So you’ve mastered the art of cooking the so-called filet mignon of pork, moist and delicate pork tenderloin, and now you’re staring down a load of luscious leftovers. Whether it’s a next-day ragu or an elegant take on the classically rustic Shepherd’s Pie, here are four ways to savour your scraps because those succulent pieces of pork tenderloin are about to have their second coming.
Start with Anna Olson’s Dry Glazed Pork Tenderloin.
1. Make a Ragu
This company-worthy pasta dish ticks off all the right notes for a cozy winter dinner. Thanks to pre-cooked pork, it comes together in virtually no time. Start the sauce by frying up some bacon and then sautéing garlic, onion, carrot and celery in some of the reserved fat. Add a splash of red wine, canned plum tomatoes, fresh rosemary and bay leaf. Throw chopped pork to the simmering tomato sauce and let it bubble away until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve over tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta or even creamy polenta. Finish with chopped fresh basil, parsley and a drizzle of your best olive oil.
2. Build a Quickie Shepherd’s Pie
Kick your recipe for humble Shepherd’s Pie up a notch by swapping in shredded pieces of leftover pork tenderloin. Start with a base of peas and corn in a broth gravy, then layer with leftover pork tenderloin and top with creamy mashed potato. Bake until the top layer browns and forms a gentle crust.
3. Whip Up Some Fried Rice
This dish is perfect if you don’t have a ton of leftover tenderloin, since it won’t take much to make a hefty portion of fried rice. Fry any mix you like; we like a combination of rice mixed kimchi, pork, sliced green onions and a fried egg.
4. Shred in a Taco
As if you needed an excuse, leftover pork tenderloin practically insists you celebrate Taco Tuesday (or Wednesday). Use the prongs of two forks to shred cold pork tenderloin for a quick carnita-style taco. Heat the pork quickly in a pan and then pile it high on a warm corn or flour tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, chopped tomatoes, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, your favourite hot sauce and a generous squeeze of lime.
Looking for more tasty ideas? Start with these Perfect Pork Tenderloin Recipes.