Sweet & Spicy Roasted Pork And Apples
Sweet and spicy roasted pork paired with caramelized apples and onions, infused with cinnamon and chili, creating a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 4 lb bone-in pork loin roast ⓘ
- 3 apples, cored and sliced 1/2 inch thick ⓘ
- 1 onion, halved lengthwise and sliced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon + 1/3 teaspoon apple cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups apple juice
- 1 14 oz can fat-free chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 425°F.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of sugar, chili powder, and salt.
- Rub this mixture all over the pork loin.
- Place the pork on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes or until done.
- Let the pork stand for 10 minutes before carving.
- Meanwhile, coat a jellyroll pan with cooking spray.
- In the pan, toss apples and onion with 1 tablespoon vinegar, oil, cinnamon, and remaining sugar.
- Place the pan in the oven 30 minutes before the pork is done.
- Cook until the apples are golden, stirring every 10 minutes.
- In a pot over high heat, combine apple juice, chicken broth, and remaining vinegar.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then uncover and boil for 30 more minutes.
- Transfer the pork and apples to a platter.
- Add pan drippings to the juice mixture, whisk in butter, and pour over the meat.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the pork in the spice rub overnight. If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder or substitute with smoked paprika. If you don't have apple juice, use white grape juice as a substitute. Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal tenderness. Also, let it rest before slicing for juicier results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roasted pork and apples with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. The sweetness of the apples complements the savory pork beautifully. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with Cabbage, Sausage And Soup or a warm bread roll to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or apple juice to keep the meat moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, covered, to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet & Spicy Roasted Pork And Apples contains roughly 1095 calories, with 18g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), iron (116% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2302mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, but adjust the cooking time as they may require different cooking durations. Tenderloin cooks faster, while shoulder may need more time to become tender. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's fully cooked.
What kind of apples work best for roasting?
For roasting, choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well and balance sweetness with tartness, complementing the pork beautifully. Avoid softer varieties that may turn mushy during cooking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spice rub and marinate the pork a day ahead. The apples and onions can also be prepped in advance. Simply assemble and roast when ready to serve, making it a convenient option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).