Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Asian-Inspired Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
It is a fusion dish featuring pork tenderloin marinated overnight in a blend of soy sauce, sherry, and spices, then grilled and served with a thickened sauce and sautรฉed mushrooms.
How long should I marinate the pork tenderloin?
The recipe recommends refrigerating the pork in the marinade overnight for the best flavor, turning the bag occasionally.
What are the ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, cooking sherry, hot Chinese mustard, prepared horseradish, crushed garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and onion powder.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to medium heat, which is approximately 350-375ยฐF.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the pork?
The pork tenderloin should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 170ยฐF.
How long does it take to grill the pork?
Grilling the tenderloin typically takes approximately 25-30 minutes, turning it occasionally.
Should I throw away the marinade after use?
No, the reserved marinade is used to make a sauce by boiling it and thickening it with a cornstarch slurry.
How do I thicken the reserved marinade sauce?
Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then gradually add it to the boiling marinade while stirring.
What sides are suggested for this meal?
This dish is best served with sautรฉed mushrooms, steamed asparagus, and fluffy white rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20 grams of protein in each serving of this dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a zesty and spicy profile due to the hot Chinese mustard, prepared horseradish, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
What kind of mustard should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for hot Chinese mustard to achieve the desired zesty flavor.
How much carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 12.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use frozen ginger or garlic?
While fresh grated ginger and crushed garlic are recommended, you can use frozen prepared versions if needed.
What preparation is needed for the pork?
The pork tenderloin should be trimmed and cleaned before being placed in the marinade.
Do I need to rest the meat after grilling?
Yes, let the tenderloin rest for a few minutes after grilling before you slice it thinly.
How should the pork be sliced?
The recipe suggests slicing the grilled pork tenderloin thinly for serving.
Is cooking sherry essential?
Cooking sherry provides a specific depth of flavor to the marinade, though a dry white wine or broth could be used as a substitute in a pinch.
How is the sauce served?
The thickened sauce is drizzled over the sliced tenderloin once it has been arranged on the serving plate.
Can I make this for a special occasion?
Yes, its impressive presentation and flavor profile make it perfect for weekend dinners or special occasions.
What size ziplock bag is needed for marinating?
A 1-gallon ziplock bag is recommended to hold the 2.5 lb pork tenderloin and the marinade.
Is onion powder required?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder is included in the aromatic spice blend for the marinade.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of soy sauce.
How much pork is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2.5 lbs of pork tenderloin.
How do I ensure even marination?
By sealing the bag with excess air removed and turning the bag occasionally while it is in the refrigerator.
What consistency should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thickened until it reaches a medium consistency.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The profile is rich, tangy, and zesty with a hint of spice and umami from the soy sauce and ginger.