Prairie Fresh® logo

Source: National Pork Board

PREP TIME

20 mins

COOK TIME

30 mins

SERVING SIZE

4

What You’ll Need

1 PrairieFresh® pork tenderloin, about 1 1/2 lbs, trimmed

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
10 oz. baby spinach, rinsed but not dried
1 small red bell pepper, roasted, seeded and diced (3/4 cup)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, dry
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided

Chimichurri
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, packed and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

To make chimichurri: Process all ingredients together in blender, occasionally stopping to scrape down sides, until smooth. Transfer chimichurri to a serving bowl, set aside (makes about 1/2 cup chimichurri). 

To make pork: Butterfly pork, cutting tenderloin lengthwise, stopping about a quarter inch from the bottom. Open pork, make a lengthwise cut on each meaty side, and open again so pork is about 5 inches wide. 

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook until shallot softens, about 1 minute. A handful at a time, stir in spinach, letting each batch wilt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is tender, about 3 minutes. Drain in sieve and let cool until easy to handle. Press hard on spinach mixture with spoon to remove excess liquid. Transfer to bowl and stir in bell pepper, cheese, breadcrumbs, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. Spread filling on pork. Roll up lengthwise and tie crosswise with kitchen twine (or unwaxed plain dental floss) in three or four places. Brush with remaining teaspoon oil and season with remaining salt and pepper. 

Prepare outdoor grill for indirect and direct cooking over medium-high heat (about 400 F.). Grill tenderloin over direct heat, with the lid closed, turning occasionally, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Move to indirect heat and continue grilling, with the lid closed, until the internal temperature is 145 F (medium rare) to 160 F (medium) on a digital meat thermometer, 17 to 22 minutes more. Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes. 

Remove twine. Cut tenderloin crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Serve with chimichurri on side. Leftover chimichurri can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. 

Serving Suggestion: Serve with roasted potato wedges and grilled asparagus.