Savory Pork and Black Bean Rice Stew
Transform your weeknight dinner with this Savory Pork and Black Bean Rice Stew that blends tender pork tenderloin with Zatarain’s Black Beans and Rice mix for an incredibly flavorful one-pot meal. In just 40 minutes, you'll enjoy a hearty stew enriched with sweet corn and garnished with fresh cilantro, providing a delightful contrast to the warm spices. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish promises satisfaction in every bowl.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
1.5 lbs (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
Water
3.75 cups
ZATARAIN'S® Black Beans and Rice Mix
1 (7 ounce) package
Frozen Corn
1 cup (thawed)
Chopped Cilantro
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Start by patting the pork dry with paper towels for better browning. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add half of the pork cubes to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for about 3 minutes or until browned on the outside. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining pork cubes, adding the second tablespoon of oil if necessary.
3
Once all the pork is cooked, pour 3.75 cups of water into the same skillet and bring it to a boil. Stir in the Zatarain’s Black Beans and Rice mix, and return the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
5
After the rice is cooked, gently stir in the browned pork and thawed corn, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until everything is heated through.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pork and Black Bean Rice Stew?
It is a hearty one-pot meal that blends tender pork tenderloin with Zatarain’s Black Beans and Rice mix, sweet corn, and fresh cilantro.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire process takes approximately 40 minutes from start to finish.
What cut of pork is best for this stew?
Pork tenderloin is recommended for its tenderness and quick cooking time.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What specific rice mix should I use?
The recipe calls for one 7-ounce package of Zatarain’s Black Beans and Rice Mix.
Should the corn be fresh or frozen?
The recipe uses 1 cup of frozen corn that has been thawed.
How much water is needed for the rice?
You will need 3.75 cups of water to cook the rice mix.
Why do I need to pat the pork dry?
Patting the pork dry with paper towels allows for better browning when it hits the hot oil.
How should the pork be prepared before cooking?
The pork tenderloin should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
What is the best heat setting for browning the pork?
You should use medium-high heat to brown the pork cubes.
How long should I brown the pork cubes?
Each batch of pork should be cooked for about 3 minutes until browned on the outside.
Should I cook all the pork at once?
No, it is best to cook the pork in two batches to ensure even browning and to avoid crowding the pan.
How long does the rice mix need to simmer?
The rice mix needs to simmer on low heat, covered, for 25 minutes.
When do I add the corn to the stew?
Add the thawed corn along with the browned pork after the rice has finished its 25-minute simmer.
What is the final step before serving?
Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving for a fresh finish.
Do I need to let the stew rest after cooking?
Yes, let the skillet stand for 5 minutes after removing it from heat to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of cookware is recommended?
A large skillet or a Dutch oven is ideal for this one-pot meal.
How much oil is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of oil, divided between the two batches of pork.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner recipe and a simple weeknight dinner option.
What type of meal category does this fall under?
This dish is categorized as a Stew.
Can this be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty and savory nature.
How much cilantro should I use?
Use 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro.
Do I need to stir the rice while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers for 25 minutes.
What provides the main seasoning for this dish?
The primary seasoning comes from the Zatarain’s Black Beans and Rice mix, which is enriched with warm spices.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire meal is prepared in a single skillet or Dutch oven, making cleanup easy.
Can I use this recipe for a gathering?
Absolutely, it is perfect for either a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
What flavor contrast does the corn provide?
The sweet corn provides a delightful contrast to the warm and savory spices of the rice and pork.
Does the pork stay in the pan while the rice cooks?
No, the pork is browned first, set aside, and then added back to the pan once the rice is tender.
What is the total cooking time after adding the pork back in?
Cook for an additional 5 minutes once the pork and corn are combined with the rice.
How should the final stew be described?
It is an incredibly flavorful, savory, and hearty stew that is satisfying in every bowl.