Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, crispy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This fried pork tenderloin recipe is your answer. It's a delicious, healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. This recipe delivers on taste and texture, showcasing the naturally tender pork in a delightful crispy coating. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its best!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (buttermilk adds extra tang!)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Pork and Breading
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Prepare the pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. If the tenderloin is particularly thick, you can butterfly it (slice it lengthwise almost all the way through) to ensure even cooking.
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Make the breading station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk (or buttermilk).
Breading and Frying the Pork Tenderloin
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Bread the pork: Dredge the pork tenderloin in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it again thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well.
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Fry the pork: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour dropped in sizzles immediately. Carefully place the pork tenderloin in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
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Cook to perfection: Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
Resting and Serving
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the pork tenderloin from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork tenderloin. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Fried Pork Tenderloin
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy breading instead of crispy. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even a little bit of your favorite BBQ rub would be delicious additions.
- Make it a meal: Serve this delicious fried pork tenderloin with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or coleslaw all make excellent accompaniments.
Variations:
- Spicy Pork Tenderloin: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage into the flour mixture for a more aromatic and flavorful crust.
- Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and easy recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal!