Are you looking for a show-stopping yet surprisingly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This smoked stuffed pork loin is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's packed with flavor, juicy and tender, and perfect for a weekend meal or a special occasion. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes achieved through homemade cooking, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
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For the Pork Loin:
- 3-4 lb boneless pork loin roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
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For the Stuffing:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Stuffing:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes more.
- Stir in wild rice blend, chicken broth, parsley, sage, and feta cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Preparing and Stuffing the Pork Loin:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Butterfly the pork loin by making a deep horizontal cut almost all the way through, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Spoon the cooled stuffing into the pocket of the pork loin.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening of the pork loin.
Smoking the Pork Loin:
- Place the stuffed pork loin in your smoker.
- Smoke for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Remove from smoker and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Choose a good quality pork loin: A leaner cut will result in a more tender and juicy final product.
- Don't overstuff the pork loin: Overstuffing can cause the stuffing to spill out during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial to ensure the pork loin is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the pork loin rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
- Experiment with different stuffing ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables, herbs, or cheeses to the stuffing to customize it to your liking. Cranberries, apples, and sausage are all popular additions.
Variations:
- Herb-infused stuffing: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Spicy stuffing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a little heat.
- Apple and sausage stuffing: A classic combination that pairs well with pork.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 400-500 (depending on stuffing ingredients)
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This smoked stuffed pork loin recipe is a delicious and impressive meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It's a testament to the power of easy recipes and homemade cooking, resulting in a healthy meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!