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MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SPINACH AND POTATOES

MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SPINACH AND POTATOES

MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SPINACH AND POTATOES

A flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender marinated pork tenderloin paired with sautéed spinach and soft boiled potatoes. Perfect for a balanced and satisfying meal for 4 servings.


🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Cook Time: 30 min
🍽️ Servings: 4


🥄 Ingredients

Marinated Pork Tenderloin:

  • 1 pork tenderloin (approx. 500 g)
  • 1 tbsp red pepper paste
  • 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 6-7 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Spinach with Potatoes:

  • 400 g spinach (frozen or fresh)
  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 3 tbsp oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork

  • Pat pork dry with paper towels. Slice into thick pieces about 3 cm wide, leaving the thinner tip whole (do not slice the tip).
  • Season pork slices with salt and black pepper.
  • Mix red pepper paste, tomato paste, minced garlic, sweet and smoked paprika, sherry vinegar, oils, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  • Rub marinade thoroughly over pork. Refrigerate at least 3-4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  • Remove pork from fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.

2. Prepare Spinach and Potatoes

  • Peel and slice potatoes into rounds. Boil in salted water until tender.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet. Add frozen spinach, cover, and cook until fully thawed, stirring occasionally and seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • If using fresh spinach, add it in batches, sautéing until wilted, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Drain potatoes and add them to the spinach in the skillet. Season again with salt and pepper. Gently mix, breaking up potatoes slightly.

3. Cook the Pork

  • Preheat a grill pan on high heat for 5 minutes without oil.
  • Arrange pork slices in the pan without crowding. Grill for 2 minutes on the first side to get nice grill marks, then flip and grill for 1 minute on the other side.
  • Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and cook for 5 minutes. For the thin tip piece, cook 2 minutes longer for even doneness.
  • If your grill pan is not oven-safe or cooking larger quantities, preheat a large oven tray in the oven and transfer pork there after grilling.

4. Serve

  • Plate pork alongside the spinach and potatoes. Serve immediately.
  • This dish also pairs well with a simple salad featuring plenty of green onions (e.g., tomatoes with green onion or leafy greens with green onion).

💡 Tips

  • Marinating overnight enhances pork flavor and tenderness.
  • Use frozen spinach for convenience or fresh spinach for a lighter texture.
  • Preheating the grill pan ensures perfect grill marks and caramelization.
  • Serve with fresh green onions in salad for a bright, crunchy contrast.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Family dinners or casual gatherings
  • Balanced meals with protein and vegetables
  • Comfort food with a hint of smoky spice

📝 Final Thoughts

This marinated pork tenderloin with spinach and potatoes is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines rich spices and fresh greens. Ideal for satisfying meals with minimal fuss and maximum taste.