Pork loin perfected: Tea marinade transforms classic dish
Pork loin in tea might surprise even the most experienced homemakers. And yet, it works. The tannins in this beverage act like a natural marinade, softening the meat, enhancing the flavour, and ensuring that even after a few days, the pork loin remains juicy.
Are you tired of dry pork loin from the oven? Had enough of deli meats full of preservatives and enhancers? It's time to try an idea that seems strange at first but delivers amazing results in practice. Cooking pork loin in tea isn't a new internet trend but a tried-and-true homemade method for juicy, aromatic meat that can be served hot or sliced into thin slices and enjoyed as luxurious cold cuts. The best part is that you don't need any specialised equipment or expensive ingredients—you probably already have everything in your kitchen.
Recipe for pork loin in tea
Pork loin in tea is a brilliant alternative to classic meat processing methods. It's a simple way to make homemade cold cuts without artificial additives, suitable for both holidays and everyday sandwiches.
Ingredients for cooking the meat:
- About 1.2 kilograms of pork loin without bones,
- 4 bags of black tea (or 2 tablespoons of loose leaves),
- Approximately 2 litres of water,
- 2 bay leaves,
- 3 allspice berries,
- 6 black peppercorns,
- 2–3 cloves of garlic,
- 1 tablespoon of salt,
- 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Ingredients for the marinade:
- 2 tablespoons of mustard (Sarepska or French),
- 1 tablespoon of honey,
- 1 tablespoon of oil,
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika,
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper,
- 1/2 teaspoon of marjoram,
- optional: a pinch of chilli.
Preparation:
- Boil approximately 2 litres of water, add the tea and steep for 10 minutes, then remove the bags or strain the leaves.
- Add spices, garlic, salt, and sugar to the tea infusion. When the broth cools slightly, place the pork loin in it.
- Cook on low heat for about 40 minutes, then leave it in the broth overnight (or at least 4–5 hours).
- After removing, rub the meat with marinade and roast at 200°C for 15 minutes. This way, it achieves a beautiful, aromatic crust while the inside remains moist and flavourful.
Why is it worth cooking meat in tea?
Although it may sound unusual, black tea has properties that positively affect the structure of meat. The tannins act as natural marinades—softening the fibres, allowing spices to penetrate inside, and preventing the meat from drying out during cooking.
Additionally, tea imparts a delicate, slightly spicy aroma that pairs well with garlic, mustard, or honey. It's a natural, low-calorie alternative to ready-made marinades or flavour cubes—and the final result will surprise even those who have so far avoided cooked pork loin.
