Cucumbers add a nice fresh crunch and when marinated in rice wine vinegar it adds a nice tangy flavor. The sweet and spicy pork pairs perfectly with the cucumbers. Pork tenderloin and cucumbers are economical and this recipe is easy enough to make during any hectic week night. Prepare the cucumbers and pork in the morning to marinate during the day, come home and grill the pork and dinner is ready in about a half hour. Ingredient amounts serve four.
Ingredients
Cucumber Slices
2 English cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (or regular cucumbers)
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar
A sprinkle of kosher salt
Pork
1 – 1 lb. of pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of Asian chili paste
A light sprinkle of kosher salt
Garnish
1 green onion thinly sliced
Technique
Peel and thinly slice the cucumbers and place in a medium size bowl. Add the thinly sliced onions, rice wine vinegar and kosher salt. Mix and refrigerate for at least an hour or longer to allow flavors to blend and so cucumbers are chilled. In a small mixing bowl whisk honey, sweet chili paste and kosher salt until evenly combined. Add pork to a ziplock bag or a baking dish and evenly coat the pork with the marinade. Cover if using a baking dish and refrigerate for at least an hour or more. Once ready to grill, remove pork and place on a preheated grill over medium high heat. Grill on all sides for a nice sear. Lower heat and continue to grill until thoroughly cooked, about a half an hour. Remove, let rest. Cooking times will vary depending on the type of grill you are using and the cut of the meat. No pink should remain in the middle. Pour cucumber mixture onto a large serving dish, slice the pork and place on top of the cucumbers. Top with thinly sliced green onions and serve.
Suggested Side Dish
The pork and cucumber provided a meal as is, but if you want a heartier meal try pairing it with Rice with Pineapple and Coconut Milk.
Suggested Beverage
Try Tsingtao (China), Sapporo (Japan), Brancott Vineyards Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) or Souverain Sauvignon Blanc (Alexander Valley, California).
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