Pork is usually my go to lean protein. It is affordable, tasty, an enjoyable break from chicken, and it is a great base for a myriad of flavors. I am always on the lookout for new pork dishes, and when I saw this recipe for a Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro and Date Relish on Bon Appétit, I knew it would be amazing. Simplicity that yields rewarding flavors is something I look for.
I wouldn’t say I am the biggest fan of dates, but it worked beautifully with the rest of the dish. The dates rehydrate from the orange juice keeping them plump and juicy, and the cilantro adds the right herbal freshness. I would actually suggest making the relish mixture ahead of time by an hour or so as I think it helped the dates, cilantro and orange all meld together. I used our new cast iron skillet for both searing and baking, which created a beautiful crust to lock in the succulent flavors of the meat.
This recipe was so simple, quick and extremely satisfying. The flavor combination, though unexpected to me, worked really well. The pork and relish kept well overnight so we were able to finish off the leftovers the following day. I really look forward to making this one again – perhaps even with a different type of dried fruit. But all in all, this Pork Tenderloin with Date and Cilantro Relish recipe is a keeper!