Category: PORK

GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS

GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS
6 bone-in pork chops
1 cup salad dressing Italian style
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce
1 LARGE lime juiced

  • Whisk together the Italian dressing, apple sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and lime juice.
  • Place pork chops in large container in a single layer.
  • Pour marinade over chops, cover and let chops marinate 8-12 hours.
  • Pre-heat grill to medium and oil grate
.
  • Remove chops from marinade.
  • Pour marinade into sauce pan and heat over medium heat to a SLOW boil
.
  • Let marinade boil for at least one minute then remove from heat
.
  • Place chops on grill and baste occasionally.
  • 
Grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side until browned and no longer pink
.

FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #4 ~ INSTA POT STICKY PORK LETTUCE WRAPS

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER:

God, You’re great! God, You’re good! Now we thank you for our food. By your blessings we are fed. Give us, Lord, our daily bread. Amen

INSTA POT STICKY PORK LETTUCE WRAPS
PICKLED ONIONS
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
FRESH ground sea salt, to taste
1 pinch of red pepper flakes
1 small red onion, halved and sliced thin

  • Bring the water, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper flakes to a boil in a small saucepan.
  • Place onions in a tempered bowl.
  • Pour vinegar mixture over onions and toss gently.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

PORK AND SAUCE
1/2 cup PACKED brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon FRESH ground ginger
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-4 pieces
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2/3 cup homemade chicken broth
1/4 cup Hoisin sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1-2 tablespoons Sriracha
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Bibb Lettuce leaves
Toasted sesame seeds
1 bunch green onions, sliced diagonally

  • Whisk together 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, ground ginger, Chinese 5 spice,
  • FRESH ginger, 1/2 of the green onions, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Add pork pieces, turning to coat well.
  • Add the oil to the insta pot and set to saute’.
  • When hot, add pork pieces and brown 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
  • Add broth to insta pot, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
  • Whisk in the Hoisin sauce, vinegar, chili sauce and Sriracha.
  • Return the pork to the pot.
  • Place lid on and set to lock. Make sure the valve is in the sealed position. Set to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes.
  • Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
  • Turn the valve to the venting position to vent any remaining pressure.
  • Turn the insta pot off and remove lid.
  • Remove pork to cutting board and shred.
  • Set insta pot back to saute and stir in remaining brown sugar.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and 3-4 tablespoons of the liquid from the insta pot.
  • Pour cornstarch mixture into the insta pot and whisk until smooth, stirring and cooking 10 minutes until thickened.
  • Season to taste.
  • Return the pork pieces and stir to coat.
  • Serve on lettuce leaves with pickled onions.
  • Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

BACON CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS

BACON CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS

A slightly sweet and garlicky glaze on these Hawaiian Roll Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders makes the best slider recipe! We’re always looking for easy ground beef recipes and these easy sliders take a burger to the next level.

1 package of 12 pack King’s Hawaiian roll sliders
4-6 slices bacon, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/3 cup diced red onion
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons butter melted
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Slice entire package of rolls (do not separate) in half and toast bottoms in broiler for 1-2 minutes.
  • Cook bacon until crisp.
  • Remove bacon pieces to paper toweling to drain.
  • Brown ground beef and onions in bacon drippings and then drain WELL.
  • Return meat mixture to the pan and lower heat to low.
  • Season with salt, pepper and dry mustard if using.
  • Stir in shredded cheese for 1 minute.

  • Sprinkle bacon on top.
  • Add slices of cheddar cheese and replace top half of rolls.
  • Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, onion and garlic powders.
  • Spoon or brush over the tops of the sliders.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
  • Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until rolls are lightly browned and cheese is melted.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!


