Pork Tenderloin Stuffed With Herbs and Capers

Pork Tenderloin Stuffed With Herbs and Capers
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
45 minutes
Rating
4(1,170)
Comments
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Pork tenderloin is a lean cut that can easily dry out. But stuffing it with herbs, shallots and capers helps keep it nice and juicy as it roasts in a hot oven, and tying up the meat so it’s the same thickness all over helps it cook evenly. After the pork is roasted, the drippings are simmered with orange juice, garlic and a little wine to make a quick, gently sweet pan sauce that goes wonderfully well with the meat. Serve with polenta, crusty bread or rice to soak up the sauce. 

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
  • ½teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4shallots, minced
  • tablespoons minced capers, plus a splash of their liquid
  • teaspoons chopped sage
  • teaspoons chopped rosemary
  • teaspoons chopped thyme, more for serving
  • 1garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 1tablespoon dry white wine or vermouth (or use more stock)
  • ¼cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ¼cup pork, chicken or other meat stock
  • 1 to 2tablespoons butter
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

433 calories; 22 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 11 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 14 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 43 grams protein; 731 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 375 degrees. Slice pork tenderloin lengthwise to butterfly it, but don't quite slice all the way through: The 2 pieces should remain attached. Season with salt and pepper, then let sit while you prepare filling.

  2. Step 2

    In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Stir in shallots, ½ tablespoon capers, 2 teaspoons sage, 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Stirring frequently, cook until shallots start to brown, about 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. (Adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning.) Transfer to a plate to cool slightly. Wipe out skillet and reserve.

  3. Step 3

    Spread cooled filling evenly on pork, then close pork, along the hinge, like a book. Then fold the thinner end up against the thicker portion so that pork is the same width all over. Tie with kitchen twine at 1½-inch intervals.

  4. Step 4

    In the same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat until oil is hot but not smoking. Place tenderloin seam-side up in the skillet, then transfer to oven and roast for 15 minutes. Flip pork over and continue roasting until meat reaches 140 to 145 degrees in the center, about 10 minutes longer. Transfer meat to a cutting board to rest; reserve skillet and juices.

  5. Step 5

    While the meat rests, make the sauce: Heat skillet over medium-high heat, then stir in vermouth and the remaining ½ teaspoon each sage, rosemary and thyme, scraping up the browned bits on bottom of pan. Cook until vermouth is almost evaporated, then add orange juice and stock, and cook over medium-high heat until thickened and syrupy. Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons capers, their liquid and the butter; season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce tastes too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice.

  6. Step 6

    To serve, slice pork into ½-inch-thick slices and top with sauce and fresh thyme.

Ratings

4 out of 5
1,170 user ratings
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Comments

I made this and it was delicious. I just have one comment about the quantity of ingredients used in recipes in many books, blogs and other sources. This recipe called for four shallots. Since shallots (and garlic and onions) vary so much in size, it would be really helpful, especially for novice cooks, if the ingredient specification called for two tablespoons (or whatever quantity) of mince shallots, garlic or onions.

I've been stuffing pork (and beef) loins for many years and I'm adding this one to the list. My current favorite stuffing uses long strips of fresh pineapple, shaved fennel, and sliced almonds that I mist with oil, dust with cinnamon, then roast on a sheet pan. I also love using peeled, sliced apples, grated Gruyere and fresh mint leaves.

Pork tenderloin is a perfect candidate for sous vide. Stuff and tie it. Use your sous vide gadget and cook to 135 degrees. Then brown it in a hot pan. Almost fool proof, even the ends are done perfectly.

Just made this last night and it was a bit underwhelming. I even added juice from the capers and had to add more salt after it cooked.

Too much filling and not enough sauce!

Another Melissa Clark winner. This was fantastic with the remainder of our Thanksgiving leftovers. For the pan sauce I used cream instead of butter and it worked beautifully. Will definitely do this again.

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