PORK LOIN - FIVE SPICE CHILI TEA RUBBED

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 4 C. water
  • 1/4 C. coarse salt
  • 1/4 C. sugar
  • 12 oz. pork loin, cut into four 3 oz fillets
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1/4 C. pure maple syrup
  • 2-4 T. cold unsalted butter, as desired plus 1 T.
  • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Five -Spice chili tea rub
  • 8 C. kale
  • 2 large garlic cloves, sliced thinly
  • Chili oil

Preparation

Step 1

Combine brining ingredients and add additional sugar until the solution tastes like sweet salt water. Brine fillets for 2 hours. Remove from brine and pat dry and coat with 5-spice chili tea rub.

Wrap each potato in aluminum foil and bake until a knife can piece the potatoes easily, 30-40 minutes. As soon as potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a bowl. Use a heavy whisk to whip potatoes. Add maple syrup and 2-4 T. butter. Whisk to blend and season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil to help keep potatoes warm and set aside, Don't turn off the oven.

Grill fillets 4 minutes on each side. Remove to plate and cover with foil. Let rest for 2-3 minutes.

Heat oil in a saute pan over medium high heat and saute garlic until fragrant, about 30-40 seconds. Add kale and saute until limp, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

To plate: Place a portion of kale on the center of the plate topped with a small mound of potatoes. Slice fillet and fan over sweet potatoes, drizzle with chili oil and serve.