Description
This Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is a flavorful and elegant main dish perfect for dinner parties or a special family meal. Featuring tender pork tenderloin stuffed with a creamy mixture of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, then seared and roasted to juicy perfection, this recipe combines savory and tangy flavors with a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pork tenderloin (approximately 1.5 pounds)
Filling
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning & Finishing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the pork tenderloin.
- Butterfly Pork Tenderloin: Carefully slice the pork tenderloin lengthwise down the middle without cutting all the way through, then open it like a book to create an even surface for the filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine goat cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and minced garlic until well mixed.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the goat cheese mixture over one side of the opened tenderloin, covering the entire surface.
- Roll and Tie: Fold the other side of the tenderloin over the filling and secure it by tying kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals to hold the shape during cooking.
- Season Pork: Rub the outside of the rolled tenderloin with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper for flavor enhancement.
- Sear Pork: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tied pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side to build flavor and lock juices.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the seared pork to add a touch of acidity and depth of flavor.
- Roast in Oven: Transfer the skillet with the pork to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe and juicy pork.
- Rest Pork: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the kitchen twine, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions, and serve warm for a delicious and impressive meal.
Notes
- Be careful not to cut all the way through when butterflying the pork to keep a pocket for the filling.
- Letting the pork rest after roasting ensures juicy and tender slices.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and basil to your taste preference.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to simplify the searing and roasting process.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F to comply with safe pork cooking guidelines.
