Savory Grilled Asian Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Indulge in this flavorful Grilled Asian Pork Tenderloin, perfectly paired with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. Marinated in a delightful mix of coconut milk, soy sauce, and spices, this dish embodies the essence of Asian cuisine with every bite. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a relaxing dinner at home, this recipe is designed for easy preparation and exquisite taste. We recommend marinating the pork for several hours, or even overnight, to elevate the flavors even more. Serve it with a side of fresh greens or steamed rice for a complete meal experience. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner indoors, this dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Light coconut milk
1 cup (none)
Smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup (none)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (none)
Fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons (juiced from limes)
Dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
Garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
Ground coriander
2 teaspoons (none)
Pork tenderloin
2 (about 1 lb each) (trimmed)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, dark brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground coriander until you achieve a smooth sauce consistency.
2
Prepare the pork by trimming away any excess fat and silverskin. Butterfly each tenderloin by slicing lengthwise, leaving one side intact, so they open like a book.
3
Cover the butterflied tenderloins with plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for uniform cooking.
4
Place the pork in the marinade you've prepared, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the pork to marinate for 10-20 minutes, or for the best flavors, refrigerate for several hours.
5
While the pork marinates, preheat your gas grill to high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
6
Remove the tenderloins from the marinade, letting any excess drip off back into the bowl; reserve the marinade for later use.
7
Grill the pork uncovered, turning once, for about 5-7 minutes or until the pork is just cooked through (use a meat thermometer for precision: about 145°F). Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest on a carving board for about 5 minutes.
8
Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding 1-2 tablespoons of additional water.
9
Slice the rested pork tenderloin and serve it with the creamy peanut sauce drizzled over or on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Savory Grilled Asian Pork recipe?
The main protein is pork tenderloin, specifically two pieces weighing about 1 pound each.
What are the primary ingredients for the creamy peanut sauce?
The sauce is made from light coconut milk, smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, dark brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground coriander.
How should I prepare the pork tenderloin before marinating?
You should trim away excess fat and silverskin, butterfly the tenderloins by slicing them lengthwise without cutting all the way through, and then pound them to a uniform thickness.
What is the recommended thickness for the butterflied pork?
The pork tenderloins should be pounded to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
How long should I marinate the Asian pork tenderloin?
You can marinate the pork for as little as 10-20 minutes, but for the best flavor, it is recommended to refrigerate it for several hours or even overnight.
What type of peanut butter is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for smooth peanut butter to achieve a creamy sauce consistency.
What kind of coconut milk should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of light coconut milk.
How do I prepare the grill for the pork?
Preheat your gas grill to high heat and ensure the grates are cleaned and oiled to prevent the meat from sticking.
Is the pork grilled covered or uncovered?
The pork tenderloin should be grilled uncovered.
How long does it take to grill the pork?
Grill the pork for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning it once during the process.
What is the safe internal temperature for grilled pork tenderloin?
The pork is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why is it important to let the pork rest after grilling?
Resting the pork for about 5 minutes on a carving board helps retain its juices before slicing.
Can I reuse the marinade that touched the raw pork?
Yes, but you must pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of water, and bring it to a boil for 3 minutes to make it safe for consumption.
How do I adjust the consistency of the peanut sauce if it is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after simmering, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of additional water to reach your desired consistency.
What kind of sugar is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of dark brown sugar.
What spices are used to flavor the pork?
The marinade is flavored with 2 teaspoons of ground coriander and minced garlic cloves.
How much lime juice is needed for the marinade?
You will need 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, ideally juiced from fresh limes.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 large garlic cloves, minced.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the pork with fresh greens or steamed rice.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy indoor dinner.
What makes this recipe 'Asian-style'?
The use of ingredients like coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger-like spices (coriander), and peanut butter gives it a classic Southeast Asian flavor profile.
How many pork tenderloins are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 pork tenderloins, each weighing approximately 1 pound.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and coriander in a large mixing bowl.
Do I need to clean the grill grates?
Yes, cleaning and oiling the grates is a key instruction to prevent sticking.
How many tablespoons of water are added to the reserved marinade?
Initially, 2 tablespoons of water are added before bringing the marinade to a boil.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 3 minutes after reaching a boil.
How should the pork be sliced for serving?
The pork should be sliced after it has rested for 5 minutes and then served with the sauce drizzled over or on the side.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe designed for simple preparation.
Can I make this dish for guests?
Yes, the recipe is specifically described as being great for entertaining friends.
What is the key to uniform cooking for the pork?
Butterflying the meat and pounding it to a consistent 1/2-inch thickness ensures the pork cooks evenly throughout.