So you’ve mastered the art of cooking the so-called filet mignon of pork, moist and delicate pork tenderloin, and now you’re staring down a load of luscious leftovers. Whether it’s a next-day ragu or an elegant take on the classically rustic shepherd’s pie, here are four ways to savour your scraps, because those succulent pieces of pork tenderloin are about to have their second coming.
1. Build a Quickie Shepherd’s Pie
Kick your recipe for humble shepherd’s pie up a notch by swapping in shredded pieces of leftover pork tenderloin. Start with a base of peas and corn in a broth gravy, then layer with leftover pork tenderloin and top with creamy mashed potato. Bake until the top layer browns and forms a gentle crust.
Get the recipe for Rachael Ray’s 30-Minute Shepherd’s Pie
2. Make a Ragu
Whip up a company-worthy pasta dish for a cozy stay-at-home Friday night dinner. With pre-cooked pork, it can come together in virtually no time. Start the sauce by frying up some bacon and then sautéing garlic, onion, carrot and celery in some of the reserved fat. Add a splash of red wine, canned plum tomatoes, fresh rosemary and bay leaf. Throw chopped pork into the simmering tomato sauce and let it bubble away until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve over tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta or even creamy polenta. Finish with chopped fresh basil, parsley and a drizzle of your best olive oil.
Related: Make These Soft and Fluffy BBQ Pork Bao Buns
3. Whip Up Some Fried Rice
This dish is perfect if you don’t have much leftover tenderloin, since it won’t take much to make a hefty portion of fried rice. Fry any mix you like; we like a combination of rice mixed with eggs, sliced green onions, ginger and even tofu. You can swap the hot dogs in the below recipe for leftover pork tenderloin.
Get the recipe for Hot Dog Fried Rice
4. Shred in a Taco
As if you needed an excuse, leftover pork tenderloin practically insists you celebrate Taco Tuesday (or Wednesday). Use the prongs of two forks to shred cold pork tenderloin for a quick carnita-style taco. Heat the pork quickly in a pan and then pile it high on a warm corn or flour tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, chopped tomatoes, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, your favourite hot sauce and a generous squeeze of lime.
Looking for more tasty ideas? These juicy pork chop recipes are ready in less than 30 minutes!