Spicy Pecan Pork
Spicy Pecan Pork features tender, breaded pork slices coated with pecans and mustard, offering a crunchy, flavorful dish ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice pork loin crosswise into 4 equal slices.
- Place meat between two sheets of plastic wrap; pound with flat side of a meat mallet to ¼-inch thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, combine beaten egg, beaten egg white, mustard, and red pepper.
- In another bowl, combine bread crumbs and toasted ground pecans.
- Coat pork slices in flour, then dip each in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the bread crumb and pecan mixture.
- In a 12-inch skillet, heat cooking oil over medium to medium-high heat.
- Add coated pork slices and cook uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender and just slightly pink, turning once.
- Add fresh hot peppers before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the pork slices in the mustard and red pepper mixture for a couple of hours before breading. If you want a nut-free option, substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour. Monitor the heat when cooking; medium-high is ideal to ensure a crispy coating without burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spicy Pecan Pork with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Spicy Rice A Roni, which complements the dish's heat. For a delightful finish, consider a light dipping sauce made from yogurt and herbs. This dish also works great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy 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 slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side or until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Pecan Pork contains roughly 402 calories, with 9g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other cuts like pork tenderloin or pork chops. Just ensure they are pounded to a similar thickness to maintain even cooking. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the meat.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add more ground red pepper or include finely chopped fresh hot peppers in the egg mixture. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side for extra kick.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the pork slices in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. This allows the coating to set, enhancing the crunchiness when cooked. Just be sure to cook them fresh for the best texture.
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).