Apple Stuffed Pork Loin
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoon butter
unsalted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
ground
- 2 large apples
peeled, cored and diced into ½ inch cubes
- 4 pounds pork loin
- or to taste¼ teaspoon salt
- or to taste1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven: Before you begin, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2
Caramelize the apples: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet and then add ¼ cup of the brown sugar along with the diced apples and ground cinnamon. Then toss the apples around to fully coat them in the melted butter and brown sugar. Now, cook the apples over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes and allow them to caramelize on one side. Then toss the apples around again and let them cook for another 3 minutes to caramelize on the other side. When done, remove the caramelized diced apples from the heat to cool.
- 3
Butterfly the pork loin: Prepare your pork loin to be stuffed by using the butterfly technique. To do this, just slice the pork down the center longways without completely cutting through the meat, so when opened the two halves resemble a butterfly. Now, use a meat mallet and pound the pork to flatten it out a bit, which will make it both easier to stuff and cook more evenly.
- 4
Stuff the pork loin: Evenly spread the cooled cooked apples down the center of the butterflied pork loin. Then bring the 2 sides of the meat up around the apple stuffing. Now, tightly tie the apple stuffed pork loin together with kitchen twine in 1-inch intervals.
- 5
Sear the stuffed pork: First, generously season the stuffed pork loin with salt and pepper. Then heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high and sear the pork well on all sides.
- 6
Make the glaze: Transfer the pork into a large oven-proof pot, like a Dutch oven. Then mix the orange juice together well with the brown sugar and pour it evenly over the stuffed pork loin.
- 7
Roast the pork: Put the stuffed pork loin in the oven and roast uncovered for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until your desired doneness. Typically, pork needs to be roasted for about 20 minutes per pound, so you should adjust your cooking time accordingly depending upon the size of your pork.
- 8
Check the internal temperature: However, for food safety reasons, regardless of whether you like your pork more or less done, it must reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) when tested with a cooking thermometer. If the pork loin has not reached 145°F when you check it, allow it to cook for a few more minutes and then check the temperature again.
- 9
Rest the meat: When done cooking, remove the pork loin from the oven, wrap it in foil, and let it sit for a full 15 minutes before slicing. Resting is a very important step that helps to keep the pork juicy and from drying out.
- 10
Serve and enjoy: Once the pork is done resting, slice it and serve with a few of your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Apple Stuffed Pork Loin
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About this Recipe
Imagine a showstopping centerpiece for your holiday table or a comforting weekend dinner that's surprisingly simple to master. This Apple Stuffed Pork Loin delivers incredible flavor and a presentation that's sure to impress any guest.
What sets this Apple Stuffed Pork Loin apart is the thoughtful layering of flavors and textures. The apples are first caramelized with butter and brown sugar, creating a sweet, tender filling that beautifully contrasts with the savory pork. A crucial sear locks in juices and develops a rich, crispy crust before it's baked to perfection with a bright orange juice glaze.
Prepare for a truly satisfying meal. You'll find the pork loin incredibly juicy and tender, infused with the aromatic sweetness of the caramelized apples and a subtle warmth from the cinnamon. The exterior boasts a delightful, crispy crust from the initial sear, glazed with a tangy-sweet orange juice reduction that balances the richness of the meat. It's a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, perfect for a special occasion.
Customization & Variations
While apples are the star, you could experiment with other firm fruits like pears for a slightly different sweet profile in the stuffing. For a different spice note, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon, or even a touch of ginger. The orange juice glaze could be enhanced with a splash of apple cider for an extra autumnal touch, though the original is fantastic as is.
This Apple Stuffed Pork Loin is an ideal main course for festive gatherings during the holidays or a memorable weekend dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.