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Juicy Apple Cider Brined Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Perfect Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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A simple and flavorful recipe featuring pork tenderloin brined in apple cider for juiciness, paired with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds (450–680 g) pork tenderloin, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing and roasting)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound / 450 g), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the brine: In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider, water, kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, smashed garlic, and thyme sprigs until salt and sugar dissolve (about 5 minutes).
  2. Brine the pork: Submerge the trimmed pork tenderloin in the brine, covering it fully. Place a small plate on top if needed to keep submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  3. Prepare sweet potatoes: Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary. Set aside.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Sear the pork: Remove pork from brine and pat dry. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Roast together: Push pork to one side of skillet, add sweet potatoes to the other side or spread on a baking sheet. Roast in oven for 15-20 minutes, turning sweet potatoes halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
  7. Rest and serve: Let pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes.

Notes

If sweet potatoes brown too fast, tent loosely with foil halfway through roasting. Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking pork. Brining is key for juiciness. You can substitute honey for brown sugar or apple juice with vinegar for apple cider. Rest pork before slicing to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider brine, pork tenderloin, roasted sweet potatoes, easy dinner, fall recipe, juicy pork, quick meal

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/juicy-apple-cider-brined-pork-tenderloin-recipe-with-perfect-roasted-sweet-potatoes/