How To Brine a Pork Loin - Very Easy Method with Great Results

How To Brine a Pork Loin - Very Easy Method with Great Results is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo on YouTube.

Prep: 8 hrs 35 min | Cook: 1 hr 25 min | Total: 10 hrs 30 min

Cost: $8.97 total, $2.24 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb Pork Loin (bone‑in or boneless, trimmed)
  • 0.75 cup Kosher Salt (for brine)
  • 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar (for brine)
  • 1 tablespoon Whole Peppercorns (for brine)
  • 3 pieces Bay Leaves (for brine)
  • 1 cup Ice Cubes (to cool brine quickly)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for roasting)
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (for seasoning after brine)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning after brine)

Instructions

  1. Prepare brine packets

    Open the commercial brine packets and cut each in half for easier handling.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the brine

    In a large pot, combine 3/4 cup kosher salt, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns, and 3 bay leaves with 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  3. Cool the brine

    Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the hot brine, stirring until the mixture is completely cooled.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Brine the pork

    Place the pork loin in a deep pan and pour the cooled brine over it, ensuring the meat is fully submerged. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

    Time: PT8H

  5. Pat dry and season

    Remove the pork from the brine, discard the brine, and pat the meat dry with paper towels. Rub the surface with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Preheat oven

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 425°F

  7. Roast the pork

    Place the seasoned pork loin on a rack in the deep pan (or directly in the pan) and roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until an instant‑read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F.

    Time: PT1H15M

    Temperature: 425°F

  8. Rest and serve

    Remove the roast from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
20g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Paleo-friendly

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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How To Brine a Pork Loin - Very Easy Method with Great Results

Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo

A simple yet essential technique for juicy pork: brine a pork loin in a salty‑sweet solution with peppercorns and bay leaves, then roast it at high heat until perfectly tender. The brine keeps the meat moist and flavorful, while a quick sear with olive oil, salt, and pepper creates a beautiful crust.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8h 25m
Prep
1h 35m
Cook
1h 12m
Cleanup
11h 12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.97
Total cost
$2.24
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooling the brine quickly with ice cubes
  • Brining the pork for at least 8 hours
  • Roasting at 425°F until internal temperature reaches 145°F

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw pork with a separate cutting board to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Always wash hands and utensils after touching raw meat.
  • Ensure the brine is fully cooled before adding pork to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of brined pork loin in American home cooking?

A

Brining has long been used in American kitchens to keep larger cuts of meat moist, especially before the advent of modern ovens. The technique became popular in the Midwest where pork is a staple, allowing families to serve juicy roasts for holidays and Sunday dinners.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of brined pork roast exist within United States cuisine?

A

In the South, cooks often add apple cider or brown sugar to the brine for a sweeter profile. In the Midwest, mustard seeds and garlic are common additions. The basic salt‑sugar brine shown here is the most neutral, adaptable version.

cultural
Q

How is brined pork loin traditionally served in American holiday meals?

A

It is typically sliced thick, served alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Some families drizzle a light mustard or apple‑cider glaze over the slices for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is brined pork loin traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

It is a popular centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and family reunions, especially in regions where pork is a favored protein.

cultural
Q

How does brined pork loin fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?

A

The juicy, tender texture achieved by brining aligns with the American preference for hearty, flavorful mains that pair well with classic sides like stuffing, green beans, and cornbread.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic American pork brine versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional brine uses kosher salt, granulated sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Substitutes can include sea salt for kosher salt, brown sugar for white sugar, and dried thyme or rosemary in place of bay leaves without drastically changing the flavor.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with brined pork loin?

A

Serve it with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, honey‑glazed carrots, or a simple apple‑cider coleslaw for a balanced plate.

cultural
Q

What makes brined pork loin special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The brine infuses the meat with moisture and subtle seasoning, preventing the lean pork loin from drying out during high‑heat roasting—a common challenge in traditional American cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making brined pork loin at home?

A

Common errors include not cooling the brine before adding the meat, under‑brining (less than 4 hours), over‑cooking past 145°F, and skipping the rest period, all of which can lead to dry or unsafe pork.

technical
Q

Why does this brined pork loin recipe use a high‑heat 425°F roast instead of a low‑and‑slow method?

A

A high oven temperature creates a caramelized crust while the brine ensures the interior stays juicy; low‑and‑slow cooking can work but may not develop the same flavorful bark on the surface.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo focuses on straightforward, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often highlighting simple techniques like brining, one‑pan meals, and quick weeknight dinners.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Old's Cool Kevmo emphasizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step narration, and practical tips such as using ice to cool brines quickly, making the channel especially accessible for beginner home cooks compared to more production‑heavy channels.

channel

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