When I was little, I would beg my mom to make pork chops, because she'd top them with this sweet, sticky condiment called Saucy Susan. It's a sort of jam made from apricots, and ever since she first combined the two ingredients, I've been obsessed with how well the fruit goes with pork. Nowadays, I pay homage to the sweet-tart flavor of the fruit by brining the loin in apricot nectar and later building upon the flavors with a glaze made from apricot preserves and lemon.
This dish is a crowd pleaser, so I'll double it and have two for a party.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 10 to 12
Ingredients
Brine
Seasoning Blend
Glaze
Preparation
Step 1
1. Place the pepper flakes in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes to rehydrate the flakes. Combine all the brine ingredients in a blender, or in a large bowl using an immersion/stick blender. Stir in the pepper flakes and the soaking water.
Step 2
Place the loin in an extra-large resealable plastic bag, pour the brine over the top, squeeze out any excess air from the bag, and close. Roll the bag to evenly coat the meat. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to 12.
Step 3
2. Preheat an indirect barbecue with a drip pan and fruitwood (preferably apple), a ceramic cooker with deflector plate and fruitwood (preferably apple), or a charcoal or gas grill with a box or packet of fruitwood (preferably apple) to 250°F.
Step 4
3. Combine all of the seasoning blend ingredients.
Step 5
Place all of the glaze ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine. Set aside.
Step 6
4. Remove the loin from the brine and lightly pat dry with paper towels.
Step 7
Sprinkle the rub evenly on all sides.
Step 8
Using your hands or a brush, evenly, but lightly, coat the loin with canola oil.
Step 9
Insert a remove thermometer into the center of the meat.
Step 10
5. Place the loin in the cooker and cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step 11
6. Give the glaze a quick shake to reincorporate any ingredients that may have settled. Brush the loin with the glaze and return to the cooker until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, about 15 minutes. At this point the meat will be slightly pink in the center; cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes for more well-done.
Step 12
7. Pour about half of the remaining glaze on a cutting board and top with the loin. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 13
8. Slice the meat into 1/4-inch slices. Dredge the slices in the glaze, adding additional as needed to coat the exposed sides. Sprinkle with fleur de sel and pepper.
