

The leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days, and you can reheat slices gently in a covered dish with a little broth to keep them from drying out. For serving, I like to slice the pork thin and pair it with applesauce or a light gravy.

It also works great sliced cold on sandwiches the next day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brine for Pork Loin

What is a pork loin brine?

A pork loin brine is a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and spices used to marinate pork loin before cooking. It’s designed to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

How do I make a pork loin brine?

To make a pork loin brine, combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of kosher salt, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of black peppercorns, 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds, and 1 tablespoon of pink curing salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Can I use this recipe for other types of meat?

Yes! While this recipe was specifically designed for pork loin, you can use it as a base for other types of meat such as chicken or beef.

How long does the brine need to sit before cooking?

The brine needs to sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight before cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the brine ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What are some storage ideas for leftover pork loin?

Leftover pork loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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