This Pork with Orange-Basil Sauce is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that brings a burst of citrusy freshness to your table. Tender slices of pork tenderloin are seared until golden and then simmered in a glossy sauce made from pineapple-orange juice, fresh garlic, and aromatic basil. The natural sweetness of the fruit juice balances perfectly with the savory pork and herbal notes, creating a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Serve this bright, aromatic main course over buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Pork With Orange-Basil Sauce
Description
This Pork with Orange-Basil Sauce is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that brings a burst of citrusy freshness to your table. Tender slices of pork tenderloin are seared until golden and then simmered in a glossy sauce made from pineapple-orange juice, fresh garlic, and aromatic basil. The natural sweetness of the fruit juice balances perfectly with the savory pork and herbal notes, creating a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Serve this bright, aromatic main course over buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.Ingredients
Directions
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Trim excess fat from the pork tenderloin and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch thick medallions.
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Season the pork slices generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add pork slices to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned and no longer pink inside.
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While the pork cooks, zest one orange to obtain approximately 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple-orange juice, chopped garlic, cornstarch, dried basil leaves, and grated orange peel until completely smooth and blended.
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Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked pork.
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Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
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Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Divide the pork and sauce evenly among 4 dinner plates.
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Garnish with fresh orange slices and sliced green onion before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 89.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.3g4%
- Saturated Fat 0.6g3%
- Cholesterol 19.7mg7%
- Sodium 15.9mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 9.1g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
- Sugars 5.2g
- Protein 7.4g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of coleslaw also pairs well.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan, though stirring well is usually sufficient.
For a fresher herbal note, substitute 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil leaves for the dried basil.
Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the pork to get a good sear and prevent sticking.
