Why You’ll Love this Lemongrass Pork Recipe
When it comes to flavorful dishes, this Lemongrass Pork recipe stands out. You’ll love how the aromatic lemongrass infuses each bite with a revitalizing zest.
The combination of juicy pork and savory stuffing creates an irresistible texture that’s both tender and satisfying. Plus, the sweet and tangy glaze brings everything together beautifully, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
I can’t get enough of how easy it’s to prepare, and the vibrant colors make it visually appealing too. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation!
Ingredients of Lemongrass Pork
When you’re gearing up to make this delightful Lemongrass Pork, it’s good to know exactly what you’ll need. Gather the ingredients beforehand, and you’ll be ready to cook up a storm. Trust me, having everything at your fingertips makes the process so much smoother.
Plus, it’s super satisfying to see all those beautiful ingredients laid out, don’t you think? Alright, let’s explore the list.
Ingredients for Lemongrass Pork:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 ½ lb each)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red chili pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon gingerroot, minced
- ¼ cup cashews, finely chopped
- ⅔ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
Now, before you start cooking, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. First, if you can, get fresh lemongrass; it really does make a difference in flavor.
And cashews? They add a lovely crunch to the stuffing, but if you’re allergic or just not a fan, feel free to swap them out for another nut or even some breadcrumbs for a different texture.
You can also adjust the heat level by using more or less chili pepper, depending on your crowd. And remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you!
So, don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own.
Ready to start cooking? Let’s head over to the next step!
How to Make Lemongrass Pork
Alright, let’s plunge into making this delicious Lemongrass Pork. First off, grab your skillet and heat up 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once that’s nice and hot, toss in the 4 sliced green onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, and that fiery little 1 small red chili pepper you’ve seeded and minced. Stir them around for about 5 minutes, or until the onions soften and start to smell wonderful—your kitchen will be thanking you for this.
Next, add in the 1 small chopped tomato and 1 teaspoon of minced gingerroot, and keep stirring. This is where the magic happens, folks. Once everything is melded and aromatic, mix in ¼ cup of finely chopped cashews along with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Let that stuffing cool for a bit, and if you’re feeling organized, you can even pop it in the fridge for up to a day.
Now, let’s move on to the star of the show: the pork. Take those 2 pork tenderloins (each about 1 ½ lbs), and trim them up nicely. Cut them in half horizontally, but be careful not to slice all the way through. You’re basically creating a pocket for that lovely stuffing. Spoon the cooled filling lengthwise along the center of each tenderloin, then fold the thin ends over the stuffing and tuck in the sides—think of it as wrapping a present, but with pork.
To keep everything snug, use 12-inch soaked wooden skewers to sew them closed every 2 inches, which is a little trick I learned to prevent any stuffing mishaps. If you’re not ready to cook just yet, wrap those babies in plastic wrap and stick them in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
When you’re ready to cook, sprinkle the pork with a bit more salt and pepper, then brush it with half of the lemongrass glaze you’ll have made in the next step. Speaking of glaze, in a small saucepan, mix ⅔ cup of water, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and the 2 chopped stalks of lemongrass. Bring that mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens up nicely—about 2 minutes should do the trick.
Strain it through a fine sieve to get rid of any bits, and let it cool completely. Now, back to grilling! Place your stuffed pork on a greased grill over medium heat, close the lid, and let it cook for about 35 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with the remaining glaze. You know it’s done when the juices run clear and there’s just a hint of pink inside.
Transfer it to a cutting board, cover with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before removing the skewers and slicing it into 1-inch thick pieces.
And there you have it! You’ve just created a stunning dish that looks as good as it tastes. Enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow.
Lemongrass Pork Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Lemongrass Pork, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to contemplate that can add your own twist to the dish.
For instance, try swapping pork tenderloin for chicken or tofu for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different nuts, like almonds or peanuts, in the stuffing.
If you’re not a fan of spice, omit the chili pepper or replace it with bell pepper for sweetness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can enhance the flavors.
Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this dish your own!
What to Serve with Lemongrass Pork
What pairs well with Lemongrass Pork to elevate your meal?
I love serving it with jasmine rice, as the fragrant grains soak up the delicious glaze. A crisp cucumber salad adds a revitalizing crunch, while a side of garlic sautéed greens brings a savory balance.
You might also consider a tangy mango salsa for a sweet contrast. For drinks, a light, citrusy white wine or iced tea complements the flavors perfectly.
Finally, don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top for an added burst of freshness! Together, these sides create a delightful dining experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Lemongrass Pork turns out perfect, I recommend preparing the stuffing and glaze in advance; this not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Feel free to experiment with the stuffing by adding your favorite nuts or vegetables. If you prefer a spicier kick, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of chili pepper.
When grilling, keep an eye on the temperature to avoid drying out the pork.
Finally, letting the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing guarantees juicy, tender pieces.
Enjoy your delicious creation!