
Pork Tenderloin with Sesame-Lemon Crust over Warm Cauliflower-Leek Cream
An original pork dish with contrasting textures: golden pork tenderloin with an aromatic sesame-lemon crust, served over a silky cauliflower and leek cream. Elegant, balanced, and perfect for a special main course without being overly complicated.
Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.
Ingredients
- 700 g pork tenderloin (limpio and without exceso of grasa)
- 30 g white sesame seeds (for the crust)
- 2 cdta lemon zest (finely grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped finely)
- 20 g Dijon mustard (for adherir the crust)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 500 g cauliflower (en floretes)
- 180 g leek (sliced finas, solo parte blanca and verde clara)
- 15 g butter (for the cream)
- 240 ml chicken broth (low sodium if possible)
- 120 ml cooking cream (or nata ligera)
- 15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 8 g chives (chopped fino for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F.
- 2
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season it all over with 4 g salt and the black pepper.
- 3
In a small bowl, mix the white sesame seeds, lemon zest, and finely chopped garlic.
- 4
Brush the pork tenderloin with Dijon mustard all over, then press on the sesame-lemon mixture to create an even crust.
- 5
Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2 to 3 minutes per side, being careful not to burn the sesame seeds.
- 6
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pork for 14 to 18 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 63 °C / 145 °F. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 8 minutes before slicing.
- 7
While the pork cooks, place the cauliflower in a pot with enough water to cover it. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until very tender. Drain well.
- 8
In another saucepan, heat the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil with the butter over medium heat. Add the leek and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring, until soft and fragrant.
- 9
Add the cooked cauliflower to the saucepan with the leek, pour in the chicken broth, and cook for 3 more minutes so the flavors combine.
- 10
Add the cooking cream, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 g salt. Blend until smooth and warm. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- 11
Slice the pork tenderloin into thick medallions. Spoon the warm cauliflower-leek cream onto each plate, top with the pork, and finish with chopped chives.
Chef tips
For a better-adhering crust, press the sesame mixture on with your hands right after brushing on the mustard. If you want an extra silky texture, pass the cauliflower cream through a fine sieve after blending.
Substitutions
You can replace the cooking cream with extra broth and an additional drizzle of olive oil for a dairy-free version. The leek can be replaced with mild white onion, and the chives with fresh parsley.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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