Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions is an easy dish for a weeknight supper. First, you have to know what to buy. All four-legged animals have a muscle, called the loin, that runs along either side of the backbone. In a steer, this muscle represents itself as a rib-eye in the rib section and with a pig, it’s center-cut pork chop, around the waist of a pig — if a pig had a waist.

The legs get much more exercise, are less tender, and are best prepared with low and slow, longer cooking times. Think pot roast, stews, and pulled pork made from the shoulder. (There are several different types of ribs – for more information, check out my Five Great Recipes for BBQ ribs.) The loin muscle doesn’t get much exercise and therefore it is fairly tender and appropriate for shorter cooking times. Think steaks and chops. The tenderloin is below the loin and gets even less exercise.

Get the Skinny

The skinnier, more tapered end of the pork tenderloin known as the tail, starts around the back of the rib cage and ends in the sirloin area, nearest the hips. This muscle gets even less exercise than the loin and is even more tender, hence its name. Pork tenderloin is great for a weeknight supper. It’s also is one of the leanest and most tender cuts of pork. That means dinner you can feel good about! It has a mild flavor, so it’s best when prepared with an added spice rub, marinade, stuffing or flavorful sauce or side, like these sauteed apples and onions.

What to Buy

Typically, pork tenderloin weighs between ¾ and 1 ½ pounds. Make sure to look closely at the package when you are buying the tenderloin. Some of the packaged tenderloins that are labeled “natural” have up to 30 percent added “flavor solution,” which basically means you are paying for water and salt. Stay clear of the pre-made marinated ones, as well. It’s just more salt. The way I look at it is that you’re better off brining it yourself.

How to remove the Silverskin

Once you remove the pork tenderloin from its packaging you will see a silver to white connective tissue on one side of the meat called silverskin or fell. The correct anatomical name for this is fascia, a membrane that holds together the muscle bundles. It does not add any flavor, doesn’t dissolve, and can be tough when cooked.

To remove the silverskin: insert the tip of a sharp boning knife just under the membrane about 1/2 inch from the edge or end of the pork tenderloin where it begins or ends. Concentrate on keeping the knife closer to the membrane than the meat and pulling up slightly with the knife, run the knife along the length of meat to remove. Repeat the process until no silver skin remains.

What Temperature to Cook Pork

All pork must be sufficiently cooked to eliminate disease-causing parasites and bacteria. Humans may contract trichinosis, caused by a parasite, by eating undercooked pork. (Truth is this is seldom found in pigs in the US and more often in wild game, but better safe than sorry.) However, today’s pork can be safely enjoyed when cooked to an internal temperature of 145° F followed by a 3-minute rest as measured with a food thermometer. The meat will be pale pink, moist, and tender. That means it will be a little pink. It’s okay! If your family is dubious, just cover it with the apples and onions. 😉

Thanks so much for reading. Let me know what you think if you give my Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions a try!

Bon Appétit Y’all!

Virginia Willis

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Pork with Apples and Onions

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Author: Virginia Willis

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