Chinese Pork Roast Tenderloin

Prep: 240 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: Chinese

A flavorful Chinese-inspired pork tenderloin glazed with five-spice, garlic, and ginger, perfect for a savory dinner that impresses with tender slices and aromatic spices.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. pork tenderloin
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 tsp. Chinese five-spice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tsp. fresh ginger
  • 1/3 c. chicken broth
  • 1/4 c. dry sherry
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Stir together all ingredients, except meat.
  2. Pour marinade over the pork tenderloin and marinate, turning occasionally, for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
  3. Lift the meat from the marinade and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
  4. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the tenderloin.
  5. Roast, uncovered, in a 425°F oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
  6. Slice thinly across the tenderloin.
  7. Serve with hot mustard, ketchup, and toasted sesame seeds.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the marinade. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a suitable substitute. To enhance the aroma, try fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions as a garnish. This recipe can also inspire variations like Ginger Chicken Teriyaki or Baked Chow Mein for a delightful meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chinese Pork Roast Tenderloin alongside steamed jasmine rice and sautéed bok choy for a complete meal. For an added crunch, consider a side of sesame cucumber salad. The dish pairs beautifully with hot mustard and ketchup for dipping, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. For best results, avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chinese Pork Roast Tenderloin contains roughly 89 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

89 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 14.4g 5% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 425.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 7.1mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.6mcg
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 27.8mg 2% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, while pork tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness, you can use pork loin or even pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker cuts will require longer roasting. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 170°F for safe consumption.

How long can I marinate the pork?

Marinating for at least 4 hours is recommended, but for the best flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes can impart some flavor, but overnight allows the spices to penetrate deeply.

What can I serve with this dish?

In addition to rice and vegetables, consider serving this pork roast with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired meal. A light soy sauce or dipping sauce can complement the flavors well.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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