Pork Tenderloin with Quinoa and Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
- 600g Pork Tenderloin
- Salt (as required)
- Black Pepper (as required)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Cups Quinoa
- 3 Cups Spinach
- 1 Lemon (for zest and juice)
- 1 Cup Sliced Almonds
- 2 Spring Onions
- 6 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees (220°C).
- Season the pork tenderloin with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the pork tenderloin until it’s browned on all sides.
- Transfer the tenderloin into the oven and roast for about 15- 20 minutes, until the pork is cooked (145°F-160°F).
- While it’s cooking, prepare the quinoa as per packet instructions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sliced almonds, sliced spring onions, and spinach leaves.
- In a smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing lemon zest, lemon juice, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Mix it well, then stir it into the quinoa salad.
- Once the pork is cooked, let it rest a few minutes before slicing it into thin pieces.
Nutritional Content per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 51g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbs: 27g
Plating:
Arrange a hearty scoop of the quinoa and spinach salad to one side of the plate, creating an enticing bed of greens studded with quinoa and almond slices. Nestle a few slices of the pork tenderloin next to it, showcasing the juicy, sliced pieces of meat. Drizzle a little of the leftover soy-sesame dressing over the pork and salad. The final dish should have a balance of colors: the green spinach, red quinoa, and lightly browned pork, with sparkling almond slices adding a burst of texture and an additional layer of visual appeal. Enjoy this nutritional powerhouse of a dish with a spritz of fresh lemon if desired.