This Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe, inspired by the renowned Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, might seem intricate at first glance, but it’s surprisingly straightforward and creates a delicious, balanced meal when paired with roasted vegetables and savory cornmeal cakes.
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin | Pork tenderloin seasoned with herbs and roasted alongside vegetables, showcasing a hearty and wholesome meal.
Why This Pioneer Woman Pork Tenderloin Recipe is a Must-Try
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is celebrated for her approachable and family-friendly recipes. This Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe is a perfect example of her culinary style – flavorful, satisfying, and designed for home cooks. While initially appearing complex, the recipe breaks down into simple steps, making it achievable for cooks of all skill levels. The combination of herb-roasted pork tenderloin with vibrant roasted vegetables and comforting cornmeal cakes makes for a complete and delightful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin
To recreate this Pioneer Woman inspired Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin, you’ll need the following ingredients, divided into sections for easy preparation:
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 head broccoli, cut into large florets
- 1 head cauliflower, cored and cut into large florets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornmeal Cakes:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Note: The original recipe mentions potential difficulties with homemade cornmeal cakes and suggests using a shortcut like Jiffy mix if desired. This adaptation focuses on a straightforward cornmeal cake approach.
For the Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin:
- 2 pork tenderloins (1 – 1 ½ lbs each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup herbes de Provence
- 1 cup plum preserves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup water
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin Ingredients | Close-up shot of the key ingredients for the recipe, including pork tenderloin, herbs de Provence, plum preserves, and fresh vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Follow these simple steps to create this amazing Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe:
1. Prepare the Roasted Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a large baking sheet, toss the broccoli and cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly golden brown. Set aside once cooked.
2. Roast the Pork Tenderloin:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Place the pork tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the herbes de Provence evenly over both pork tenderloins.
- Roast in the oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork tenderloin.
3. Make the Cornmeal Cakes:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cornmeal, chicken broth, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cornmeal is cooked and thickened.
- Pour the cooked cornmeal onto a large rimmed baking sheet and spread it evenly to create a thin layer.
- Allow the cornmeal to cool to room temperature. This step can be done ahead of time, even an hour before you start cooking the other components.
- Once cooled and firm, cut the cornmeal into diagonal shapes or squares.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the cornmeal cakes in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Remove the fried cornmeal cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Prepare the Plum Preserves Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the plum preserves, balsamic vinegar, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thinned.
5. Assemble and Serve:
- Arrange the fried cornmeal cakes on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Slice the rested herb roasted pork tenderloin and place it over the cornmeal cakes.
- Drizzle the warm plum preserves sauce generously over the pork.
- Serve immediately with the roasted vegetables on the side.
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin Plated Dish | A beautifully plated dish of herb roasted pork tenderloin, sliced and served atop cornmeal cakes, drizzled with plum sauce, and accompanied by roasted vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Pork Tenderloin
- Don’t overcook the pork: Pork tenderloin is lean and can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
- Rest the pork: Allowing the pork to rest for 10 minutes after roasting is crucial for retaining its juices and preventing dryness.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers, based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Cornmeal Cake Consistency: If you find the cornmeal cakes too soft to handle, you can chill the cornmeal mixture in the refrigerator for a bit longer to firm it up before cutting and frying.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a clove of minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Pork Tenderloin
This Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe is a complete meal in itself, thanks to the inclusion of vegetables and cornmeal cakes. However, you can enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork and cornmeal cakes.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes would be a wonderful complement to the roasted vegetables and pork, adding a touch of sweetness and creamy texture.
- Green Beans Almondine: For an elegant side dish, consider serving green beans almondine alongside this pork tenderloin recipe.
Enjoy this delightful and satisfying Pioneer Woman inspired Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe! It’s a fantastic way to bring delicious, home-cooked flavors to your table with a surprisingly easy-to-follow method.
