Garlic-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin for Two

Prep Time: 13 minutes
Rest Time: 45 minutes
Grill Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes

Grade: A-

Make Again: Yes

Recipe Source: Cook's Illustrated (June 2014)

This was a unique way of preparing pork tenderloin. Instead of leaving it in it's original shape you cut in half and pound the two pieces into 3/4" steaks. This allowed for a lot of good surface area and it tasted great. I didn't love the marinade because it was a little tart. Next time I will try substituting orange zest and juice for the lime and adding ginger instead for the other version of this recipe.

Pork and Apple Stew

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Grade: A-

Make Again: Yes
 
Recipe Source: Everyday Food (January 2003)

I've been trying to make some of my original favorites from Everyday Food. Recipes that I tried when the magazine first came out and that made me love the magazine. This is from the very first issue, and I remember loving this recipe, even though I was skeptical of the apples. I made it several times, but I haven't made it for years.

So, I made it again, and I only used one Granny Smith apple. Unfortunately, the apple part was very unappealing to me this time. I'm not sure why. I cooked it the 10 minutes called for, but I may have cut the pieces too small, because it was very soft.

I'm not sure what I will do the next time I make this. Maybe skip the apples (the potatoes, pork and cabbage are enough) or maybe just use a smaller apple with small pieces that I add at the last moment with the pork so the pieces stay crisp and are just an accent.

Regardless, I will make this again on occasion, because I do like it overall. 

Lighter Pulled Pork

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Grade: B

Make Again: Maybe

Recipe Source: Everyday Food (March 2009)

This was not bad, but the sauce was pretty bland for me. I would make again but try to spice up a bit more. (I didn't make the slaw from the recipe, just the sandwich.) It is definitely a leaner pork sandwich, so that is nice, but maybe not the best use for pork tenderloin. I had some I had to use up, though, and no time, so this recipe is a good one for that situation.

Pork Tenderloin Roast

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Grade: A-

Make Again: Yes

Recipe Source: Cook's Country (???? 2008

I am pretty sure this recipe came from Cook's Country, but not positive, because I could not find it on their site. However, the Best of 2009 book made it appear it was from the magazine. Maybe it hasn't been published there yet.

It was good and easy. You butterfly two pork tenderloins, spread with filling and roll them up together. The filling was flavorful with mustard, butter, and herbs. I used less butter and that was fine, because some of it did leak out anyway.

Stir Fried Pork Scallions and Peppers with Garlic Sauce

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Grade: C+

Make Again: No

Recipe Source: Cook's Illustrated (April 2007)

I wasn't too in love with this recipe. I just wasn't getting much flavor out of the sauce. It helped when I added some soy sauce. It wasn't bad, but since most of the other CI stir fry recipes I've used have been outstanding, this one just doesn't compare for me. It came from the Best Light Recipe also - maybe their efforts to lighten took away too much for me.

Soba Noodles with Pork

Total Time: 29 minutes

Grade: B

Make Again: Probably not

Recipe Source: Best 30-Minute Recipes

I replaced the mushrooms (stir-fried) with broccoli (steamed in skillet), to suit my tastes. This was good and fine, and I did finish in less than 30 minutes, for once. But, it left my kitchen a disaster. I need to allow myself more time to prep and clean before I start cooking. If it takes 10 minutes more, it will save me 10 minutes later when I'm cleaning up, and I'll feel less stressed!

The flavors were fine on this, but nothing special, so I do think I will stick with other favorite stir-fry recipes.

Pork Bulgogi

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Grade: A

Make Again: Yes

Recipe Source: Everyday Food (Jan/Feb 2004)

This is very good but a little too spicy for me. I need to use less red pepper.

6 small cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. soy sauce
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper (or less)
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 lb pork tenderloin, very thinly sliced
1 large onion, cut into 12 wedges
1 Tablespoon olive oil
sesame seeds, toasted (optional)

1. Combine first 6 ingredients in bowl. Add pork and marinate for at least 10 minutes.

2. Heat oil over medium heat. Cook pork and onions in 3 batches, 3-5 minutes per batch. Discard extra marinade.

3. Return all batches to skillet to warm. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve over rice or with lettuce leaves.

Pork Cutlets Parmesan

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Grade: C

Make Again: No

Recipe Source: Everyday Food (January 2004)

This recipe tastes fine, but I think I will stick to using chicken cutlets for this type of meal. It seems a waste of good pork tenderloin and I prefer the taste of chicken breaded. Also, this recipe didn't seem to provide enough breading ingredients, so it didn't work perfectly for me. Finally, this type of recipe makes a bit of a mess and requires more clean up than average.