Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Stuffing & Pan-Seared Onion & Apple
Elevate your dinner game with this delectable Pork Tenderloin, adorned with a savory mushroom stuffing and accompanied by beautifully pan-seared onions and apples. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat your family to a special meal, this recipe combines rich flavors and a touch of elegance, all while being surprisingly manageable. Perfect for a weekend feast or a holiday gathering, this dish can even be prepared in advance to ease your hosting duties.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup dried thyme
- 1/4 cup dried sage
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 3 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Garnish:
- 3 apples, uncored and sliced into scant 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 red onion, sliced into scant 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
Instructions
1. Prepare the Stuffing:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and onions, cooking them while stirring occasionally until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated and the onions have softened, approximately 8 minutes. Stir in the apple and grated carrot, cooking for an additional minute. Remove from heat and incorporate the bread crumbs, chopped parsley, fresh thyme, dried thyme, dried sage, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined, then set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, slice each pork tenderloin lengthwise halfway through, then open the tenderloin like a book. Place between two sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper and pound to a generous 1/4-inch thickness using a meat pounder or rolling pin.
Cut about seven pieces of kitchen string into 15-inch lengths. Arrange these strings crosswise, about 1 1/2 inches apart, in a lightly greased roasting pan. Place one piece of pork tenderloin on top of the strings. Spread half of the stuffing evenly over the meat, covering the entire surface. Place the second piece of pork on top, aligning the wide end over the thin end of the first piece. Tuck the thin ends under and press firmly to secure. Spread the remaining stuffing over the top and place the final piece of meat over the stuffing.
Tie the strings around the roast, trimming any excess. Spread Dijon mustard all over the roast, then arrange the apple slices in a lengthwise row on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place thyme sprigs over the apples.
3. Roast the Pork:
Transfer the roasting pan to the oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Roast the pork until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C), which should take approximately 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours, depending on the size of your tenderloin. Once cooked, transfer the roast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Make-Ahead Tip: For convenience, you can prepare the pork tenderloin up to 24 hours in advance. Allow it to cool, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast.
4. Prepare the Garnish:
While the pork rests, prepare the garnish. Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the apple and onion slices until they are nicely browned, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Add more oil to the skillet if necessary to prevent sticking.
5. Serve:
Slice the rested pork tenderloin and arrange the slices on a serving platter. Surround the pork with the pan-seared apples and onions.
This Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Stuffing & Pan-Seared Onion & Apple is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Enjoy this delightful entree with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. 🍎🍗🍽️
