Roasted pork tenderloin with mustard lime vinaigrette is a delightful dish that marries the hearty, savory flavor of roasted pork with the tangy freshness of lime. The dijon mustard vinaigrette adds a unique, zesty twist. It's an ideal dish for a sophisticated dinner party or a casual family meal.
This recipe calls for pork tenderloins, a cut of meat that is lean and tender, usually found in the meat section of your supermarket. Dijon mustard, which is a bit spicier and more complex in flavor than regular mustard, can be found in the condiment aisle. If you don't have red pepper flakes at home, they're typically found in the spice aisle and add a kick to any dish. Fresh cilantro and lime juice are the key ingredients that give the vinaigrette its signature tangy flavor.
Ingredients for Roasted Pork with Mustard Lime Vinaigrette
Pork tenderloins: A lean and flavorful cut of pork.
Dijon mustard: A tangy mustard that adds a kick to the vinaigrette.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the pork and making the vinaigrette.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning for the pork.
Red onion: Adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
Lime juice: Gives the vinaigrette its tangy flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the vinaigrette.
Cilantro: A fresh herb that complements the lime in the vinaigrette.
One reader, Godard Duenas says:
The roasted pork with mustard lime vinaigrette recipe is a game-changer! The pork was tender and juicy, and the vinaigrette added a zesty kick. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the dish was a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making this recipe again!
Mastering the Techniques for Roasted Pork With Mustard Lime Vinaigrette
How to roast the pork: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat the pork tenderloins with dijon mustard and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place the pork on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until just done.
How to make the mustard lime vinaigrette: In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together lime juice, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the vinaigrette.
How to prepare the red onion: Place the red onion in a small bowl of cold water and let it stand for 10 minutes. Then, drain the onion, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels.
How to toss the pork with the vinaigrette: While the pork is still warm, cut it into bite-size pieces. Add the pork, prepared red onion, red pepper flakes, and cilantro to the vinaigrette and toss to combine.
How to serve the dish: Serve the roasted pork with mustard lime vinaigrette as a main course, accompanied by your choice of sides.
How To Make Roasted Pork with Mustard Lime Vinaigrette
This smoky and succulent roasted pork is served with a spicy-sour vinaigrette to amplify its savory flavors! Whip up a serving in under one hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2pork tenderloins
- 1tbspdijon mustard,plus 1 tsp
- ¼cupolive oil,plus 1½ tsp
- ¾tspsalt
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1small red onion
- 1tbsplime juice
- tspred pepper flakes,dried, optional
- ½cupcilantro,or fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
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Coat the pork with 1 tablespoon of mustard and 1½ teaspoons of olive oil. Sprinkle it with ½ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of the black pepper.
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Put the pork on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until just done.
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Transfer the pork to a carving board and leave to rest in a warm spot for 5 minutes.
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Put the onion in a small bowl of cold water and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain the onion, rinse and then pat dry with paper towels.
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In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lime juice,1 teaspoon of mustard, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and black pepper each. Add ¼ cup of olive oil slowly, whisking.
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While the pork is still warm, cut it into bite-size pieces.
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Add the pork, onion, red-pepper flakes, and cilantro to the vinaigrette and toss.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 434.01kcal
- Fat: 22.59g
- Saturated Fat: 4.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.88g
- Carbohydrates: 2.49g
- Fiber: 0.62g
- Sugar: 0.86g
- Protein: 52.58g
- Cholesterol: 164.13mg
- Sodium: 612.32mg
- Calcium: 25.52mg
- Potassium: 1043.76mg
- Iron: 2.70mg
- Vitamin A: 7.11µg
- Vitamin C: 3.00mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Roasted Pork With Mustard Lime Vinaigrette
When roasting pork tenderloins, it's crucial to let the meat rest after it comes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish. If you cut into the meat immediately after removing it from the oven, the juices will run out, leaving the pork dry. So, always remember to give your meat a rest before carving and serving.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Roasted Pork Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the mustard lime vinaigrette in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut pork: Consider purchasing pre-cut pork tenderloins to save time on the preparation process.
Multi-task: While the pork is roasting, use that time to prepare the vinaigrette and other ingredients to maximize efficiency.
Invest in a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to perfection, avoiding overcooking and saving time on guesswork.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, ensure all ingredients and kitchen tools are organized and easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Quick clean-up: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking clean-up time and maintain an organized cooking space.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Pork with Mustard Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
pork tenderloins - Substitute with chicken tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins are a lean and flavorful alternative to pork, and they can be roasted to perfection with the same cooking method.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and texture, adding a delightful crunch to the vinaigrette.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions, and they can be finely sliced or minced to add a delicate touch to the vinaigrette.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar level of acidity and brightness, complementing the flavors of the vinaigrette.
cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley offers a fresh and vibrant flavor, serving as a suitable alternative to cilantro in the vinaigrette.
Presenting Roasted Pork With Mustard Lime Vinaigrette
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the roasted pork in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each piece is placed with precision and care.
- Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color by garnishing the dish with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced red onions, creating a visually stunning presentation.
- Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out and captivate the diners' attention.