RUSTIC CASSOULET (slightly updated)

RUSTIC CASSOULET
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces**
1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
1 pound Johnsonville beef sausage, cut into bite sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter
2 shallots, diced
4 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
1/4 cup FRESH minced Italian flat leaf parsley
28-ounces whole peeled tomatoes (seasoned, if you can find them)
14-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped thyme
1 cup Moscato white wine
1 +/- cups chicken stock
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs (fresh are best – I make them from baguettes )
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
FRESH ground sea salt and ground black pepper
2 cups pasta of choice (optional)
Crusty French Bread (optional)

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Brown the bacon until browned and crumbly in large saute skillet/dutch oven. 
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Add chicken and sausage pieces to bacon fat and brown on all sides.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from fat and set aside. 
  • Add the shallots, cooking 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic, sauteing a few minutes more until fragrant.
  • Add white wine and chicken stock, bringing to a boil. Turn heat off.
  • Add tomatoes and beans. 

  • Add meat back in.
  • Mix together crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme and 1 tablespoon melted butter together until well blended.
  • Spread crumb mixture over the top and bake covered for 30 minutes.
  • Remove cover and bake 5-10 minutes more until browned.

NOTES **

  • I sometimes cook the chicken thighs whole and then shred them – just depends on my mood.
  • You can change this into a thick soup/stew by eliminating the bread crumbs and adding 8 ounces (2 cups) of macaroni during the last 10-15 minutes. I then serve it with crusty bread for dipping.

PAN FRIED PORK STEAK & POTATOES

PAN FRIED PORK STEAK & POTATOES

2-4 criss cross cut boneless pork steaks
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian herbs
2 cups chopped Yukon potatoes
3/4 cup chopped carrots
1 SMALL bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons heavy cream

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Generously season pork steaks with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Rub pork steaks on both sides with oil.
  • Heat heavy skillet over medium high heat with remaining oil.
  • Sear steaks 3-4 minutes each side and then keep warm in oven while you prepare the potatoes.
  • Add onions to skillet and saute 2 minutes.
  • Add garlic and saute another 30 seconds or so until fragrant.
  • Add potato and carrot pieces, frying until fork tender and crisp on the edges.
  • Add in Italian herbs and sprinkle with paprika, stirring to coat and blend well.
  • Add water and heavy cream, simmering a few minutes until thickened.

MARINATED APRICOT PORK CHOPS with ROASTED VEGGIES and APPLES

MARINATED APRICOT PORK CHOPS with ROASTED VEGGIES and APPLES

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium turnip, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 red onion, cut into wedges/slices
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon chopped FRESH tarragon
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 SMALL Granny Smith apples, peeled (optional) cored, and sliced
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chopped FRESH sage
4 bone-in 1/2 inch thick pork loin chops
1 tablespoon butter

  • Preheat the oven to 450°.
  • Toss the carrots, turnip and onion with avocado oil, tarragon, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Arrange the apples on top, cut-side up.
  • Brush with 2 tablespoons apricot preserves and season with pepper.
  • Roast until the vegetables and apples soften, 20 minutes.

 

  • While veggies are roasting whisk together the remaining preserves, water, Worcestershire sauce, sage and FRESH ground pepper.
  • Place pork chops in a shallow platter, pierce the pork all over with a fork, pour marinade over top and marinate 10 minutes.

 

  • In a large skillet heat avocado oil over medium high heat.
  • Drain pork chops of marinade, but reserve the marinade.
  • Add pork chops to skillet and sear 3-4 minutes per side. Be sure to sear the edges also.

 

  • Transfer the marinade to a saucepan and boil over medium-high heat until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  • Whisk in the butter.
  • Drizzle over the pork.
  • Serve with the vegetables and apples.

RANCH PORK CHOP SHEET PAN SUPPER

RANCH PORK CHOP SHEET PAN SUPPER adapted from REE
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 
2 + 1 tablespoons ranch dressing mix 
2 + 1 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped thyme leaves
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste 
4 boneless 1/2 inch thick pork chops  
1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved 
2 large carrots, cleaned and sliced diagonally

  • Preheat the oven to 475°.
  • Toss the potatoes and carrots with 1 tablespoon of oil, melted butter and 1 tablespoon of the ranch dressing mix and FRESH ground pepper, tossing to coat well.
  • Bake 10 minutes.
  • Whisk together the honey, Worcestershire, 2 tablespoons of the ranch dressing mix, fresh thyme leaves, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and FRESH ground pepper in a small bowl.
  • Brush the mixture over the chops on both sides and place in a single layer on one side of a sheet pan.
  • Bake 15 minutes.
  • Flip pork chops, toss potatoes and carrots with remaining honey mixture.
  • Bake 5-7 minutes more until vegetables are browning and pork is cooked through.

SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS adapted from Tyler Florence
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
4 pork chops, 3/4-inch thick, bone-in
1/4 cup avocado oil
1 cup beef bone broth
1/2 cup buttermilk
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

  • Pat pork chops dry to remove excess moisture.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  • Combine the flour, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne in a shallow bowl for a dredge.
  • Dredge pork chops in the seasoned flour; shaking off the excess.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat and coat with avocado oil.
  • Place the pork chops in the pan in a single layer and fry for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Remove the pork chops from the pan and add 1-2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour to the pan drippings.
  • Whisk the flour into the fat to dissolve and then pour in the broth. Let the liquid cook down for 3-5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
  • Whisk in the buttermilk to make a creamy gravy and return the pork chops to the pan, covering them with the sauce.
  • Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the pork is cooked through.
  • Adjust seasoning and garnish before serving.

BEEF YAKISOBA

BEEF YAKISOBA

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1/2 pound shaved top sirloin steak
6 ounces soba noodles, prepared per package directions
3/4 – 1 inch chunk of ginger, cleaned and minced
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
6 mushrooms, clean and sliced
1/4 cup Yakisoba sauce (recipe below)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

  • Heat oil over medium-high heat in large skillet.
  • Add steak strips and stir fry 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. With a slotted spoon remove to a plate.
  • Add mushrooms, sautéing 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  • Add ginger and snap peas, sautéing another 2-3 minutes until peas are crisp-tender.
  • Return beef and half of the scallions to the pan, stirring to mix.
  • Add noodles and toss well.
  • Whisk together the water, beef stock and yakisoba sauce.
  • Add to pan and toss to coat in sauce as you heat through 1-2 minutes.
  • Garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds.

HOMEMADE YAKISOBA SAUCE

4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (If you can find it, the Japanese brand “Bulldog” Worcestershire sauce is milder and less sour than Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce)
4 teaspoons oyster sauce
4 teaspoons ketchup (Some ketchup is sweeter than others, adjust accordingly for flavor)
2 teaspoons Bragg’s Liquid amino (less sodium than soy sauce, but same flavor)
2 teaspoons sugar (Adjust as needed)

  • Whisk all the ingredients together.
  • TASTE and adjust to your liking.
  • Set aside.
You can store in a mason jar or airtight container for up to a month.

WHITE BEAN, CHICKEN & SAUSAGE STEW/SOUP

WHITE BEAN, CHICKEN & SAUSAGE STEW
1 Johnsonville beef sausage, cut into 1/4-1/2 inch slices
1-2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite size chunks **(see notes)
2 + 1 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 onion, chopped or 1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
2 medium carrots, peeled, halved and sliced into half moons
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped FRESH parsley
1 tablespoon chopped FRESH thyme
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can white Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
3-4 cups chicken broth **(see notes)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon Garlic salt
1 baguette, cut or torn into bite sized pieces
Parmesan cheese, garnish

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add sausage pieces and cook 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove from pan to drain off excess grease.
  • Season chicken pieces with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Add to pan and sear 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken pieces and add to sausage to drain.
  • Add remaining oil to pan along with the onions, carrots and celery mirepoix to saute 3-4 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes with their juice, rinsed beans and chicken stock, stirring to blend.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil, turn down heat and simmer 10-15 minutes more.
  • Return meats to pan along with Parsley and Thyme, stirring to blend and coat meat pieces with sauce.
  • While stew is simmering, make the croutons.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Melt butter and whisk in garlic salt.
  • Toss croutons to coat in butter mixture.
  • Transfer bread pieces to sheet pan. Broil until golden, about 2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Serve with croutons and Parmesan sprinkle.

