Brined & Roasted Pork Tenderloins

Brined & Roasted Pork Tenderloins

Dijon and Honey Crusted Pork Tenderloins

By Katie Workman https://themom100.com/recipe/dijon-and-honey-crusted-pork-tenderloins/

• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup coarse Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 to 3 small boneless pork tenderloins (2 1/2 to 3 pounds total)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1. If you have time, make the brine (see Note on the right side) and place the tenderloins in a container, add the brine to cover (you can also use a sturdy gallon-sized zippertop bag), and brine the tenderloins for 2 to 8 hours.

2. Mix together 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt (if you are brining the pork, skip the salt) and pepper until well blended. Smear the pork all over with the mixture to coat; at this point you can cover the pork and refrigerate it for up to a day.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F.  Heat a large oven proof skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium high heat, and add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil.  Place the tenderloins in the hot pan (save the marinade left behind to use for roasting).  Brown for 2 minutes on all sides, turning so that the entire outside gets nicely seared, about 10 minutes in total. 

4. Transfer the pan to the oven, spoon the rest of the marinade over the tenderloins and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the pork loins registers 140°F degrees, which could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the thickness of the pork loins. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

Brining Pork

In a large sized container add 1/2 cup salt, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons peppercorns. Add 1 cup of boiling or very hot water, and stir until the salt and sugar are mostly dissolved. Add another 4 or 5 cups of very cold water, maybe a few ice cubes. Place the pork chops in the brine, adding more water if necessary so that the pork is completely submerged, and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours, but not longer or the pork may start to get mushy and too salty.