Savory Pork Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese
Perfect for Picnic Baskets! Chef Mikael’s ‘Pork Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese’ Recipe
Today, we’re making ‘Pork Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese,’ a dish that’s perfect for a picnic lunchbox. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender pork, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients- Pork tenderloin, approx. 300g (2 pieces)
- Salt, 2 pinches (for each tenderloin)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Mirin (cooking wine), 1 Tbsp (for each tenderloin)
- Scallions, 6 stalks
- Carrot, 1/4
- Mushrooms (e.g., button or shiitake), 2-3
- Smoked cheese, 60g
- Mozzarella cheese, 60g
- Mini dill pickles, 3
- Olive oil, 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare all the ingredients needed to make these delicious pork tenderloin rolls with cheese.
Step 2
For the pork tenderloin, carefully butterfly the thicker parts of the meat with a sharp knife to create a wider, flatter surface. This will help the pork cook evenly and make it easier to roll. * Be very cautious when using the knife to avoid cutting yourself. Ensure you don’t cut all the way through the meat.
Step 3
Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the butterflied pork. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy bottle, gently pound the meat to flatten it further into a thin, wide piece. This step ensures the seasonings penetrate well and results in a more tender texture.
Step 4
Season the flattened pork with 2 pinches of salt, a sprinkle of black pepper, and 1 Tbsp of mirin (cooking wine) per piece. Rub the seasonings in evenly. Mirin helps to tenderize the meat and reduce any porky odor.
Step 5
While the pork is marinating, prepare the filling ingredients. Thinly slice the mini dill pickles and the mushrooms. The crisp pickles and aromatic mushrooms will add a wonderful texture and flavor.
Step 6
Julienne the carrot into fine strips, about 0.5 cm thick. The natural sweetness of the carrots will beautifully complement the richness of the pork and cheese.
Step 7
Arrange 3 scallions, the julienned carrots, sliced smoked cheese, mushrooms, and pickles evenly over the seasoned pork. Finally, generously sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over everything for a wonderfully gooey center. Your filling is now ready!
Step 8
Now, carefully roll up the pork, starting from one end, just like making a sushi roll (kimbap). Tuck in the sides as you roll to ensure the filling doesn’t escape and to create a neat log. Press gently to keep the roll compact.
Step 9
To secure the roll, insert 2-3 toothpicks along the seam where the meat ends meet. This will prevent the roll from unraveling during cooking and help maintain its shape.
Step 10
Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the pork rolls seam-side down in the pan and cook, turning them occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through on all sides. * Cooking over gentle heat is crucial to ensure the pork is cooked all the way to the center without burning the outside.
Step 11
The cooking time in the pan can take approximately 30 minutes or more, depending on the thickness. If pan-frying seems too time-consuming, you can opt for an air fryer or oven. Preheat your air fryer or oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through. (Adjust cooking time based on your appliance.)
Step 12
Once cooked, slice the pork tenderloin rolls into bite-sized pieces, similar to how you would slice kimbap. This impressive dish is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
