Fruit marinade makes pork loin juicy: The secret to perfect tenderness

Pork loin is often served on our tables for many occasions. However, we need more than salt and pepper to prepare it exceptionally. A simple trick using fruits can completely change the taste and texture of this meat.

One of the most popular types of pork, pork loin, is commonly used. It is prepared into cutlets, roasts, and other highly appreciated dishes. However, pork loin does not always turn out as we expect—sometimes, it can be dry, tough, and lacking in juiciness. I will share proven ways to make pork loin soft and tender in this article. The critical element is the right marinade; the secret ingredient is fruit.

Many people complain that roasted pork loin is tough and dry after it is removed from the oven. Although choosing the right meat is very important, even the best piece of pork loin may require extra attention. Here, a simple yet unexpected trick comes to the rescue—adding fruits to the marinade, which naturally tenderizes the meat. Fruits like kiwi, papaya, pineapple, or mango contain enzymes that help break down proteins, making the meat exceptionally tender.

The most recommended fruit in this context is kiwi. Its juice excellently affects the meat's structure, making the pork loin soft after roasting while maintaining its juiciness. To do it, just cover the piece of meat with kiwi slices and leave it for a few hours before roasting. You can also use pineapple or papaya, which work just as effectively.

To make pork loin truly juicy and flavorful, it is worth spending some time marinating it. Here are a few tips:      

1. Choose the right piece of meat: The pork loin should be fresh, pale pink in color, and have delicate fat.
2. Prepare the marinade: Cut the chosen fruit into small pieces and mix it with your favorite spices, such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, or paprika. You can also add olive oil, lemon juice, or soy sauce.
3. Marinate the meat: Thoroughly rub the pork loin with the prepared marinade and set it aside for a few hours, preferably overnight.
4. Roast or fry: You can roast the marinated pork loin in the oven, fry it in a pan, or grill it.

Besides marinating with fruits, there are other ways to make pork loin juicy and flavorful:    

• Scoring the meat: Before roasting, making a few deep cuts in the pork loin is worth making. This will ensure even roasting and make the meat juicier.
• Wrapping in bacon: Wrapping the pork loin in thin slices of bacon will prevent the meat from drying out during roasting.
• Basting the meat during roasting: It's worth basting the pork loin occasionally with the juice released or with broth.