Asian Pork Tenderloin - Tender Juicy Pork with Savory Asian Flavors

Pork tenderloin is a quick cooking and versatile cut that takes beautifully to Asian inspired flavors. Marinating and cooking pork tenderloin in an Asian sauce produces a dish that is tender and juicy, packed with sweet and savory flavor. With just a few simple tricks, you can make restaurant-quality Asian pork tenderloin at home. Let’s walk through how to prep, marinate, cook and sauce pork tenderloin for amazing Asian style dishes.

Select the Right Size

Look for pork tenderloins that are about 1-1 1⁄2 pounds each. Anything larger may not cook evenly. One tenderloin can feed 3-4 people. Inspect the meat for freshness before purchasing.

Prep the Meat

Trim away any excess silverskin and fat from the tenderloin using a sharp knife. Pat the meat very dry with paper towels. Score the surface with shallow diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart.

Pound for Even Thickness

Place pork tenderloin between pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound to an even thickness, about 1⁄2 inch thick. This helps it cook faster.

Make a Flavorful Marinade

In a bowl or resealable bag, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger and garlic, chili sauce or paste, and cornstarch. Add the pork and turn to coat.

Marinate the Pork

Cover pork and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion. For quicker cooking, bring meat to room temperature before cooking.

Cook Over High Heat

Sear marinated pork over high heat on the grill or stovetop skillet to caramelize the outside while keeping the interior juicy. Grill for about 4 minutes per side. Pan sear 2 minutes per side then finish in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes.

Make an Asian Inspired Sauce

Simmer reserved marinade with chicken broth, vinegar, chili paste, and cornstarch to make a flavorful sauce for the cooked pork. Toss pork in sauce before serving.

Serve

Slice pork tenderloin and pour sauce over the top. Serve with rice, vegetables, kimchi, and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.

With the right prep and cooking techniques, pork tenderloin excels at absorbing sweet and savory Asian flavors. It cooks up quickly for easy weeknight meals packed with flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tenderloin should I buy?

1-1 1⁄2 pounds is ideal. Larger cuts may not cook evenly.

How long should I marinate the pork?

At least 30 minutes, but overnight gives the best flavor infusion.

What’s a good cooking method?

Grilling or pan searing followed by oven roasting work well to lock in juices.

Can I use an Asian marinade sauce from the store?

Yes, use it to marinate then to make a finishing sauce.

What sides go well with Asian pork?

Rice, stir fried veggies, kimchi, fresh herbs and spices.

With minimal prep and quick cooking, pork tenderloin is an easy canvas for Asian flavors. The result is a fast weeknight meal that still feels gourmet.