Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Recipe

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of apple juice with the warmth of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of the Caribbean. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in Caribbean cuisine is a reflection of the region's rich history of trade and cultural exchange.

Ingredients

2 (0.75 lb (340 g)) pork tenderloins, trimmed of visible fat
vegetable cooking spray
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp barbecue sauce
1 tsp minced garlic (1 medium clove)
0.13 tsp ground cinnamon
0.13 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (use cayenne pepper for extra heat)
0.13 tsp ground cloves
0.25 tsp grated fresh ginger
0.25 tsp ground thyme
French baguettes or sourdough French baguettes or rolls

How to prepare

Coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the tenderloins and cook for about 10 minutes or until they are browned, turning occasionally.
In a bowl, combine the apple cider or juice with the remaining ingredients.
Pour the mixture over the tenderloins.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the tenderloin.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer covered for about 40 minutes or until the thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).
Occasionally baste the tenderloins with the pan juices.
Once done, remove the tenderloins to a cutting board and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
While the tenderloins are resting, heat the juices to boiling and cook until they are reduced to a thick syrupy sauce, which should take about 10 minutes.
Slice the tenderloins diagonally across the grain into thin slices.
Serve the sliced pork on a baguette or roll that has been sliced in half lengthwise.
Top the sliced pork with the sauce.

Variations

Add sliced pineapple or mango to the sandwich for an extra tropical twist.
Use jerk seasoning instead of the spice mixture for a spicier version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the tenderloins before simmering them in the apple juice mixture to lock in the flavors.

- Basting the tenderloins with the pan juices while simmering will help keep them moist and flavorful.

- Let the tenderloins rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the tenderloins in the apple juice mixture helps infuse them with flavor and keeps them moist.

- Slicing the tenderloins diagonally across the grain ensures a tender and easy-to-eat sandwich.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use pork loin chops or chicken breasts instead of pork tenderloin.

- Substitute apple cider for apple juice for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the tenderloins in the apple juice mixture overnight for even more flavor. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sliced pork on a platter with the reduced sauce drizzled over the top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches with a cold beer or a fruity rum cocktail for a true taste of the Caribbean.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (from the barbecue sauce) and gluten (from the French rolls).

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of apple juice with warm spices. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner. Enjoy the taste of the Caribbean with this mouthwatering sandwich!

How did I get this recipe?

, it was a warm summer day in the Caribbean. I was visiting a small, bustling market in the heart of the island, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the vibrant culture that filled the air. As I browsed the stalls, the smell of sizzling pork caught my attention and led me to a small food vendor tucked away in a corner.

The vendor, a kind and welcoming woman with a warm smile, was busy tending to a large grill filled with marinated pork tenderloins. The aroma of the spices and herbs she used filled the air, enticing me to stop and watch her work. Intrigued by the flavors and techniques she employed, I struck up a conversation with her and soon found myself learning the secrets of her famous Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin recipe.

As she showed me how to marinate the pork in a mixture of tropical spices, herbs, and a splash of citrus, I was captivated by her passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving the traditional flavors of the Caribbean. She explained that the key to the dish was the marinade, which infused the pork with a depth of flavor that was both bold and complex.

After marinating the pork for several hours, she expertly grilled the tenderloins until they were perfectly charred and caramelized, locking in the savory juices and creating a mouthwatering aroma that filled the market. As she assembled the sandwiches with grilled pineapple slices, tangy mango salsa, and a dollop of spicy aioli, I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary gem that I couldn't wait to recreate in my own kitchen.

Back home, I gathered the ingredients needed to replicate the recipe, drawing upon the memories of that sunny day in the Caribbean and the flavors that had danced on my taste buds. As I marinated the pork and fired up the grill, I felt a sense of connection to the vendor and the generations of cooks who had passed down these traditional recipes through the ages.

As the pork sizzled on the grill, filling my kitchen with the fragrant scents of the Caribbean, I thought back to my own grandmother and the recipes she had taught me over the years. Each dish held a story, a memory, and a piece of history that had been passed down through the generations, linking me to my heritage and the rich tapestry of flavors that defined our family's culinary legacy.

When the sandwiches were assembled and ready to be served, I took a bite and was transported back to that bustling market in the Caribbean, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a culture that was as vibrant and colorful as the flavors on my plate. The tender pork, grilled to perfection, was complemented by the sweet and tangy pineapple, the refreshing mango salsa, and the fiery kick of the aioli, creating a harmony of tastes that danced on my palate.

As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the journey that had led me to this moment, to this recipe, and to the countless stories and memories that had shaped my love for cooking. I knew that I would continue to share this recipe with my family and friends, passing on the tradition and the flavors of the Caribbean to the next generation, just as the vendor had done for me that fateful day in the market.

And so, as I sat down to enjoy my Caribbean-style Pork Tenderloin sandwich, I reflected on the power of food to connect us to our past, to celebrate our heritage, and to bring joy and nourishment to those we love. In that moment, surrounded by the echoes of a distant memory and the flavors of a distant land, I knew that I had found a recipe that would forever hold a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.