- Highlight the vinaigrette: Drizzle the mustard lime vinaigrette over the pork delicately, ensuring it enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Emphasize texture: Incorporate elements that provide varying textures, such as the tender pork, crisp red onions, and the smooth vinaigrette, to create a multi-dimensional dining experience.
- Consider the plate shape: Choose a plate that complements the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and allowing the colors and textures to shine.
- Add a touch of elegance: Consider incorporating edible flowers or microgreens as a sophisticated and delicate garnish to elevate the overall presentation.
- Balance the elements: Ensure a harmonious balance of flavors, colors, and textures on the plate to create a visually striking and appetizing dish.
- Showcase precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, showcasing culinary expertise and attention to detail in the presentation of the dish.
- Create a focal point: Arrange the pork as the focal point of the dish, drawing attention to its succulence and the artistry of the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making This Roasted Pork Dish
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for roasting and baking.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Carving board: A sturdy board used for carving and resting cooked meats.
- Small bowl: A container used for mixing and marinating ingredients.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Paper towels: Absorbent paper used for drying and cleaning ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Pork With Mustard Lime Vinaigrette
To store leftover roasted pork with mustard lime vinaigrette, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to freeze the dish, transfer the cooled pork and vinaigrette to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
When ready to enjoy the frozen roasted pork with mustard lime vinaigrette, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the dish gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as the pork may become dry.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, consume the frozen and reheated dish within 2-3 months. After that, the quality may start to deteriorate, and the pork may become slightly dry or lose some of its vibrant flavors.
If you have any leftover cilantro or red onion, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cilantro will stay fresh for about a week, while the red onion can last up to 2 weeks when properly stored.
Reheating Leftover Roasted Pork With Mustard Lime Vinaigrette
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover roasted pork in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out. Heat the pork in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place the leftover pork in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to keep the meat moist. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the pork is heated through. Be sure to check the temperature and stir the meat halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you want to reheat the mustard lime vinaigrette separately, place it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir the vinaigrette constantly until it is warmed through. This should only take a minute or two. Be careful not to overheat the vinaigrette, as this can cause the olive oil to separate and the flavors to become muted.
For a quick and easy way to reheat both the pork and the vinaigrette together, use a skillet. Place the leftover pork in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan. This will help to create steam and keep the meat moist. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat the pork for 3-5 minutes, or until it is heated through. Remove the lid and add the leftover vinaigrette to the skillet. Toss the pork and vinaigrette together until everything is well combined and heated through.
No matter which reheating method you choose, be sure to let the reheated roasted pork rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Trivia About Roasted Pork With Mustard Lime Vinaigrette
Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that is a good source of protein and low in fat.
Budget-Friendly: Making Roasted Pork With Mustard Lime Vinaigrette at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this roasted pork with mustard lime vinaigrette recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your location. Pork tenderloin, olive oil, and lime can be relatively affordable, while factors like the quality of the meat and the specific brand of ingredients can influence the overall cost. Considering the use of readily available and versatile ingredients, this recipe can be cost-effective for a household. On a scale of 1-10, the overall verdict for this recipe is 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30.
Is This Roasted Pork Recipe Healthy?
The roasted pork with mustard lime vinaigrette recipe is a relatively healthy dish, with a few caveats:
- Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, providing high-quality protein without excessive saturated fat.
- The use of olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish.
- The inclusion of red onion and cilantro provides some vegetable content and additional nutrients.
- The lime juice in the vinaigrette adds a burst of vitamin C and helps tenderize the meat.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved:
- The sodium content may be a bit high due to the added salt. Reducing the salt or using a low-sodium alternative could be beneficial for those watching their sodium intake.
- The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are crucial for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
To make this recipe even healthier, I would suggest the following tweaks:
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe, or opt for a low-sodium alternative to help manage sodium intake.
- Serve the pork with a generous portion of roasted or steamed vegetables to increase the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the meal. Some great options include broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
- Consider using a mixture of olive oil and a lighter oil, such as avocado or grapeseed oil, to reduce the overall calorie content while still maintaining the heart-healthy benefits of monounsaturated fats.
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary, or thyme, to add more flavor without relying on salt.
- If you're looking to reduce the fat content further, you can trim any visible fat from the pork tenderloin before cooking.
Our Editor's Take on This Roasted Pork With Mustard Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
The roasted pork with mustard lime vinaigrette recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tenderloins are perfectly seasoned and roasted to perfection, creating a succulent and flavorful dish. The mustard lime vinaigrette adds a zesty and tangy element that complements the richness of the pork. The addition of red onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes provides a refreshing and vibrant contrast. This dish offers a harmonious balance of savory, citrusy, and herbaceous notes, making it a standout choice for a special meal. The wine recommendation of a soft and supple merlot from Napa Valley is a fitting accompaniment to enhance the overall dining experience.
Why trust this Roasted Pork with Mustard Lime Vinaigrette Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent pork tenderloins and a zesty mustard lime vinaigrette. The combination of tangy dijon mustard and refreshing lime juice creates a harmonious flavor profile, while the addition of cilantro adds a burst of freshness. The careful instructions ensure perfectly cooked pork every time, and the use of high-quality olive oil promises a delectable result. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and prepare to impress your guests with this delightful dish.
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