Sesame Seed Encrusted Pork Tenderloin with Miso, Onion, and White Wine Sauce

Sesame Seed Encrusted Pork Tenderloin with Miso, Onion, and White Wine Sauce is a great dish to have with some potatoes and greens. It was the opening dish for Brin in this year’s Masterchef UK (Series 20, Ep. 1) which he did with onions 4 ways.

Ingredients:

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 12 ounces), trimmed
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
   • In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of white miso paste, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of honey to create a marinade.
   • Place the pork tenderloin in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the pork is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Coat the Pork Tenderloin:
   • In a separate shallow dish, spread out the sesame seeds.
   • Remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
   • Roll the pork tenderloin in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure the seeds adhere to the surface.
4. Sear the Pork Tenderloin:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the sesame seed-coated pork tenderloin to the skillet.
   • Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until the sesame seeds are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer to the Oven:
   • Once seared, transfer the skillet with the pork tenderloin to the preheated oven.
   • Roast the pork tenderloin in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), about 15-20 minutes.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
   • While the pork tenderloin is roasting, prepare the sauce. In the same skillet used for searing the pork, add the finely chopped onion.
   • Cook the onion over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of white miso paste, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
   • Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
   • Finish the sauce by stirring in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
   • Once the pork tenderloin reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve with the miso, onion, and white wine sauce drizzled over the top.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
   • Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
   • Serve the sesame seed encrusted pork tenderloin with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
   • Enjoy your delicious meal for two!

This recipe combines the nutty flavour of sesame seeds with the savory sweetness of the miso, onion, and white wine sauce to create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner at home.