Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Pesto
Pesto is an all-in-one herb seasoning and cheese mixture that brings a unique flavor to foods. Make your own for this elegant pork tenderloin dish. A dash of lime and cilantro give the pork a delicious southwestern flair.
Serves: 6
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound Smithfield Pork Tenderloin
- 1 T. minced garlic
- 2 T. minced ginger
- 1/4 c. minced green onions
- 1 T. minced cilantro
- 1 t. minced jalapenos
- 1/2 t. black pepper
- 2 T. lime juice
- 2 T. olive oil
- 1/2 c. grated jalapeno cheese
- 1/4 c. toasted pine nuts
Steps
Cut tenderloin lengthwise almost in half. Lay out flat. Chill. Combine next seven ingredients in food processor puree. Add olive oil slowly until mixture thickens. Spread half of mixture over tenderloin. Spread grated cheese over pesto. Re-form tenderloin and tie to secure. Spread remaining pesto over tenderloin. Chill for several hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place tenderloin on a rack in a shallow baking pan and roast until firm about 20 minutes. Remove from oven; cover and keep warm. Let rest for 10 minutes; reserving all juices. Remove string from tenderloin cut into eight slices. Arrange on plates. Pour any warm juices over slices. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with pepper-flake pasta and asparagus spears.
Recipe and photo courtesy of National Pork Board. For more information about Pork. The Other White Meat®, visit our website www.otherwhitemeat.com