The Ultimate Roast Pork Loin with Apples Recipe

Delicious and easy, this ultimate roast pork loin with apples is the perfect weeknight dinner or any special occasion!

This dish is a great way to elevate a simple pork loin into a mouthwatering meal. The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the savory pork, and the roasting process brings out the natural flavors of both ingredients.

Pork Loin VS. Pork Tender Loin

Pork loin and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of meat from the pig. Pork loin is a larger, thicker cut of meat that comes from the back of the pig, while pork tenderloin is a long, thin cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the pig's spine.

Pork loin is generally considered to be more tender and flavorful than pork tenderloin, but it is also a bit fattier. Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is very lean and can be cooked quickly, making it a good option for people who are trying to eat healthy.

Pork loin is a delicious and healthy choice for any meal. It can be used in a wide range of dishes, from simple weeknight dinners to elaborate feasts, and is sure to be a hit with people of all ages.

FAQs

A pork loin is a cut of pork from the back of the pig. It is a lean cut of meat that is tender and flavorful when cooked properly. Some common questions about pork loin include:

How do I cook a pork loin?

To cook a pork loin, you can roast it in the oven, grill it, or sear it in a pan and then finish cooking it in the oven. The key is to cook it to an internal temperature of 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit, and then let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How long does a pork loin take to cook?

The exact cooking time for a pork loin will depend on its size and the cooking method you use. As a general rule, you should plan on cooking a pork loin for 20-30 minutes per pound in the oven, or 8-10 minutes per pound on the grill.

What can I serve with pork loin?

Pork loin goes well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and salads. You can also serve it with fruit-based accompaniments, such as apple sauce or a fruit chutney.

Is pork loin healthy?

Pork loin is a lean cut of meat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for most people. However, as with any meat, it is important to eat it in moderation and balance it with a variety of other healthy foods.

Make it

The Ultimate Roast Pork Loin with Apples Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (2-pound) boneless center-cut pork loin, trimmed and tied

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 medium onion, thickly sliced

2 carrots, thickly sliced

2 stalks celery, thickly, sliced

3 cloves garlic, smashed

1 tsp dried thyme

3 sprigs fresh rosemary

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

2 apples, such as Cortland or Rome peeled, cored, and cut into bite-size pieces

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 cup apple cider

2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large ovenproof skillet heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Season the pork loin all over generously with salt and pepper. Sear the meat until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside.

Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir until the vegetables are browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in the herbs and sliced apples, then push the mixture to the sides and set the pork loin in the middle of the skillet along with any collected juices on the plate. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the loin until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat registers 140 to 145 degrees F, about 30 to 35 minutes. (See Cook's Note.)

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and cover it loosely with foil while you make the sauce. Arrange the apples and vegetables on a serving platter and set them aside. Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Return the skillet to high heat and add the vinegar scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen up any browned bits. Reduce by half then add the cider and reduce by about half again. Pull the skillet from the heat and whisk in the mustard and the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter.

Remove the strings from the roast and slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces and arrange over the apple mixture. Drizzle some sauce over meat and serve the rest on the side.

Enjoy, Buen provecho!

Cook's Note: Pork cooked this way will be slightly pink. If desired, cook the pork to 160 degrees F, but be aware that this lean cut will not be as moist at a higher temperature.

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