Savory Seared Brined Pork with Apples and Cabbage
This delectable recipe for Savory Seared Brined Pork with Apples and Cabbage is a delightful twist on a classic dish that capitalizes on the rich flavors of brined pork, enhanced by searing for a perfect crust. Originating from a beloved Alton Brown recipe, I’ve personalized it with added depth—especially the infusion of dried apples and the texture of tender cabbage. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a captivating dining experience that evokes the earthy taste of wild boar. The slow cooker does the work for you while you enjoy time with your loved ones. Serve it over brown rice or paired with potatoes for a fulfilling meal.
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken or vegetable broth
1.5 cups (heating until dissolved)
Salt
2 tablespoons (for brining)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (for brining)
Peppercorns
2 tablespoons (slightly cracked)
Ice
1 tray or more (for cooling brine)
Lean pork
1 lb (brined and seared)
Dried apples
3 ounces (for layering)
Canola oil
1-2 tablespoons (for searing)
Onion
1 (halved and sliced or diced)
Chicken broth
1.5 cups (for deglazing)
Fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Fresh thyme
2 teaspoons (if fresh is available)
Medium potatoes
4 (diced (optional))
Cabbage
10 ounces (shredded (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat chicken or vegetable broth, salt, brown sugar, and cracked peppercorns over medium heat. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
2
Transfer the warm brine to a pourable container and add ice to cool it down until it reaches room temperature or slightly lukewarm.
3
Place the lean pork in a large resealable bag, then pour the cooled brine over it, ensuring the pork is fully submerged. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 3 to 8 hours.
4
After brining, remove the pork, pat it dry with paper towels, and set aside.
5
In the slow cooker, layer the diced potatoes (if using) and dried apples at the bottom.
6
In a 12-inch stainless steel pan, heat canola oil over medium heat. Carefully add the pork and use a splatter screen to minimize mess. Sear the pork until it develops a rich golden brown crust, approximately 5 minutes on each side. Start checking for browning on the second side after 3 minutes.
7
Once the pork is beautifully seared, transfer it to the slow cooker, placing it on top of the apples.
8
In the same pan, add the sliced onion, stirring well to coat with the remaining oil, and cook for about 2 minutes until tender.
9
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom. Add the freshly cracked black pepper and thyme, mixing well. Pour this mixture over the pork and apples in the slow cooker. If using, add the shredded cabbage on top at this stage.
10
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1.5 hours, then reduce to low for an additional 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you may cook on high for a total of 4 hours.
11
Gently stir the cabbage and onions into the mixture about an hour before cooking is complete, ensuring everything melds beautifully.
12
Serve over brown rice or alongside diced potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
23g
Carbs
14g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this Savory Seared Brined Pork recipe?
The primary protein is 1 lb of lean pork.
How long should the pork be brined?
The pork should be refrigerated in the brine for between 3 to 8 hours.
What ingredients make up the brine?
The brine consists of chicken or vegetable broth, salt, brown sugar, and cracked peppercorns.
How do you quickly cool the brine after heating?
You can cool the brine to room temperature by adding a tray or more of ice.
What is the purpose of searing the pork before slow cooking?
Searing the pork in canola oil helps develop a rich golden brown crust and adds depth of flavor.
How long does the searing process take?
The pork should be seared for approximately 5 minutes on each side.
What type of apples are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 3 ounces of dried apples for concentrated flavor and texture.
What are the slow cooker temperature settings and times?
Cook on high for 1.5 hours and then reduce to low for 4.5 hours, or alternatively, cook on high for a total of 4 hours.
Are there any optional ingredients I can include?
Yes, diced medium potatoes (4) and shredded cabbage (10 ounces) are listed as optional additions.
What should I do with the pan after searing the pork?
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth to scrape up the flavorful brown bits to pour over the pork in the slow cooker.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 14g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates in a serving?
There are 23g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this meal?
Yes, there are 3g of fiber per serving.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe originated from a beloved Alton Brown recipe, personalized with dried apples and cabbage.
When should the cabbage and onions be stirred into the slow cooker?
Gently stir them into the mixture about one hour before the cooking time is complete.
What are the recommended serving suggestions?
It is recommended to serve the pork over brown rice or paired with potatoes.
How should the pork be prepared after brining but before searing?
Remove the pork from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried thyme, or fresh thyme if available, and fresh coarse ground black pepper.
What type of pan is recommended for searing?
A 12-inch stainless steel pan is recommended.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients listed.
What kind of oil should be used for browning the pork?
Canola oil is used for its high smoke point during searing.
How do you prevent a mess while searing?
The instructions suggest using a splatter screen when searing the pork.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for either chicken or vegetable broth.
Where should the dried apples be placed in the slow cooker?
Layer the dried apples at the bottom of the slow cooker, along with the potatoes if you are using them.
How much cabbage is used if I choose to add it?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of shredded cabbage.
What is the texture of the finished cabbage?
The cabbage becomes tender through the slow cooking process.
What specific taste is this dish designed to evoke?
It is designed to evoke the earthy taste of wild boar.
Does the recipe contain any added sugar?
Yes, 1/2 cup of brown sugar is used specifically in the brining process.