The “Pioneer Woman Cooks” cookbook is a treasure trove of family-friendly recipes, and the Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin is a standout dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to make. If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that will become a new family favorite, this recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond’s classic, is your answer. This dish combines tender, herb-crusted pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables and comforting cornmeal cakes for a complete and delicious dinner.
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin | Kita Roberts PassTheSushi.com
Why This Pioneer Woman Pork Tenderloin Recipe Works
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is known for creating recipes that are approachable, delicious, and perfect for busy families. This Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe perfectly embodies those qualities. While it might seem like a dish that requires a lot of effort, it’s actually quite straightforward. The combination of herbs creates a beautiful crust on the pork, locking in the juices and flavor. Roasting the vegetables alongside the pork simplifies the cooking process and ensures a well-rounded meal. And the addition of cornmeal cakes provides a unique and comforting side that complements the pork and vegetables perfectly.
This recipe is ideal for:
- Weeknight Dinners: Despite its elegant presentation, it’s manageable for a weeknight meal.
- Family Gatherings: It’s impressive enough to serve to guests but easy enough to make for a crowd.
- Comfort Food Cravings: The combination of savory pork, roasted vegetables, and cornbread is pure comfort food.
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin | Kita Roberts PassTheSushi.com
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe – Inspired by Pioneer Woman
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Pioneer Woman-inspired pork tenderloin dish:
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 head broccoli, cut into large florets
- 1 head cauliflower, cored and cut into large florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cornmeal Cakes:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
For the Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin:
- 2 pork tenderloins (1 – 1 ½ lbs each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup herbes de Provence
- 1 cup plum preserves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup water
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Small saucepan
- Aluminum foil
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin | Kita Roberts PassTheSushi.com
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to bring this Pioneer Woman Pork Tenderloin recipe to life:
1. Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a large baking sheet, toss the broccoli and cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly golden brown. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cornmeal Cakes:
- In a large pot, combine the cornmeal, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cornmeal is cooked and thickened.
- Pour the cooked cornmeal onto a large rimmed baking sheet and spread it evenly to about ½-inch thickness.
- Allow the cornmeal to cool to room temperature and firm up. This may take at least an hour, or you can speed it up in the refrigerator.
- Once cooled, cut the cornmeal into diagonal squares or desired shapes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the cornmeal cakes in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cornmeal cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Roast the Pork Tenderloin:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if you turned it off after roasting vegetables, or keep it at 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the pork tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Rub the pork tenderloins with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the herbes de Provence evenly over the pork tenderloins, pressing gently to adhere.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Make the Plum Preserves Sauce:
- While the pork is resting, 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, about 5 minutes.
5. Assemble and Serve:
- Arrange the crispy cornmeal cakes on a serving platter.
- Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions and arrange them over the cornmeal cakes.
- Drizzle the warm plum preserves sauce over the pork.
- Serve immediately with the roasted vegetables on the side.
Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin | Kita Roberts PassTheSushi.com
Tips for the Best 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) and then rest it.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to substitute other root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes for the broccoli and cauliflower.
- Make-Ahead Cornmeal Cakes: The cornmeal cakes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a touch of heat.
- Serve with a Salad: A simple green salad or a bright vinaigrette-dressed salad pairs wonderfully with this rich dish.
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Pork Tenderloin!
This Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. From the flavorful herb crust on the tender pork to the comforting cornmeal cakes and roasted vegetables, every element of this dish works together to create a truly memorable dining experience. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Pioneer Woman’s home-style cooking to your own kitchen!
