Indulge your taste buds with a culinary journey to Thailand right from your kitchen! This Thai Style Pork Loin with Peanut Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines the rich flavors of savory pork with a creamy, nutty sauce that will leave you craving more. In just 45 minutes, you can create a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast. Are you ready to elevate your cooking game and impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to be a hit at your dining table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork loin
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup water
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need 1 lb of pork loin, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1/4 cup of water. Also, prepare chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pork loin cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and well-blended sauce.
- Place the pork loin on a cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the sauce adhere better to the meat.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the pork loin in a crisscross pattern. This will allow the sauce to penetrate the meat more effectively, enhancing the flavor.
- Transfer the scored pork loin to a baking dish. Pour half of the peanut sauce over the pork, ensuring that it is well coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for later use.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the pork to cook through while keeping it moist.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and baste the pork loin with the pan juices. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the meat.
- Continue baking the pork loin uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This will ensure that the pork is cooked safely while remaining juicy.
- Once the pork is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
- While the pork is resting, reheat the reserved peanut sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- After resting, slice the pork loin into medallions and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the warmed peanut sauce over the sliced pork.
- Garnish the dish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro to add texture and a burst of flavor.
- Serve the Thai Style Pork Loin with Peanut Sauce alongside steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-trimmed pork loin for the best flavor and tenderness. If you can, look for one with a bit of marbling for added juiciness.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even more flavorful dish, consider marinating the pork loin in the peanut sauce for a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Don’t Skip the Scoring: Scoring the pork loin not only helps the sauce adhere better but also allows for more even cooking. Make sure to score it gently to avoid cutting too deep.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your pork is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for pork loin is 145°F (63°C), followed by a resting period.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t hold back on the garnishes! Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro not only enhance the presentation but also add a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve this dish with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed vegetables to balance the richness of the peanut sauce. A light cucumber salad can also provide a refreshing contrast.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they make for a fantastic sandwich the next day! Simply slice the pork and serve it on a bun with a drizzle of the peanut sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
