Asian Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Refreshing Cucumber Salad
Indulge in the harmonious blend of flavors with this Asian Glazed Pork Tenderloin, perfectly paired with a crisp and vibrant Thai Cucumber Salad. This delightful dish showcases tender pork marinated in a savory soy sauce mixture, balanced by the sweetness of honey and brown sugar, and enhanced with aromatic garlic and ginger. The roasting process caramelizes the glaze, giving the pork a beautiful golden finish. Complementing the pork is a refreshing salad made of crunchy cucumber and red onion, dressed in a tangy rice wine vinegar and lime dressing. This dish is an ideal option for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, allowing you to experience the essence of Thai cuisine right in your own home.
4
Servings
205
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
1 - 1 1/2 lb (Trimmed, marinated)
Soy Sauce
1/4 cup (For marinade)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Honey
3 tablespoons (For glaze)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (For glaze)
Fresh Ginger
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Toasted Sesame Seeds
2 tablespoons (For topping)
English Cucumber
1 large (Washed, sliced)
Red Onion
1/2 small (Thinly sliced)
Rice Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup (For dressing)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (For dressing)
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (For dressing)
Fresh Cilantro
2 tablespoons (Chopped for salad)
Unsalted Peanuts
2 tablespoons (Chopped for topping)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce and minced garlic to create a marinade.
2
Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable food storage bag and pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to absorb.
3
While the pork is marinating, prepare the Thai cucumber salad. Wash the English cucumber thoroughly without peeling it, then cut it into thin slices.
4
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and thinly sliced red onion.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, lime juice, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Pour this mixture over the cucumbers and onions, tossing to coat evenly.
6
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7
Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and sprinkle chopped unsalted peanuts on top of the salad.
8
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
9
Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving 1 tablespoon of the marinade. Drain excess marinade from the pork.
10
In a small bowl, mix the honey, brown sugar, minced ginger, and the reserved tablespoon of marinade until well combined.
11
Place the pork tenderloin in a shallow roasting pan lined with foil. Brush half of the honey mixture over the pork.
12
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then turn it over and brush with the remaining honey mixture. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds evenly over the top of the pork.
13
Continue roasting for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F (68 degrees C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
14
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest under a foil tent on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise to approximately 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
15
Slice the pork into 1/2-inch thick slices and serve alongside the refreshing Thai cucumber salad.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
18g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is a 1 to 1.5 lb pork tenderloin.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork tenderloin should be refrigerated in the marinade for 1 to 2 hours.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting the pork?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
What ingredients are in the initial pork marinade?
The initial marinade consists of soy sauce and minced garlic.
How do I prepare the English cucumber for the salad?
Wash the English cucumber thoroughly without peeling it, then cut it into thin slices.
What components make up the cucumber salad dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together rice wine vinegar, lime juice, and sugar.
How long should the cucumber salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the final toppings for the cucumber salad?
Just before serving, stir in chopped cilantro and sprinkle chopped unsalted peanuts on top.
How is the Asian glaze for the pork prepared?
The glaze is a mixture of honey, brown sugar, minced ginger, and one tablespoon of the reserved marinade.
What should I use to line the roasting pan?
The roasting pan should be lined with foil for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
When should the sesame seeds be added to the pork?
The toasted sesame seeds should be sprinkled over the top of the pork after it has roasted for 10 minutes and been brushed with the remaining glaze.
What internal temperature should the pork reach before being removed from the oven?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees F (68 degrees C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
How long should the pork rest after cooking?
The pork should rest under a foil tent for about 5 minutes, allowing the internal temperature to rise to 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
How thick should the pork be sliced for serving?
The pork should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 205 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this dish?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 9 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of vinegar is best for the Thai cucumber salad?
Rice wine vinegar is used for the dressing in this recipe.
Should the cucumber be peeled for the salad?
No, the recipe specifies washing it thoroughly and slicing it without peeling.
What type of onion is recommended for the salad?
A thinly sliced red onion is used for the cucumber salad.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the marinade?
Two minced garlic cloves are required for the marinade.
What is the preparation for the fresh ginger?
The fresh ginger should be minced before being added to the glaze.
Can I use salted peanuts for the salad?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted peanuts to top the salad.
What provides the acidity in the salad dressing?
The acidity comes from a combination of rice wine vinegar and lime juice.
What should I do with the marinade after the pork finishes soaking?
Reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for the glaze and drain the excess from the pork.
How long is the total roasting time for the pork?
The pork is roasted for 10 minutes, turned, and then roasted for another 10 to 15 minutes, totaling 20 to 25 minutes.
What kind of sugar is used in the pork glaze?
Brown sugar is used in the glaze to help with caramelization.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy dinner recipe, though it requires time for marinating.