Cooking has always been a passion of mine, especially when I can share heartfelt dishes with family and friends. One of my favorite all-in-one dishes is goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, making it perfect for gatherings. It’s succulent, creamy, and bursting with flavors that will have your guests asking for seconds.
What is Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin?
Goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin is a delicious main course that features a tender cut of pork filled with creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs. The combination of the rich cheese and savory pork creates a delightful taste experience. It’s a standout dish, perfect for special occasions or a simple family dinner. Trust me, once you’ve had this delight, traditional pork roast will seem so last season.
The Ingredients
To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Pork Loin
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces creamy goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- Zest from one lemon
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (3-4 pounds) center-cut pork loin
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Pan Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin?
Making this dish is a journey through flavors and aromas. Here’s a brief overview:
First, you’ll prepare the creamy stuffing, then carefully stuff the pork loin, and finally, cook it to perfection. Let’s dive into the detailed steps for a step-by-step experience.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step is essential for a perfectly cooked pork loin.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. This mixture should be smooth and fragrant. As I was prepping this, I couldn’t help but sneak a taste. Talk about a spoil of flavor!
Step 3: Prepare the Pork Loin
Trim any excess fat from the pork loin. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in the pork by slicing it lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want to create a nice pocket for that delicious cheese filling.
Step 4: Stuff the Pork Loin
Take the goat cheese mixture and stuff it generously into the pocket of the pork loin. Press it in, ensuring you have filled it completely. Use kitchen twine to tie the pork loin at both ends; this keeps the stuffing secure and gives the pork a lovely shape as it cooks.
Step 5: Season the Pork
Rub the outside of the pork loin with avocado or olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will create a nice crust when seared.
Step 6: Sear the Pork
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork loin and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. The aroma in the kitchen at this point? Absolutely intoxicating!
Step 7: Deglaze and Create the Pan Sauce
Once your pork loin is brown, remove it from the skillet. Add garlic and cook for a minute until it’s fragrant. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet. These bits are pure flavor gold!
Step 8: Bake the Pork
Return the pork to the skillet, add the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the Dijon and balsamic vinegar. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, now might be a good time to get one!
Step 9: Prepare the Pan Sauce
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice to the skillet, allowing it to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
Step 10: Serve
Slice the pork loin into medallions, drizzle the pan sauce over, and, just like that, you are ready to serve a dish that screams sophistication!
Notes
Here are five helpful tips to improve your dish and overall experience:
- Let the pork come to room temperature before cooking: This helps it cook evenly.
- Use fresh herbs: They make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting period: This allows juices to redistribute and keeps the pork moist.
- Experiment with flavor: Add your favorite herbs to the cheese mix—everyone loves a creative twist.
- For best results, use a meat thermometer: It removes the guesswork and ensures your pork is cooked perfectly.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be a delightful treat. Store your cooked pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are five ideas for complementing your goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin:
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies — carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted until they caramelize beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes mixed with roasted garlic and cream are a classic pairing.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Sautéed until golden, they add a crunchy texture that balances the tender pork.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, avocado, and a simple vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa with nuts and dried fruits can elevate your side dish to a whole new level.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe?
Don’t stress if you don’t have all the exact ingredients. Here are five substitutes to consider:
- Feta Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feta works well and provides a different tangy flavor.
- Cream Cheese: A great alternative for a creamier texture; just mix in some herbs for flavor.
- Chicken Breast: Prefer chicken? Consider using a chicken breast instead; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Herbed Cheese Spread: Any herbed cheese spread can add quick flavor without the prep work.
- Vegetables: If you want a vegetarian version, consider stuffing bell peppers or portobello mushrooms with the goat cheese mixture instead.
Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen twine
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces creamy goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- Zest from one lemon
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 3-4 pounds center-cut pork loin
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Pan Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley divided
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step is essential for a perfectly cooked pork loin.
- In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. This mixture should be smooth and fragrant. As I was prepping this, I couldn’t help but sneak a taste. Talk about a spoil of flavor!
- Trim any excess fat from the pork loin. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in the pork by slicing it lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want to create a nice pocket for that delicious cheese filling.
- Take the goat cheese mixture and stuff it generously into the pocket of the pork loin. Press it in, ensuring you have filled it completely. Use kitchen twine to tie the pork loin at both ends; this keeps the stuffing secure and gives the pork a lovely shape as it cooks.
- Rub the outside of the pork loin with avocado or olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will create a nice crust when seared.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork loin and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. The aroma in the kitchen at this point? Absolutely intoxicating!
- Once your pork loin is brown, remove it from the skillet. Add garlic and cook for a minute until it’s fragrant. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet. These bits are pure flavor gold!
- Return the pork to the skillet, add the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the Dijon and balsamic vinegar. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, now might be a good time to get one!
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice to the skillet, allowing it to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
- Slice the pork loin into medallions, drizzle the pan sauce over, and, just like that, you are ready to serve a dish that screams sophistication!
Notes
- Let the pork come to room temperature before cooking: This helps it cook evenly.
- Use fresh herbs: They make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting period: This allows juices to redistribute and keeps the pork moist.
- Experiment with flavor: Add your favorite herbs to the cheese mix—everyone loves a creative twist.
- For best results, use a meat thermometer: It removes the guesswork and ensures your pork is cooked perfectly.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Creating goat cheese stuffed pork tenderloin is more than just cooking; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and a dash of creativity. Whether you’re entertaining at a gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a refreshing salad, and I guarantee it will be the star of the table. Cooking should be joyful, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt this recipe to your tastes. Enjoy every moment in the kitchen!
