Watermelon-injected Pork
Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Unique Watermelon Injection
Introduction
Watermelon-injected pork is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the savory taste of pork. The injection of watermelon marinade adds moisture and flavor to the pork tenderloin, making it a juicy and delicious main course.
History
The concept of injecting meat with marinades dates back centuries, with various cultures using different ingredients to enhance the flavor of their dishes. The idea of injecting watermelon juice into pork is a modern twist on this traditional cooking technique, creating a refreshing and unexpected flavor combination.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) pork tenderloin
- salt and pepper
Marinade
- 3 cups diced watermelon meat (approximately, to yield 2 cups juice)
- 3 jalapeños (leave jalapeño ribs and seeds in for maximum heat; remove for less)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup midori liqueur (optional)
How to prepare
Marinade
- Seed and puree watermelon and jalapenos in a blender.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve and return it to the blender.
- If you are not injecting the tenderloin, there is no need to strain the marinade.
- Add salt, sugar, and Midori liqueur.
- Blend for 2 minutes.
- Set aside 1 cup of the marinade for basting.
Pork
- Draw the marinade into a syringe-type injector.
- Poke and inject the marinade throughout the tenderloin.
- After marinating, season the meat with salt and pepper.
- Prepare coals on the grill and use a combination of direct and indirect heat: sear the tenderloin over direct heat to create grill marks, then move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without burning.
- For gas grills, turn the front burners on high to create grill marks, then move the tenderloin to the back.
- Baste the tenderloin periodically while cooking.
- Cook the tenderloin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) (despite your mother's warnings to cook pork to 170°F, 137°F (58°C) will kill off any harmful bacteria).
- Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into medallions.
Variations
- Substitute the pork tenderloin with chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative.
- Use different fruits such as pineapple or mango in the marinade for a tropical twist.
- Add herbs and spices like rosemary or garlic to the marinade for extra flavor.
Notes
- A food injector can be found in local food stores. For best results, inject the meat the day before and store in an airtight plastic bag with extra marinade. If you don't have an injector, poke a few holes with a fork in the pork and just marinate tenderloin overnight
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to strain the watermelon and jalapeno puree before using it as a marinade to remove any pulp or seeds.
- Inject the marinade into the pork tenderloin evenly to ensure that the flavor is distributed throughout the meat.
- Use a combination of direct and indirect heat when grilling the pork tenderloin to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the watermelon-injected pork with a side of grilled vegetables and a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a fruity cocktail to complement the flavors of the dish.
Cooking Techniques
Injecting the marinade into the pork tenderloin ensures that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Grilling the pork over direct and indirect heat creates a smoky flavor and caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Ingredient Substitutions
If Midori liqueur is not available, you can use white wine or apple juice as a substitute.
- For a spicier kick, use habanero peppers instead of jalapenos in the marinade.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the marinade and inject the pork tenderloin a day in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
- Store the marinated pork in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to grill.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the sliced pork tenderloin on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a visually appealing presentation. - Serve the dish on colorful plates or bowls to enhance the vibrant colors of the watermelon marinade.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the watermelon-injected pork with a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Serve it with a side of grilled peaches or pineapple to complement the fruity flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the pork in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- Approximately 250 calories per 3 oz serving of pork tenderloin
Carbohydrates
- Watermelon: 11.5g of carbohydrates per 1 cup diced
- Sugar: 200g of carbohydrates per 1 cup granulated
Fats
- Pork tenderloin: 6.2g of fat per 3 oz serving
Proteins
- Pork tenderloin: 22g of protein per 3 oz serving
Vitamins and minerals
Watermelon: High in vitamin C and vitamin A
- Pork tenderloin: Good source of iron and zinc
Alergens
Jalapenos: May contain allergens for some individuals
Summary
Watermelon-injected pork is a low-fat, high-protein dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
Summary
Watermelon-injected pork is a delicious and innovative dish that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the savory taste of pork. With a balance of flavors and nutrients, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends at your next gathering.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Watermelon-injected Pork. It was a hot summer day, and I was going through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, a handwritten note fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curiosity piqued, I picked it up and read the words scrawled in faded blue ink: "Watermelon-injected Pork - a recipe from my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins."
