Tired of dinnertime dilemmas? Craving a healthy, delicious meal that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This recipe for pounded pork tenderloin is your answer. It's a fantastic example of how simple homemade cooking can be, offering a flavorful and satisfying dish without the fuss. This recipe provides quick dinner ideas perfect for busy weeknights, while still being a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Equipment:
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Small bowl
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Begin by gently pounding the pork tenderloin to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and a more tender result. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan to pound the pork, covering it with plastic wrap to prevent splattering.
Step 2: Season the Pork
In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge the pounded pork tenderloin in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 3: Sear the Pork
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the pork tenderloin and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds delicious flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to low, add the Dijon mustard and rosemary, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the juices run clear. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork tenderloin from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Don't over-pound the pork: You want to tenderize it, not pulverize it.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Thyme, sage, or paprika would all be delicious additions.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the pork is cooked to the perfect temperature.
- Make a pan sauce: The leftover pan juices can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry for a delicious sauce to serve over the pork.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Pork: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the pan during simmering.
- Garlic Parmesan Pork: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pork during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Mushroom Pork: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the pork for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This pounded pork tenderloin recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that are also healthy meals. It's quick to prepare, adaptable to your taste preferences, and guaranteed to be a delicious addition to your weekly meal rotation. Try it out and discover a new favorite in your repertoire of best recipes!