Randy Chandler
Goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin is a versatile and delicious dish that can be paired with a variety of wines to enhance its flavour. While the pork is light, a red wine like Primitivo or Merlot works well as it balances the rich goat's cheese filling without overwhelming the other flavours in the dish. A Pinot Noir is another great option as it has enough acidity to balance the goat cheese and any sweetness from ingredients like cranberries or cherries. If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay with hints of oak or a dry Riesling would be an excellent choice to complement the flavours of the pork tenderloin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine | Red wine, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling |
| Wine flavour | Cherry, oak, dry |
| Wine role | Balances the rich goat's cheese filling, cleanses the palate |
| Meat | Pork |
| Meat texture | Light, delicate |
| Meat preparation | Butterfly, season, pound, roll, tie, bake |
| Meat cooking time | 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F |
| Meat calories | 92kcal |
| Filling | Goat cheese, sun-dried tomato, basil, lemon zest, olive oil, pepper |
| Filling flavour | Creamy, tangy, rich |
| Sauce | Red wine, balsamic cherry |
| Sauce preparation | Heat wine, water, balsamic and chicken stock, add cherry preserves, thicken with cornflour, add cherries and pepper |
| Accompaniments | Veggie side (asparagus, green beans, arugula salad), starchy side (wild rice, roasted purple sweet potatoes, parsnip mash) |
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What You'll Learn
Red wine suggestions
Although pork is a light meat, a red wine works well with goat cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin. The wine should have enough body and flavour to balance the rich goat's cheese filling. A Merlot, for example, works wonderfully as it has enough acidity to balance the richness of the goat's cheese. A Pinot Noir would also be a good choice for similar reasons.
If you want to stick to a wine that mirrors the cherry flavour in the sauce, try a Primitivo. This wine is not so full-bodied that it will overpower the delicate meat, but it has enough body and flavour to balance the rich goat's cheese filling. Try a Da Luca Primitivo Merlot Tarantino IGT from Puglia, Italy.
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White wine suggestions
If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay with a hint of oak or a dry Riesling would be an excellent choice to pair with goat cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin. The oakiness of the Chardonnay will complement the creaminess of the goat cheese, while the dryness of the Riesling will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and tangy flavours of the dish.
A Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc could also be good options, as their crisp and acidic profiles will help to cut through the richness of the dish. Look for wines with bright, citrusy notes to complement the sweetness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the goat cheese.
When choosing a white wine, consider the specific flavours and ingredients in your goat cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin. For example, if you're using herbs like sage or thyme, a white wine with herbal or earthy notes could enhance those flavours.
Additionally, the weight or body of the wine should be taken into account. A fuller-bodied white wine might better match the heartiness of the dish, while a lighter-bodied option could provide a refreshing contrast.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and trust your palate. Wine and food pairings are ultimately subjective, so choose a wine that you enjoy and that complements the flavours of your goat cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin to your taste.
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Non-alcoholic drink pairings
While a goat cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin is typically paired with red or white wines, there are some non-alcoholic drink options that can complement this dish. Here are some suggestions:
Apple-based drinks
Apple and pork are a classic combination, and an apple-flavoured cocktail can work deliciously with pork tenderloin. The sourness of apple can bring out the flavours of the meat. A hot apple-based drink can be a perfect pairing during colder months, while a refreshing apple cocktail can be enjoyed in the summer.
Hard cider
Hard cider is another exceptional choice for pairing with pork tenderloin due to its crisp and refreshing apple flavours. The apple flavours complement the silky texture of the meat, creating a delightful sensory experience. The neutral flavour profile of hard cider also ensures that it does not overpower the pork but instead enhances its delicious flavours.
Mojito
If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, a mojito can be a great pairing with goat cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin. The combination of lime, mint, and white rum in a mojito can enhance the pork's taste by providing a balance of sweet and sour flavours. This pairing is especially well-suited for a summer meal.
Beer cocktails
For those who enjoy a rich pork tenderloin seasoned with spices, a beer cocktail can be an excellent choice. A dark Mexican beer-based cocktail, spiced up with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, lime, Tabasco, and black pepper, can create a delightful contrast with the tenderloin.
Non-alcoholic spirits
If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option that mimics the sophistication of a spirit, there are several options available. You can explore non-alcoholic aged whiskies, gins, or rums, which can be paired with mixers like soda or ginger beer to create elegant cocktails such as a non-alcoholic John Collins or Lynchburg Lemonade. These drinks can offer a sophisticated drinking experience without the alcohol content.
These suggestions provide a range of non-alcoholic drink options that can be paired with goat cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin, allowing you to customize your dining experience according to your preferences.
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How to prepare the pork tenderloin
To prepare a goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin, you'll first need to create an incision down the centre of the tenderloin, being careful not to cut all the way through. This process is called "butterflying" the meat and it allows you to open the tenderloin up like a book. Cover the meat with plastic wrap and use a meat tenderiser to gently pound the meat until it is flattened to around 1/3 to 1/2 an inch thick.
Next, you'll want to fill the tenderloin with your chosen stuffing. For a goat's cheese stuffing, mix together the cheese, lemon zest, basil, and olive oil in a bowl. Spread the mixture over the centre of the flattened tenderloin, leaving a border of around 3/4 of an inch. You can also add other ingredients to your stuffing, such as spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or cheddar cheese.
Once the tenderloin is stuffed, roll it up tightly, starting from the long end, and secure it with butcher's twine at regular intervals. Trim any loose ends and rub the outside of the tenderloin with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice.
To cook the tenderloin, heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place the tenderloin in the skillet and sear until a deep golden brown crust forms on all sides. Transfer the tenderloin to a casserole dish and bake in the oven at a temperature between 180-200°C for 25-35 minutes, or until the meat is cooked to 145°F. For a 6-inch tenderloin, this should take around 12 minutes.
Let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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What to serve with the dish
Goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin is a flavourful and juicy dish that goes well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some ideas on what to serve with it:
Sides
- Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, arugula salad, spinach, or other leafy greens would pair well with the dish.
- Starch: Wild rice, roasted purple sweet potatoes, or browned butter parsnip mash are some good options.
- Carrots and potatoes: Honey butter-braised carrots and duchess potatoes are a great way to round out the meal.
- Fruit: Cherries are a classic accompaniment, and you can also try apple with the goat cheese.
Drinks
- Wine: Although pork is a light meat, a red wine works well with this dish. Try a Primitivo, which has enough body and flavour to balance the rich goat's cheese filling without overwhelming the delicate meat. The cherry flavour of the wine will also mirror the cherry sauce in the dish. A Merlot or Pinot Noir would also be good choices.
- Other drinks: If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, a cherry spritzer or a glass of iced tea could complement the flavours of the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
A Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied Merlot works wonderfully, as these wines have enough acidity to balance the richness of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the cranberries. If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay with a hint of oak or a dry Riesling would be an excellent choice.
The ingredients needed are pork tenderloin, goat cheese, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
First, butterfly the pork tenderloin, spread the goat cheese along with the basil and tomatoes on one side, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then, roll up the tenderloin and secure it with kitchen string or butcher's twine. Finally, bake in the oven at 350-425°F for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Some side dishes that would complement the dish are asparagus, green beans, arugula salad, wild rice, roasted purple sweet potatoes, and parsnip mash.
Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
