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.