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Pork Fillet Easy Recipe

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When it comes to cooking for one or two people, it can be tough to find a recipe that’s both quick and satisfying without leaving a lot of leftovers. That’s why I love this easy pork fillet recipe. It’s perfect for small-batch cooking and still packed with flavor. Pork fillet is tender, cooks quickly, and is ideal when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

A plate of pork fillet meal garnished with onions.
Pork Fillet Easy Recipe. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

The seasoning in this recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it a great go-to meal on any night of the week.

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I remember the first time I made this recipe, I was looking for something tasty that wouldn’t take forever to make. The result was so good that I ended up making it again the very next week.

Pork Loin for Cooking Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Pork loin is an excellent cut of meat because it’s lean, tender, and cooks evenly. When you bake or pan-fry pork tenderloin, it stays juicy and flavorful with just a few simple ingredients. You don’t need to worry about it being tough or dry like some other cuts of meat. It’s also easy to portion, making it perfect for small-batch cooking when you’re just preparing for one or two people.

A plate with a pork fillet, roasted potatoes, and a green chili pepper, garnished with herbs. A clear glass with a yellow beverage is placed next to the plate.
A plate pork fillet with potatoes.

What Makes Pork Recipes Juicy

The secret to juicy pork fillet recipes is not overcooking the meat. Pork tenderloin cooks quickly, and monitoring the cooking time helps ensure it stays moist. Marinating the pork before cooking also adds extra flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

Using a good balance of spices, like turmeric garlic powder, onion powder and curry powder, will bring out the natural flavors of the pork, while olive oil adds a rich, smooth finish. The key is to keep it simple but flavorful. A short cooking time and a well-seasoned marinade are all you need for juicy, buttery, tender pork.

Can I use Paprika, Garlic Sauce, and Thyme for the Easy Pork Fillet Recipe 

Absolutely, paprika adds a mild sweetness and a beautiful color to the pork, while garlic sauce gives a savory depth of flavor. Thyme, on the other hand, brings a hint of earthiness that pairs perfectly with the pork fillet. You can easily adjust the spices in this recipe to suit your taste.

If you’re someone who likes a little extra punch, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, rosemary, or even a touch of chili flakes for heat. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility – you can customize it to make it your own!

A plate of A plate of pork fillet dish garnished with herbs. A glass of beverage and a white jug are in the background.
A plate of pork fillet dish.

Easy Instructions for Cooking Pork Tenderloin Fillet Recipe

Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen

  • Frying Pan: A non-stick or cast iron pan works best for frying pork evenly.
  • Meat Pounder or Tenderizer: This helps tenderize the pork fillet, making it even juicier.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface to slice your onions and prep the pork.
  • Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the pork and onions quick and easy.

Key Ingredients:

  • Pork Tenderloin: Pork tenderloin is like pork chops and has the thickest part, lean, and cooks quickly.
  • Onions: Adds a slight sweetness and depth to the dish when fried together with the pork.
  • Olive Oil: Helps fry the pork while keeping it juicy and flavorful.
  • Turmeric: For a warm, earthy flavor and a pop of color.
  • Curry Powder: Adds depth and richness to the pork.
  • Dry Ginger Powder: A little heat and warmth to balance out the flavors.
  • Cardamom Pods: For a subtle touch of sweetness and fragrance.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the pork just right.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Detailed Directions for Making the Best Pork Tenderloin Cooking

Cooking pork tenderloin doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, this recipe is super easy, even if you’re short on time. Here’s how to make it in just a few simple steps.

One: Prepare Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. Slice the pork tenderloin into small fillets or medallions, about an inch thick. This helps the pork cook evenly and faster.

Image displaying ingredients for a pork fillet recipe: pork tenderloin, onion, turmeric, olive oil, salt & pepper, curry powder, ginger powder, and cardamom pods.
Ingredients for Pork Fillet Easy Recipe.

Two: Beat and Marinate the Pork Overnight

Place the fillets in a shallow dish and lightly pound them with a meat tenderizer. Then, marinate the pork overnight with olive oil, turmeric, curry powder, ginger, cardamom, salt, and pepper. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the seasoning blends seep through the meat.

Image with two panels: 1. A mallet tenderizing raw meat. 2. Several pieces of marinated meat stacked in a container.
Tenderizing raw meat pork.

Three: Slice Onions

While the pork is marinating, slice your onions thinly. These will be fried alongside the pork for extra flavor.

A close-up of a hand slicing an onion with a knife on a wooden cutting board. Several onion slices are visible.
Slicing white onions.

