Rice With Grilled Pork Medallions
Juicy grilled pork medallions paired with a flavorful wild and long grain rice medley, accented by black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This hearty dish combines tender meat with nutritious grains and vibrant flavors, ideal for a satisfying family dinner or entertaining guests seeking wholesome comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 (16 oz.) cans ready-to-serve reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 cup wild rice (uncooked) ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 1/2 cup long grain rice (uncooked) ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped tomato ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- grilled pork medallions ⓘ
- 1 Red Delicious apple, cut into 12 wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion and chopped celery in olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until tender.
- Add chicken broth and dried thyme; bring mixture to a boil.
- Rinse wild rice in 3 changes of hot water; drain.
- Add wild rice to broth mixture. Cover.
- Reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add black-eyed peas, long grain rice, chopped tomato, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, red pepper, and black pepper; cover and cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- While rice cooks, grill the pork medallions until cooked through.
- Serve the rice with grilled pork medallions and apple wedges on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using quinoa instead of wild rice for a nuttier flavor and added protein. If fresh parsley isn’t available, cilantro can be a great substitute. When grilling the pork medallions, marinating them for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic will enhance their flavor. This dish is perfect for a summer meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rice alongside the grilled pork medallions for a balanced meal. The fresh apple wedges add a sweet crunch that complements the savory flavors of the dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. For a refreshing drink, consider serving with a Fuzzy Navel Punch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Grilled Pork Medallions contains roughly 444 calories, with 10g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2106mg per serving (92% 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 brown rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for long grain rice, but be aware that it will increase the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes around 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all grains are tender.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the grilled pork medallions with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish completely plant-based while still being flavorful.
What can I serve with this dish?
This rice and pork dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple mixed greens salad. You can also serve it with a side of cornbread or garlic bread for a heartier meal. For dessert, consider something light like sorbet to cleanse the palate.
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).