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MELTING PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SAVORY PEAS – A SIMPLE MIDWEEK DINNER

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MELTING PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SAVORY PEAS – A SIMPLE MIDWEEK DINNER

MELTING PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SAVORY PEAS – A SIMPLE MIDWEEK DINNER

This tender pork tenderloin melts in your mouth, paired with a simple, flavorful pea side dish for a satisfying and easy dinner — ideal for a busy midweek meal.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min + 2 hours resting

🍳 Cook Time: 25 min
🍰 Yield: 3-4 servings

🥩 Ingredients

Pork Tenderloin:

  • 1 pork tenderloin
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Chili flakes

Peas with Bacon:

  • 500 g peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 50 g bacon or smoked pork belly
  • 1 small onion
  • 1/4 red bell pepper
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 canned tomato (with 2 tbsp tomato juice)
  • 1/4 bunch parsley
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Salt and black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Remove the pork tenderloin from the fridge and trim off all white membranes. Slice into 2 cm thick pieces (about 3 slices per person).
  2. On a work surface, sprinkle a generous amount of black pepper, chili flakes, and salt. Roll each pork slice in the seasoning mix to coat evenly on all sides and edges. Place on a plate and let rest at room temperature (~22°C) for 2 hours. If it’s very warm, reduce resting time or keep in fridge and bring out 30 minutes before cooking.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the finely chopped onion, diced bacon, and red pepper until onion is fully softened.
  4. Add crushed garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Add the canned tomato (crushed with a fork) and tomato juice; cook 2 minutes.
  5. Add peas and 250 ml water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove lid and cook for 10 more minutes, stirring frequently, until most water evaporates and a thick sauce remains (~1 finger depth). Stir in finely chopped parsley.
  6. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick pan with a drizzle of oil. Pan-fry pork slices in batches for 2.5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and cover with foil; let rest 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve the peas alongside the tender pork slices.

💡 Tips

  • Resting the seasoned pork at room temperature improves tenderness and flavor.
  • Use good quality bacon or smoked pork belly for best flavor in peas.
  • Stir peas often in the final cooking stage to avoid sticking or burning.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Quick and satisfying midweek dinners
  • Family meals with simple ingredients
  • Balanced plates with protein and veggies

📝 Final Thoughts

This pork tenderloin and peas recipe offers a delicious, fuss-free dinner that’s both comforting and wholesome. The smoky seasoning on the pork perfectly complements the rich, tomato-infused peas for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.