What to serve with pork tenderloin? Whether you want your pork tenderloin grilled, roasted, pan-seared, sauteed, or braised there are many side dishes you can eat with it.
You can have your pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables, grains, salsa, salads, soups, or even grilled fruits. Here are some of the best pork tenderloin side dishes and recipe recommendations.
Kimchi (Fermented Napa Cabbage)
Grilled pork tenderloin with kimchi is the best combination you will ever experience. This combo is popular in Asian BBQ parties and even casual dining. The kimchi adds a tangy and spicy flavor to the dish that complements the savory taste of the grilled pork.
The fermentation process of kimchi not only adds flavor but also increases the nutritional value of the dish. Just like my ultimate favorite Korean kimchi stew.
When serving kimchi as a side dish for pork tenderloin, it is best to serve it cold or at room temperature. This allows the flavors of the kimchi to be more prominent and not get lost in the heat of the pork.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air-fried Brussels sprouts make for a delicious and healthy side dish when paired with succulent pork tenderloin. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the sprouts complement the tender and juicy pork perfectly, creating a balance of textures in each bite.
To prepare the Brussels sprouts, trim the ends and cut them in half. Toss them in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Place them in the air fryer and cook for about 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Perfectly cooked sprouts have a golden brown exterior and are fork-tender. The air fryer method allows for a crispy texture without the added fat and calories of deep frying.
Easy Fried Rice
Fried rice is a dish that is so versatile that you can add any protein of choice to it including pork tenderloin. Adding slices of pan-seared pork tenderloin to fried rice will turn it into a complete and satisfying meal.
You can replace the scrambled eggs with slices of pork or you can have them both.
Caesar Salad
To make a Caesar salad, traditional ingredients include chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and a homemade dressing made from olive oil, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
When serving Caesar salad as a side dish for pork tenderloin, it's best to make the salad just before serving to ensure that the lettuce stays crisp and the croutons retain their crunch. This also allows for the flavors of the salad to meld together and intensify, making for a more flavorful dish.
Creamy Potato Soup
A comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter evening. It is also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it can be reheated easily. The soup is versatile, you can add different vegetables or proteins to it to make it your own.
When serving the soup alongside a pork tenderloin, be sure to ladle a generous serving of the creamy soup into a bowl, and top it with a few slices of tender pork.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon feta is a unique and delicious side dish that will elevate any pork tenderloin. The sweetness of the watermelon and the tanginess of the feta complement the rich and savory flavors of the pork perfectly.
This dish can be served as a side dish or as a salad. You can also add some fresh herbs like mint or basil to add an extra layer of flavor. This dish can be prepared in advance and is perfect for a summer BBQ or a casual dinner party.
Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Spinach
This creamy plant-based pasta stuffed shell provides a perfect balance to most protein-rich dishes, making for a comforting and enjoyable meal. Serve them alongside a pork tenderloin seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
Campfire Veggies
One great way to prepare fire-roasted vegetables is to toss them in olive oil and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder before roasting them on a grill or in the oven. This gives them a nice char and a deep, rich flavor that is perfect for pairing with pork.
When it comes to serving these vegetables as a side dish for pork tenderloin, there are a few different options. One is to plate them alongside the pork, allowing the flavors to mingle and complement each other. Another is to toss them in with the pork, creating a delicious and hearty one-pan dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Grilled Fruits
Grilled fruits make a delicious and healthy side dish for pork tenderloin. The natural sweetness of the fruits pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pork, creating a balance of flavors that is sure to please any palate.
Here are the best fruits that you can grill and serve with pork tenderloin: pineapple, peaches, watermelon, apples, pears, apricots, and plums.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
These sweet and tasty tubers are a perfect complement to the smoky grilled pork tenderloin.
To prepare the sweet potatoes, first, peel and slice them into thick rounds. Then, toss them in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, thyme, or cinnamon.
Mashed Potato Pancakes
To make the pancakes, start by mixing leftover mashed potatoes, flour, and an egg to form a batter. Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve the pancakes alongside a pork tenderloin that has been seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Ranch Roasted Potatoes
Serve these ranch-roasted potatoes alongside your pork tenderloin for a delicious and well-rounded meal. The potatoes are perfect for soaking up any juices from the pork, making them a great complement to the main dish.
These potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with a bold ranch flavor.
Garlic Smashed Potatoes
These spuds are like your regular mashed potatoes, but with a garlic punch that will knock your socks off.
Picture this: tender, buttery potatoes that have been gently smashed to perfection, and infused with the heady aroma of garlic. It's like a love letter from your taste buds to your nose.
Easy Sweet Potato Curry
Not only does the sweetness of the potato complement the savory pork, but the curry spices add a depth of flavor.
Plus, it's a great way to add some color to your plate. Just imagine that beautiful orange sweet potato contrasting with the pink pork.
Easy Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
These vegetable kabobs are here to steal the show and complement that pork tenderloin like a boss. With a colorful medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and onion, these kabobs bring a fresh and vibrant flavor to the plate.
Easy Pico de Gallo
Made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime, it's the perfect complement to the rich, tender pork.
When it comes to pork tenderloin, it's the perfect sidekick - cutting through the richness of the meat.
Fresh Creamed Spinach
It's a creamy and flavorful side dish of baby spinach leaves in a rich and creamy sauce. This dish is usually served as a side dish with pork tenderloin, steak, roast chicken, or grilled fish.
The tender spinach leaves, coated in a silky sauce, provide a delicate balance to the bold flavor of the pork.
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Creamy mushroom sauce is a rich, savory sauce that is a combination of sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, and other ingredients. This sauce is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any dish, whether it's pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Air-fried green bean recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. This cooking method uses hot air to cook the beans, resulting in a crispy and crunchy exterior without the added fat and calories. It is an easy and quick way to prepare a side dish for any meal in a busy weeknight dinner.
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
A combination of the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the crispy, golden exterior of a fried ball.
Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
The key to making this salad is to use a variety of fresh and seasonal ingredients, including red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red cabbage, and fresh herbs like cilantro and basil.
This salad is perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for roasted pork tenderloin or potluck.
Farro Pilaf
Farro Pilaf is made from farro, a type of ancient grain that is rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins.
This dish is a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional rice pilaf. It is perfect for those who are looking for a tasty and nutritious way to add more whole grains to their diet.
Sous Vide Asparagus
This cooking technique involves sealing food in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooking it in a temperature-controlled water bath.
With sous vide asparagus, you can expect perfectly cooked, tender stalks with vibrant green color and crisp texture.
They're perfect to serve with pork tenderloin and other roasted or pan-seared mains like fish, steak and chicken.
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn, also known as Elote, is a popular street food in Mexico and has become a staple in Mexican cuisine. It is a simple dish that consists of corn on the cob that is grilled to perfection and topped with a delicious combination of spices, cheese, and chili powder.
Sauces and Glazes
Sauces and glazes can add depth and complexity to the taste of the pork tenderloin, elevating it from just a simple dish to a gourmet meal.
Some suggestions I can recommend are:
- sweet and tangy BBQ sauce
- honey and garlic glaze
- balsamic reduction
- peach and ginger chutney
- creamy apple and sage sauce
- apricot and thyme glaze
- cranberry and orange relish
- spicy peanut sauce
In conclusion, pork tenderloin is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. The key to finding the perfect complement to pork tenderloin is to consider the flavors and textures of each dish, as well as the overall meal. Whether you opt for classic comfort food or more contemporary options, there is sure to be a delicious and satisfying side dish to serve with your pork tenderloin.
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