Randy Chandler
Pork tenderloin is a versatile cut of meat that can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and impressive dish. In this instance, we will explore how to cook pork tenderloin stuffed with asparagus and cheese, a combination that offers a unique blend of flavours and textures. This recipe involves preparing a mouthwatering filling, butterflying the pork tenderloin, and then roasting or grilling it to perfection. The result is a juicy and tender main course that can be served alongside a range of sides, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.
Characteristics and their values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Pork Tenderloin |
| Cooking Style | Grilling, Smoking, Roasting, Baking |
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F (175°C-190°C) |
| Time | 20-40 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F-165°F (65°C-75°C) |
| Resting Time | 5 minutes minimum |
| Filling | Asparagus, Cheese, Bacon, Mushrooms, Onions, Spinach, Green Onions, Garlic, Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Sundried Tomatoes |
| Cooking Method | Boil/Blanch Asparagus, Butterfly Pork, Secure with String, Coat with Breadcrumbs |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Preparing the pork tenderloin
Next, you'll make the filling. For a cheese and asparagus filling, you can simply place the asparagus lengthwise over the flattened tenderloin, leaving about a quarter of an inch between each spear. Then, sprinkle grated cheese over the asparagus. If you'd like to get creative, you can add other ingredients to your filling, such as sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs.
Once you've added your filling, carefully roll the tenderloin until it's tightly wound. You can then secure it with kitchen string, and it's ready for cooking!
Mac & Cheese: Quick Microwave Method
You may want to see also
Preparing the asparagus
First, trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears. You can do this by bending each spear gently until it snaps, or you can cut off the ends with a knife. The goal is to remove the fibrous part of the spear, leaving only the tender part to be cooked and eaten.
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. You will need enough water to completely cover the asparagus spears. Once the water is boiling, add the asparagus and cook for exactly two minutes. This will blanch the asparagus, helping to preserve its bright green colour and tender texture.
After two minutes, drain the asparagus immediately and plunge the spears into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help set the vibrant green colour. Leave the asparagus in the ice water for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Now your asparagus is ready to be stuffed inside the pork tenderloin. Place the spears lengthwise over the flattened meat, then fold the meat over the asparagus, starting with the long side, and secure it with kitchen string. Your asparagus-stuffed pork tenderloin is now ready to be cooked!
Finally, cook the pork tenderloin according to your chosen recipe. You can roast it in the oven, grill it over indirect medium heat, or try another cooking method that suits your preference. Enjoy your delicious asparagus and cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin!
Cooking Jalapeno-Cheese Sausage: A Spicy, Cheesy Guide
You may want to see also
Preparing the cheese and other fillings
To prepare the cheese and other fillings for your asparagus and cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin, you will need a variety of ingredients, including cheese, asparagus, and seasonings. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Start by gathering your ingredients for the filling. In addition to cheese and asparagus, you can also use sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, bacon, cream cheese, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, such as using chorizo instead of bacon or adding dill instead of parsley.
Prepare the asparagus by cutting off the tough ends and washing the spears. In a large skillet, bring a small amount of water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the skillet, cover, and cook for about 2 minutes. You want the asparagus to be slightly tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer the cooked asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain and pat them dry.
Next, prepare your cheese. Grate or shred the cheese of your choice; a sharp Cheddar or Swiss cheese would work well. You could also use a cream cheese or peppercorn cheese for a creamy texture and added flavour. Combine the grated cheese with your other filling ingredients, such as chopped sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and spinach, in a mixing bowl. Add seasonings like salt and black pepper to taste. If you want a more cohesive filling, you can mix the ingredients with a small amount of cream or mayonnaise.
Now that your fillings are ready, it's time to stuff your pork tenderloin. Carefully butterfly the pork loin by cutting a lengthwise slit down the centre, stopping about 1/2 inch before reaching the bottom. Open the meat like a book, and if needed, use a meat mallet to gently pound the meat to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings onto the meat, such as a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Once the meat is seasoned, it's time to assemble the roll. Place the blanched asparagus spears lengthwise on the flattened meat, leaving about 1/4 inch of space between each spear. Spread the cheese and vegetable filling mixture on top of the asparagus. Starting with one of the long sides, carefully roll the meat around the asparagus and filling, creating a tight log shape. Secure the rolled tenderloin with kitchen string at regular intervals to hold its shape.
Your asparagus and cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin is now ready for the next step, whether that's roasting, grilling, or another cooking method of your choice. Remember to remove the kitchen string before slicing and serving the tenderloin. Enjoy your delicious creation!
The Perfect Pasta: Butter & Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Hello! 50 Jamaican Recipes: Best Jamaican Cookbook Ever For Beginners [Jerk Chicken Cookbook, Pork Tenderloin Recipe, Caribbean Vegetarian Cookbook, Pork Chop Recipes, Curry Powder Recipes] [Book 1]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61wwkuMeOpL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Cooking methods and timings
To cook pork tenderloin stuffed with asparagus and cheese, you will need to first prepare the pork tenderloin by trimming any excess fat and removing the silver skin. Then, cut a lengthwise slit down the center of the tenderloin, stopping about half an inch from the bottom. Open the meat so that it lies flat, and cover it with plastic wrap. Flatten the meat to about a quarter-inch thickness with a meat mallet or a rolling pin.
After preparing the pork, the next step is to cook the asparagus. Bring a cup of water to a boil in a large skillet and add the asparagus, cooking it for about 2 minutes. Drain the asparagus and immediately place it in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain it again and pat the asparagus dry.
Now it's time to assemble the stuffed tenderloin. Place the asparagus lengthwise over the flattened tenderloin, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Carefully roll the meat tightly around the asparagus, starting with the long side. Secure the rolled tenderloin with kitchen string to hold it together.
For cooking methods, you can choose between baking in an oven or grilling. If baking, preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the stuffed tenderloin on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F to 165°F. The USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F.
If you prefer to grill the stuffed tenderloin, set up your grill for indirect medium heat. Grill the pork for 20-25 minutes, turning it occasionally, until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the roast reads 160°F.
Regardless of the cooking method, it is important to let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.
Mac and Cheese: Quick Microwave Cooking
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
This asparagus and cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin is a great dish to serve for a special occasion or a dinner party. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including:
- Mashed potatoes—try garlic mashed potatoes, or a potato salad such as German potato salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Roasted vegetables—asparagus, cauliflower, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Tabbouleh salad
- Pita and hummus
- Creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus
- Grilled asparagus
- Sweet potatoes
- Sauteed spinach
When serving, brush the pork tenderloin with pan drippings for the ultimate flavor boost. The caramelized seasoned juices from the tenderloin will impart an incredible concentrated flavor and a tantalizing golden glow.
Mac & Cheese: Box to Bowl in 3 Steps
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cut a lengthwise slit down the centre of the pork tenderloin, stopping 1/2 inch before the bottom. Open the meat so it lies flat, then cover with plastic wrap and flatten to a 1/4-inch thickness.
Bring a cup of water to a boil in a large skillet. Add the asparagus, cover and cook for 2 minutes. Drain the asparagus and immediately place it in ice water, then drain and pat dry.
Place the asparagus lengthwise over the tenderloin. Fold the meat over the asparagus, starting with the long side, and secure with kitchen string. Sprinkle with seasoning and grill over indirect medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 160°F.
Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before slicing. The centre of the pork tenderloin may look a little pink, but this is normal. It is best to test for doneness with a thermometer—according to the USDA, the pork is cooked through at 145°F.
