Brined and Grilled Pork Loin
Total time: 60 minutes with 5 minutes earlier
Brining pork adds moisture and flavor, making what can be a somewhat dry cut, tender and succulent. It's easy to do and there's a lot of leeway on the timing: more than 6 hours but less than 24. If you don't have a deep enough bowl, try a saucepan or even a food bag that seals well. Use an 'instant read' meat thermometer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water very cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup sea, kosher or other course salt
- 2 tbs brown sugar
- 2 tbs molasses
- 1 cup very strong coffee I used 3 tsp of instant coffee - so about 3 times stronger than normal
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
just smash it with the flat of a knife or the heel of your hand
- 1 tbs paprika
- 1 pork loin roast, boneless, 2 - 2 1/2 lbs. (1 - 1 1/2 kg)
Instructions:
- Earlier in the day, at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours before cooking: Put salt, sugar, molasses and paprika in a deep bowl.
- Add coffee and mix well.
- Add water and stir until sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Add garlic and ice, stir.
- Add pork; you should be able to completely submerge it (although it will float). Cover and refrigerate.
- Turn once or twice during the day if you think of it.
- When ready to cook, remove pork and cook on barbecue grill on indirect medium heat for 45 - 60 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Cook until 145F (62C) or until only pale pink in center.
- Remove and let rest 5 - 10 minutes.
- Slice half of it (or less) and serve.