Louisiana Pecan Pork
A flavorful Louisiana-inspired pork dish featuring tender pork, toasted pecans, and a tangy, spicy sauce, perfect for hearty dinners and gatherings with bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 lb. pork tenderloin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice pork tenderloin into 1-inch pieces and rinse well.
- Combine flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Roll the moist pork pieces in the flour mixture and set aside.
- Cook bacon pieces in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until translucent.
- In a separate large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add the floured pork pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, orange juice, lemon juice, dark brown sugar, and hot pepper sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the browned pork and onions; add the cooked bacon.
- Simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
- Stir in chopped toasted pecans just before serving.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. You can use chicken or turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option. If you want to add a bit of heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños into the onion mixture. Be sure to coat the pork pieces evenly to achieve a nice crust while frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Louisiana Pecan Pork over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Ma And Pa Green Beans for a colorful side dish. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. This dish also works well for meal prep, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with a lid to ensure it heats through evenly. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Louisiana Pecan Pork contains roughly 1002 calories, with 27g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2443mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
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, you can use pork loin or even pork chops, but cooking times may vary. Ensure that you adjust the cooking time to make sure the pork is cooked through. The key is to brown the meat well before adding the sauce for maximum flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce in the sauce mixture. You can also add red pepper flakes or diced fresh jalapeños while cooking the onions. Adjust to your taste preference for the perfect kick!
Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just heat the sauce and pork together until warmed through. This allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the dish's taste.
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).