Arkansas Grilled Apple Cider Pork Loin on the Arteflame

Introduction

There is something inherently comforting about the combination of savory pork and the sweet, tart profile of apple cider, evoking the rustic culinary traditions of the American South. This Arkansas-style grilled pork loin recipe captures the essence of autumn cooking, though it is a crowd-pleaser year-round. The secret lies in the marinade—a robust blend of apple cider and warming spices that tenderizes the meat while infusing it with deep, complex flavors. When cooked on an Arteflame grill, the sugar in the cider caramelizes beautifully against the high heat of the plancha cooktop, creating a mouthwatering crust that locks in the juices. Unlike standard grilling, the Arteflame allows you to sear the exterior rapidly while controlling the internal temperature by moving the loin across the various heat zones. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a centerpiece Sunday dinner, this dish brings a taste of the Ozarks right to your fire bowl.

Ingredients

The Meat

• 1 (3-4 lb) Boneless Pork Loin Roast

The Arkansas Cider Marinade

• 2 cups high-quality apple cider
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust based on soy sauce salinity)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. In a large mixing bowl or a gallon-sized resealable bag, whisk together the apple cider, soy sauce, oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, pepper, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Place the pork loin into the marinade, ensuring it is fully submerged or coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate. For the best results, marinate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) to allow the enzymes in the cider to tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill about 45 minutes before cooking. You want the cooktop to be hot, but you also need a coal bed established for sustained heat.
2. Wipe down the flat cooktop with a thin layer of vegetable oil to season it and prevent sticking.
3. Remove the pork loin from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to grilling to let it come up to room temperature, which ensures even cooking. Discard the marinade.

Step 3: Sear and Roast

1. Place the pork loin directly on the hot center ring of the cooktop.
2. Sear all sides of the loin for 2-3 minutes per side until a rich, dark golden-brown crust forms. The sugar in the cider will aid in this caramelization.
3. Once seared, move the pork loin to the outer edge of the cooktop where the heat is lower. This utilizes the Arteflame's varying heat zones to finish cooking the inside without burning the outside.
4. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Turn the loin occasionally to ensure even heat distribution.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the pork from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board.
2. Tent the meat loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the roast.
3. Slice the loin into 1/2-inch thick medallions and serve immediately.

Tips

Cooking pork loin to perfection requires a balance of temperature control and timing. The most common mistake with lean cuts like pork loin is overcooking, which results in dry, tough meat. Trust your meat thermometer; pull the pork off the grill exactly when it hits 145°F, as the temperature will rise slightly while resting (carryover cooking). When using the Arteflame, remember that the steel cooktop is hottest near the center and cooler at the edges. If the outside of your pork is browning too fast before the inside is done, simply slide it further away from the fire. For an extra burst of flavor, you can brush the pork with a little fresh apple cider reduced with butter during the last few minutes of grilling, acting as a glaze that adds a glossy, appetizing finish.

Variations

While the classic Arkansas apple cider profile is delicious on its own, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit different palate preferences or seasonal themes. Small adjustments to the marinade or the finishing technique can transform the dish entirely. Here are a few popular variations to try on your Arteflame:

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a sweet and spicy contrast.
• Bourbon Glaze: Swap 1/2 cup of the apple cider for a good quality bourbon in the marinade for a deeper, oaky flavor profile.
• Mustard Herb: Whisk 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard into the marinade to add tanginess that cuts through the sweetness.
• Pork Chops: If you don't have a full loin roast, this exact marinade works perfectly for thick-cut bone-in pork chops; just reduce the grilling time.
• Smoked Profile: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the marinade if you want to mimic a traditional smoker flavor on the flat top.

Best pairings

To create a cohesive meal, pair this apple cider pork loin with sides that complement its sweet and savory nature. The flat top of the Arteflame allows you to cook your side dishes right alongside the main course, making meal prep seamless. Starchy vegetables and autumn produce are natural companions to this dish. Consider these options:

• Grilled Apples: Slice fresh apples and grill them in a little butter and cinnamon right on the cooktop next to the pork.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Cube sweet potatoes and roast them on the flat top until tender and crispy.
• Braised Greens: Wilt kale or collard greens on the cooler part of the grill with garlic and a splash of vinegar.
• Grilled Cornbread: Toast slices of cornbread on the plancha for a buttery, smoky crunch.

Conclusion

This Arkansas Grilled Apple Cider Pork Loin is more than just a recipe; it is a celebration of outdoor cooking on the Arteflame. The combination of the juicy, marinated interior and the caramelized, fire-kissed exterior creates a texture and flavor profile that standard ovens simply cannot replicate. It is an elegant enough dish for a holiday gathering yet simple enough for a weekend family meal. By utilizing the versatile heat zones of your grill, you transform a humble cut of pork into a gourmet experience. Gather your ingredients, light the fire, and enjoy the sweet aroma of apple cider wafting through your backyard.