Description
This Chipotle Apple Pork Loin recipe offers a tender and juicy pork loin infused with smoky chipotle, warm cloves and nutmeg, and a sweet fruity glaze of apple concentrate and maple syrup. Slow-cooked or sous vide, this dish perfectly balances savory, sweet, and smoky flavors ideal for a comforting and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg Boneless Pork Loin
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher salt recommended)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Chipotle Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
Glaze and Cooking Liquids
- 1 cup Apple Concentrate
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a large zipper bag, combine salt, black pepper, chipotle powder, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the pork loin to season it thoroughly.
- Add Glaze Ingredients: Into the same bag, add the apple concentrate, maple syrup, and coconut oil. These will create a flavorful glaze that coats the pork during cooking.
- Seal the Bag Using Water Displacement Method (Sous Vide Option): Seal the bag by submerging it slowly in water, pushing the air out, ensuring full contact with the liquid and spices for even flavoring.
- Cook Sous Vide: Set the sous vide machine to 134°F (56.7°C). Fully submerge the sealed bag and cook for 4 hours to achieve tender, juicy pork loin.
- Slow Cooker Alternative: Season the pork loin separately with the spice mixture and place it directly into the slow cooker. Add the apple concentrate, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and chicken broth around the pork. Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and infused with flavors.
- Finish and Serve: After cooking, remove the pork loin and slice it. Serve warm. Optionally, use the leftover cooking liquid to make a sauce by reducing it on the stovetop to concentrate the flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sous vide cooking locks in moisture and ensures precise doneness, while slow cooking infuses deep flavors over time.
- The apple concentrate and maple syrup add natural sweetness that balances the smoky chipotle.
- You can prepare the glaze and spices a day in advance to enhance flavor penetration.
- Leftover cooking liquid can be reduced and thickened to serve as a delicious sauce with the pork slices.
- Ensure the pork loin is trimmed evenly for consistent cooking and slicing.
