If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something special, this Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that combines savory prosciutto, tender pork, and crispy sage leaves for a flavor combination that feels downright luxurious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish will not disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Let’s face it: pork tenderloin is a versatile, lean cut of meat that pairs well with just about everything, but when wrapped in prosciutto and served with crispy sage, it takes on a whole new level of deliciousness. The prosciutto adds a savory, slightly salty bite that perfectly complements the tender, juicy pork. The crispy sage leaves are the icing on the cake, adding a fragrant, earthy crunch. The best part? This dish looks like it took hours to prepare, but it’s actually incredibly easy and quick. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy without the fuss.
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below)
Here’s a preview of what you’ll need to make this stunning dish:
- Pork tenderloin
- Prosciutto slices
- Fresh sage leaves
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
For the complete ingredient list, check below!
Directions
1. Prep the Pork Tenderloin
Start by trimming any excess silver skin or fat from the pork tenderloin. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly and stays juicy. Once it’s prepped, season the pork with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Wrap the Pork with Prosciutto
Lay out the prosciutto slices on a cutting board, slightly overlapping, so that they form a blanket big enough to wrap around the pork tenderloin. Place the tenderloin in the center and roll it up tightly, ensuring that the prosciutto wraps around the entire piece of pork. Secure the prosciutto with toothpicks if necessary to keep it in place.
3. Sear the Pork Tenderloin
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin in the skillet. Sear it on all sides until the prosciutto turns crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Roast the Pork in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After searing the pork, transfer the skillet to the oven to finish cooking. Roast the pork for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. This will ensure that your pork is perfectly cooked and still juicy.
5. Make the Crispy Sage
While the pork is roasting, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves to the hot oil and fry them for about 1-2 minutes until they turn crispy. Be careful not to burn them—keep an eye on them, as they cook quickly. Remove the sage leaves from the oil and set them aside on a paper towel to drain.
6. Rest and Serve
Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the pork tender and juicy. Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions, and garnish with the crispy sage leaves. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Pork tenderloin can dry out if overcooked, so make sure you use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You want it to reach 145°F (63°C) and then rest for a few minutes to let the juices settle.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When searing the pork, make sure you don’t crowd the pan. If your skillet is too small, sear the pork in batches. Overcrowding can cause the prosciutto to steam instead of crisping up.
- Room Temperature Pork: Before cooking, let the pork tenderloin come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout and helps the prosciutto adhere better.
- Be Gentle with the Sage: Crispy sage is a delicate garnish, so handle it carefully when placing it on the pork. A little crispy sage goes a long way, and it adds the perfect crunch to the tender pork.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Substitute Prosciutto: If you’re looking for a less expensive option, you can swap out the prosciutto for thinly sliced pancetta or bacon. Both will add a similar salty, savory flavor, though the bacon might add a bit more smokiness.
- Herb Variations: While sage is classic in this dish, you could experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to crisp them up in the same way for that extra crunch.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, you could brush the pork with a balsamic glaze or apple cider vinegar reduction after roasting. This adds a touch of sweetness and tang that pairs perfectly with the savory prosciutto.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of sides:
- Roasted Vegetables: Think roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or a medley of root vegetables. Their sweetness balances out the savory pork.
- Potatoes: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or even a creamy potato gratin for a comforting meal.
- Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens pairs wonderfully with the richness of the pork. Add a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the fat.
- Rice or Polenta: Serve the pork on a bed of creamy polenta or rice to soak up all the delicious juices from the pork and prosciutto.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this dish is that good), here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the crispy sage separate, as it can lose its crunch when stored with the pork.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the pork in foil and place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to keep the prosciutto crispy, you can finish it under the broiler for a minute or two. Just be careful not to overheat, as pork tenderloin can dry out quickly.
4 FAQs
Can I make this in advance?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the pork up to the point of roasting and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before roasting.
Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?
You can, but pork tenderloin is more tender and cooks faster than pork loin. If you use pork loin, you may need to increase the roasting time and check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
What if I don’t have fresh sage?
If you don’t have fresh sage, you can use dried sage. However, I recommend using it in moderation, as dried sage has a more concentrated flavor than fresh. You can also skip the crispy sage and use a simple sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the prosciutto before wrapping it around the pork. You could also serve the dish with a spicy mustard or hot sauce on the side for extra kick.
Conclusion
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage is one of those meals that feels indulgent and fancy, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a showstopping dish that will impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is guaranteed to be a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be savoring every bite!
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Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage: An Elegant Dish for Every Occasion
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Impress your guests or treat yourself with this elegant Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Crispy Sage. A savory, tender pork tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto and topped with crispy sage for a luxurious flavor combination. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply when you crave something indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 Pork tenderloin
- 8–10 Prosciutto slices
- 12 Fresh sage leaves
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prep the Pork Tenderloin:
Trim any excess silver skin or fat from the pork tenderloin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Wrap the Pork with Prosciutto:
Lay out the prosciutto slices slightly overlapping. Place the pork tenderloin in the center and wrap it tightly with prosciutto, securing it with toothpicks if needed. -
Sear the Pork Tenderloin:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto-wrapped pork and sear on all sides for about 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden. -
Roast the Pork:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pork for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). -
Make the Crispy Sage:
Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and fry for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. -
Rest and Serve:
Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice into medallions and garnish with crispy sage. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, ensure the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect juiciness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Sear the pork in batches if necessary to ensure prosciutto crisps rather than steams.
- Handle Crispy Sage Carefully: Use the crispy sage delicately as a garnish for crunch without overpowering the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medallion
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg