If you’re looking to make an elegant, crowd-pleasing dish that combines flavors in a way that feels both rustic and sophisticated, prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin is a fantastic choice. It’s a dish that looks stunning on the plate and is easier to make than you might think. The delicate, salty prosciutto complements the mild flavor of pork tenderloin, while herbs and seasonings add depth and aroma. Let’s walk through this step-by-step to create a pork tenderloin dish that’s delicious, juicy, and perfect for special occasions.
Why Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of pork and is a versatile option for various cooking styles. Wrapping it in prosciutto not only elevates its presentation but also enhances the flavor profile. Prosciutto, a dry-cured Italian ham, has a slightly salty, savory flavor that complements the tenderness of the pork. Additionally, the thin layer of prosciutto helps seal in moisture, ensuring the pork doesn’t dry out during roasting.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound)
8-10 slices of prosciutto (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, and sage (about 1 tablespoon each, chopped)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Olive oil (for searing)
Kitchen twine (optional, for tying the pork)
Step 1: Prepping the Pork Tenderloin
Trim the Pork: Remove any silver skin or excess fat from the pork tenderloin with a sharp knife. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat and prevents toughness.
Season the Pork: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on all sides of the pork. Since prosciutto is naturally salty, go easy on the salt.
Spread Mustard and Garlic: Rub a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pork tenderloin. Mustard adds tanginess and helps the flavors adhere to the meat. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the mustard layer for added depth.
Step 2: Adding Herbs
For a fragrant, herb-infused flavor, sprinkle the fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage over the mustard and garlic layer on the pork tenderloin. These herbs add a beautiful aroma and enhance the taste of the dish. If you prefer other herbs, feel free to experiment with combinations like parsley, basil, or oregano.
Step 3: Wrapping with Prosciutto
Lay Out the Prosciutto: On a clean cutting board, lay out slices of prosciutto in a row, overlapping them slightly. Ensure the row is wide enough to wrap around the tenderloin completely.
Wrap the Pork: Place the pork tenderloin on top of the prosciutto slices and carefully roll it so that the prosciutto wraps snugly around the meat. If necessary, tuck any loose ends underneath the tenderloin.
Secure with Twine (Optional): For extra security, you can tie the wrapped tenderloin with kitchen twine at 1-2 inch intervals. This helps keep the prosciutto in place while it cooks, though it’s not always necessary if you wrap tightly.
Step 4: Searing the Tenderloin
Preheat the Pan: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Searing the pork locks in juices and adds a deliciously caramelized crust.
Sear the Pork: Place the prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin in the hot pan and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the prosciutto is lightly browned. Be gentle when turning the pork to avoid unraveling the prosciutto.
Prepare for Roasting: If your pan is oven-safe, you can transfer it directly to the oven. Otherwise, transfer the pork tenderloin to a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Roasting the Pork Tenderloin
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roast the Pork: Place the skillet or baking dish in the oven and roast the pork for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. This will yield a tenderloin that’s perfectly juicy with a slightly pink center.
Rest the Meat: Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more flavorful and tender when sliced.
Step 6: Serving the Dish
Slice and Plate: Use a sharp knife to slice the tenderloin into 1-inch-thick medallions. The cross-section should reveal a beautifully cooked, juicy center with a thin, crispy prosciutto layer on the outside.
Add Garnish: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an extra pop of color.
Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a creamy risotto. A light salad with arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.
Recipe Variations
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: For an extra twist, try stuffing the pork tenderloin with ingredients like spinach, cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes before wrapping it in prosciutto. Make a slit down the center of the tenderloin, stuff with your chosen ingredients, and then wrap in prosciutto.
Glazed Variation: To add a bit of sweetness, brush a thin layer of honey or maple syrup over the prosciutto before searing. This caramelizes beautifully during roasting, adding a sweet contrast to the salty prosciutto.
Wine Pairing: Consider serving this dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a white wine such as Chardonnay. These wines complement the savory notes of the pork without overpowering its delicate flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a significant difference in flavor and aroma. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, use dried ones but reduce the amount by half.
Avoid Overcooking: Pork tenderloin can quickly become dry if overcooked. Using a meat thermometer is essential for getting the right internal temperature.
Preheat Your Pan: Searing the tenderloin before roasting enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful golden color to the prosciutto. Make sure your pan is properly heated before adding the pork.
Final Thoughts
This prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin is a show-stopping main course that’s both flavorful and visually impressive. With its balanced flavors and beautiful presentation, this dish is sure to impress guests at a holiday dinner, a celebration, or even a cozy family meal. Simple enough to prepare but sophisticated enough to serve at any gathering, it’s a recipe worth adding to your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy this delicious, restaurant-quality meal that combines the best of Italian and rustic flavors in a dish that’s easy to make yet looks and tastes like a labor of love. Bon appétit!
Social Plugin