NOTES:

  • If you prefer a soup to a stew, use the 4 cups of chicken stock.  Otherwise use 3 +/- cups to your desired consistency.
  • Often I substitute turkey breast or even rotisserie chicken pieces. If you use rotisserie chicken pieces, wait to add them until you are adding the sausage back in.

SWEET & SMOKEY PORK TENDERLOIN with CHERRY SAUCE and APPLE CARROT SLAW

SWEET & SMOKEY PORK TENDERLOIN with CHERRY SAUCE and APPLE CARROT SLAW

PORK
3/4 pound pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon of Smokey Cinnamon Spice rub

  • Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°.
  • Rub pork with a large drizzle of oil.
  • Season generously all over with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Reserve ¼ teaspoon of the spice rub in a small microwave-safe bowl for later.
  • Rub pork all over with remaining spice.
  • Place pork on a baking sheet and roast on middle rack until cooked through, 18-20 minutes.
  • Let rest 5 minutes after removing from oven.
  • Let rest 5 minutes under aluminum foil.

SLAW
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
scant 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup shredded carrots
1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
2-3 green onions, sliced thin
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar.
  • Add carrots and toss to coat.
  • Set aside to marinate 10 minutes.
  • Add apples and toss to coat.
  • Add onions and season with FRESH ground sea salt and pepper to taste.

SAUCE
reserved spice rub
1/2 teaspoon champagne vinegar
4 tablespoons cherry jam** (see notes)
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon butter

  • To the bowl with the reserved spice add the jam and remaining vinegar; stirring to combine.
  • Microwave until warm, 30-45 seconds.
  • Stir in butter until melted.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Blend in sour cream.

SMOKEY CINNAMON SPICE RUB
1/2 teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons sugar

  • Whisk together.

ASSEMBLY

  • After pork is rested, slice pork crosswise.
  • Drizzle sauce over pork and serve.

NOTES: Jam can be any flavor that goes with pork. I happened to have apricot in the refrigerator tonight when I made this so color is off a bit from a cherry red. 😀

FENNEL CRUSTED PORK MEDALLIONS with ROASTED POTATOES and LEMON MINT GRAVY

FENNEL CRUSTED PORK MEDALLIONS with ROASTED POTATOES and LEMON MINT GRAVY

Fennel-Crusted Pork Medallions with Roasted Potatoes & Green Beans
Fennel seeds are an aromatic spice, used in savory (and sometimes sweet!) preparations. The seed comes from the fennel plant, a flowering vegetable plant that is part of the carrot family. Here, we use these seeds to make juicy fennel-crusted pork medallions served alongside roasted potatoes and crisp green beans for comfort food at its best.

adapted from Jennie Perillo at Marley Spoon

3/4 cup chicken stock
3/4 pound pork tenderloins
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped mint
1/2 pound green beans
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Yukon gold potatoes
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour
1+ 1 + 1 tablespoon avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 + 1 tablespoons butter

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • Arrange rack in lower half of the oven.
  • Cover sheet pan in foil for easy clean up.
  • Scrub potatoes, then cut into even sized wedges.
  • Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon avocasdo oil and season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Roast 12 minutes until potatoes are golden.
  • While potatoes are roasting clean wash, trim and cut green beans.
  • Toss beans with 1 teaspoon avocado oil, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, half of the minced garlic, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Flip potatoes and add green beans to baking sheet along with the potatoes. Roast for another 10 minutes.

  • Cut pork tenderloin into 4 equal sized pieces and flatten with a meat mallet to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  • Generously season pork tenderloins with FRESH ground sea salt, black pepper and the crushed fennel seeds.
  • While vegetables are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium high heat in large skillet.
  • Add pork to hot skillet and sear for 2 minutes on each side.
  • Return pork tenderloins to cutting board and cover with foil to rest while you prepare the gravy.
  • Sprinkle pan with flour and whisk to blend.
  • Add chicken stock, remaining garlic and remaining lemon juice to skillet, simmering to slightly thicken.
Whisk in remaining mint and 1 tablespoon butter.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce reduces slightly, about 2 minutes.
  • Season to taste and serve immediately.