Looking for an impressive and unique way to prepare pork for your next dinner party or special occasion? Look no further than the intriguing method of salt baking. This technique involves encasing the meat in a thick salt crust, creating a moist and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering salt-baked pork that will be the star of your table.
**Salt Baked Pork**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 3-4 pound pork loin
– 5 pounds coarse sea salt
– 5 egg whites
– 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
– 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
– Fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme) for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pork:** Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat dry the pork loin with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. **Season the Pork:** In a mortar and pestle, crush the black peppercorns, coriander seeds, and dried thyme together until coarsely ground. Rub this mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring it is evenly coated. Place the crushed garlic cloves on top of the seasoned pork.
3. **Create the Salt Crust:** In a large bowl, mix the coarse sea salt with the egg whites until it resembles wet sand. The mixture should hold its shape when squeezed in your hand.
4. **Encase the Pork:** Spread a layer of salt mixture on the bottom of a roasting pan, creating a bed for the pork loin. Place the seasoned pork on top of the salt bed.
5. **Cover the Pork:** Using your hands, pack the remaining salt mixture around the pork loin, ensuring it is completely encased in the salt crust. Make sure there are no gaps or holes where the pork is exposed.
6. **Bake the Pork:** Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake the salt-baked pork for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. The salt crust will harden and form a protective shell around the pork.
7. **Rest and Serve:** Once the pork is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Gently crack open the salt crust and carefully brush off any excess salt.
8. **Slice and Garnish:** Carefully carve the salt-baked pork loin into thick slices. Serve the juicy and tender pork on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for an elegant presentation.
Enjoy this show-stopping salt-baked pork with your favorite sides and watch as your guests marvel at both the presentation and the incredible flavor of this unique dish. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your cooking skills and create a memorable dining experience for your loved ones. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.
