Pork chops, as with other lean beef or lamb cuts, is generally around loin cut taken parallel to the shoulder and typically containing at least a third of the pork rib or vertebrae. Also, pork chops come in various sizes and varieties, ranging from the very small, called a pork tenderloin, to the very large, such as the steer shank. Pork chops are typically leaner and more unprocessed than most other cuts of beef. Often, pork chops are served as a large individual meal. Many pork chops and tenderloins are also made into sirloin steaks. These are cut into small pieces and serve as a sandwich in sandwiches or wraps.
Pork chops are often used for barbecue recipes, as well as a meat alternative for the vegetarian in your family. They are often served in place of hamburger or other popular meats. You can either cook them fresh or use a pork tenderloin as a marinade for a number of different dishes and marinades, such as the Chinese cabbage wrap.
Use It In Many Ways
Because pork tenderloin is so versatile, it can be used in a variety of ways. If you’re making a roast or pot roast, marinate the tenderloin in a mixture of soy sauce and water, along with some black pepper. This will help make the tenderloin a bit more tender and help to give it that smoky flavor, without burning it. You can also marinate the tenderloin overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to give it the added benefit of giving it a little extra time to develop its own flavor.
If you’re having a pork lunch with a vegetarian, you can serve some sweet chorizo with it. Both sweet chorizo and tenderloin are very good with corn, but not nearly as good with rice. Pork chops can be used as accompaniments for Mexican dishes, in place of sausage or other typical meats, or even as a part of vegetarian meals.
The meat of the pork tenderloin can also be used in many different ways in a beef roast. A roast, such as beef tenderloin, can be used as part of the main ingredient, instead of using the prime beef. You can find these cuts at most butcher shops, as well as grocery stores and markets. Pork tenderloin is very easy to make into a roast using a whole chuck roast, rather than one individual piece.
The Next Step
To make a roast, take the chuck or brisket out of the freezer and rub it well with some olive oil and salt, then add some spices. Place the tenderloin on a cookie sheet pan that has been sprayed with olive oil and bake in the oven until tender, about one hour. When done, remove and place on a cooling rack and allow to cool.
For a great addition to a pork sandwich, add a few slices of tenderloin and some sliced mushrooms. Along with some chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and balsamic vinegar for a BBQ pork sandwich. Then top with a side of grilled vegetables. Another sandwich that’s great with tenderloin is bbq chicken salad. The tenderloin can be added on top of your favorite chicken salad when you’re grilling it. This sandwich is great served with bbq potato salad as well, or eaten as is.
Another way to enjoy pork tenderloin is to cook up a sandwich with a slice of tenderloin and some grilled cheese. You can also serve tenderloin on its own with any kind of sandwich. And it makes a great addition to other sandwiches.
Final Words
This type of meat also makes a wonderful addition to other types of cooking. Particularly pork chops, steaks, and barbecued ribs. It’s so versatile. The only drawback to this type of meat is that it does tend to dry out quickly. Try marinating it in a flavorful marinade before cooking it.
Another great way to make tenderloin more tender is to marinate it in some kind of BBQ sauce. Rub the meat with some olive oil and salt and then add some pepper and chili flakes.
Marinate the meat overnight and then grill it on the grill for some time until it is tender and delicious. Then serve with a side of grilled vegetables.