Four: Fry Marinated Pork

Preheat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Using a meat thermometer can also help with managing the temperature of the meat and avoid drying out the juice.

Two images showing the cooking process of seasoned chicken fillets in a skillet. Image 1 shows raw fillets being placed in the skillet; Image 2 shows fillets partially cooked and being turned.
Cooking the pork fillet in a skillet.

Five: Add Sliced Onions

In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cover. Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until they’re caramelized and soft. This gives the dish a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pork.

Two-panel image: Panel 1 shows sliced onions on top of food in a pan; Panel 2 shows the pan covered with a lid, with steamed onions visible through the glass.
Adding onions on top and covering the pan.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Let the pork marinate overnight for the best flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the pork to keep it juicy. Pork tenderloin cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°Fahrenheit (63°Celsius).

Common Questions Answered

What Are the Perfect Pairings for Pork Fillet?

Pork fillet is super versatile, making it easy to pair with a variety of sides. Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, add a lovely crunch and sweetness that complements the savory pork. Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes are also great choices, providing a creamy and hearty side to balance the dish.

For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pork. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a simple, wholesome meal. These pairings keep things easy while still creating a well-rounded plate.

What Are the Proper Storage Tips for Pork Fillet?

To keep your cooked pork fillet fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Make sure the pork has cooled completely before sealing it up to prevent moisture from building inside the container, which could make the meat soggy.

If you have leftovers, you can reheat the pork gently on the stove or in the microwave. To keep it from drying out, add a splash of water or cover the pork while reheating. This helps maintain its tenderness and flavor.

A plate of pork fillet meat garnished with parsley and a green chili pepper, served with roasted potatoes and caramelized onions.
A plate of pork fillet meat garnished with parsley.

How Do I Freeze Pork Fillet?

Freezing pork fillet is simple and helps extend its shelf life. If you’re freezing uncooked pork fillet, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date, and your pork will keep for up to 3 months.

If you’ve already cooked the pork fillet, allow it to cool completely before freezing. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pork in the fridge overnight and gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Keep in mind that reheating frozen pork can sometimes make it a little drier, so adding a bit of moisture while reheating is helpful.

Additional Easy Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this pork fillet recipe, be sure to check out other small-batch recipes on my blog, like Crispy Fried Onions or Green Bean Mushroom Casserole. All my recipes are designed for cooking in smaller portions, perfect for one or two people.

Pin This Recipe for Later

A plate featuring a cooked pork fillet topped with onions, garnished with a green pepper and parsley, accompanied by a baked potato and a slice of bread with herb butter. Text reads "Pork Fillet Easy Recipe.
A plate of cooked pork fillet topped with onions.

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A plate with roasted meat, a baked potato, green chili, herbs, and sautéed onions. A fork and knife are placed beside the plate.

Pork Fillet Easy Recipe

Zuzana Paar
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When it comes to cooking for one or two people, it can be tough to find a recipe that’s both quick and satisfying without leaving a lot of leftovers. That’s why I love this easy pork fillet recipe. It’s perfect for small-batch cooking and still packed with flavor. Pork fillet is tender, cooks quickly, and is ideal when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinate 1 day
Course Main Course, Main Dishes
Cuisine American, European, International
Servings 3 Portions
Calories 239 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. Slice the pork tenderloin into small fillets or medallions, about an inch thick. This helps the pork cook evenly and faster.
  • Place the fillets in a shallow dish and lightly pound them with a meat tenderizer. Then, marinate the pork overnight with olive oil, turmeric, curry powder, ginger, cardamom, salt, and pepper. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the seasoning blends seep through the meat.
  • While the pork is marinating, slice your onions thinly. These will be fried alongside the pork for extra flavor.
  • Preheat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Using a meat thermometer can also help with managing the temperature of the meat and avoid drying out the juice.
  • In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cover. Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until they’re caramelized and soft. This gives the dish a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pork.

Notes

  • Let the pork marinate overnight for the best flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the pork to keep it juicy. Pork tenderloin cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°Fahrenheit (63°Celsius).

Nutrition

Serving: 1PortionCalories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 9mgPotassium: 314mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 23IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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By Zuzana Paar on October 2nd, 2024
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About Zuzana Paar

I'm Zuzana, the creator of Tiny Batch Cooking. With my skills as a content creator, recipe developer, food writer, videographer, blogger, and photographer, I focus on small batch recipes that are easy and delicious. My aim is to help you enjoy cooking.

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