lemon-basil pesto stuffed pork tenderloin

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Grace Pulley
Gillette, WY

This is a delicious, mouthwatering way to enjoy stuffed pork tenderloin. The Lemon Basil Pesto is just bursting with flavor that really enhances the the pork. Throwing it on the grill and allowing the flames to kiss it just adds another layer of wonderful flavor. Your taste buds with be doing a "Happy Dance"!!!

(1 rating)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Grill

Ingredients For lemon-basil pesto stuffed pork tenderloin

  • 1
    pork tenderloin, (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 tsp
    olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 clove
    garlic, small, crushed
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • LEMON BASIL PESTO
  • 1 c
    fresh lemon basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 2 Tbsp
    pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/2 tsp
    lemon peel, grated
  • 1 tsp
    lemon juice, fresh
  • 1 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1/4 c
    parmigiano-reggiano, finely shredded
  • 1 tsp
    olive oil, extra virgin

How To Make lemon-basil pesto stuffed pork tenderloin

  • 1
    Begin prepping your tenderloin by patting it dry with paper towels. Cut a deep slit lengthwise on the tenderloin from end to end without going all of the way through. Open meat and slightly pound with flat side of meat mallet to an even thickness. Then lightly season with salt and pepper. To make handling easier place the prepped tenderloin in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes.
  • 2
    In the meantime, begin making the pesto. In a blender or food processor, place lemon basil, pine nuts, minced garlic, lemon peel and juice; process until finely chopped. Stir in cheese and oil to make a thick, dry paste.
  • 3
    Remove tenderloin from the freezer and spread pesto close to center on just half of tenderloin. Then fold the other half of meat over to form original shape of tenderloin. Tie closed with string at 1 1/2-inch intervals. Combine the 2 tsp. olive oil and crushed garlic and rub evenly over the tenderloin. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
  • 4
    For both charcoal and gas grilling you want a medium temperature for direct grilling. Place tenderloin, seam side up, on grill. Grill, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until instant-read thermometer inserted near center reads 145°F, turning halfway through grilling. Transfer tenderloin to cutting board and cover loosely with foil; let rest for 3 minutes. Remove string and carve into 1/4 inch-thick slices to serve.

Categories & Tags for Lemon-Basil Pesto Stuffed Pork Tenderloin:

ADVERTISEMENT