Pork Tenderloin with Sesame-Lemon Crust over Warm Cauliflower-Leek Cream
🥓 Pork
Intermediate

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.

25 minPrep
35 minCook
60 minTotal
4Servings
Low CarbHigh ProteinDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 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

395 kcal
Calories
35 g
Protein
10 g
Carbs
24 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
7 g
Net carbs

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

DairyMustardSesame

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F.

  2. 2

    Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season it all over with 4 g salt and the black pepper.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, mix the white sesame seeds, lemon zest, and finely chopped garlic.

  4. 4

    Brush the pork tenderloin with Dijon mustard all over, then press on the sesame-lemon mixture to create an even crust.

  5. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 10

    Add the cooking cream, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 g salt. Blend until smooth and warm. Adjust seasoning if needed.

  11. 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 image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori 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
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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