I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of watermelon and pork intrigued me. I knew that my grandmother had a knack for collecting unique recipes from various places and people over the years, so I decided to give it a try.
I remembered Mrs. Jenkins - a sweet, elderly lady who lived down the street from us when I was a child. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals and her generous spirit. I recalled how she would often invite me over to her house to help her bake cookies or make jam. Mrs. Jenkins had a special way of making even the simplest dishes taste extraordinary, and I was eager to recreate her watermelon-injected pork recipe.
I decided to pay a visit to Mrs. Jenkins to ask her about the recipe. As soon as she opened the door, I was enveloped in the warm aroma of fresh-baked bread and cinnamon. Mrs. Jenkins welcomed me with a smile and a hug, her eyes twinkling with delight.
"Oh, my dear, it's been so long since I've seen you!" she exclaimed. "Come in, come in. I was just about to make some tea. Would you like a cup?"
I accepted gratefully and followed Mrs. Jenkins into her cozy kitchen. As she brewed the tea, I couldn't help but ask her about the mysterious recipe for watermelon-injected pork.
Mrs. Jenkins chuckled and poured us each a cup of steaming tea. "Ah, that old recipe," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I learned it from a dear friend of mine many years ago. It's a bit unconventional, but I can assure you, it's absolutely delicious."
She went on to explain how the sweetness of the watermelon juice tenderized the pork and infused it with a unique flavor that was both savory and refreshing. Mrs. Jenkins shared her tips and tricks for preparing the dish, from marinating the pork in a mixture of watermelon juice, herbs, and spices to slow-roasting it in the oven until it was perfectly tender and juicy.
I listened intently, taking mental notes as Mrs. Jenkins shared her wisdom. She had a way of making even the most complicated recipes seem simple and approachable.
After our tea and conversation, Mrs. Jenkins sent me home with a bottle of fresh watermelon juice and a hand-written copy of the recipe. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.
The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. I marinated the pork in the watermelon juice, garlic, and herbs, letting it soak up all the flavors overnight. The following morning, I preheated the oven and carefully placed the pork in a roasting pan, drizzling it with more watermelon juice before covering it with foil and letting it cook low and slow.
As the aroma of roasting pork filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for Mrs. Jenkins and her warm, welcoming home. I knew that she would be proud to see me carrying on her legacy by cooking her beloved recipe.
Finally, after hours of anticipation, the pork was ready. I removed it from the oven and let it rest before slicing into it. The meat was tender and juicy, with a subtle sweetness that danced on my taste buds. The watermelon juice had worked its magic, infusing the pork with a delicate flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
I plated the pork and served it to my family, watching with bated breath as they took their first bites. To my delight, their faces lit up with delight as they savored the unique combination of flavors. They couldn't believe that watermelon could elevate a simple pork dish to such heights.
As we enjoyed our meal together, I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Jenkins and the invaluable lessons she had taught me about cooking and sharing food with loved ones. Her recipe for watermelon-injected pork had not only brought joy and flavor to our table, but it had also brought us closer as a family.
In that moment, I realized that the true magic of cooking lies not just in the ingredients and techniques, but in the stories and memories that we create around the table. Mrs. Jenkins had passed down not just a recipe, but a legacy of love and connection that would live on through each delicious bite.
And so, as I savored the last morsel of watermelon-injected pork, I knew that I would always cherish the memory of Mrs. Jenkins and the special bond we shared through food. Her recipe had become a part of my own culinary repertoire, a testament to the power of tradition and the joy of sharing a meal with those we hold dear.
Categories
| Cathy's Recipes | Jalapeno Pepper Recipes | Pork Tenderloin And Fillet Recipes | Watermelon Recipes |