BBQ-rubbed pork tenderloin with corn risotto
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We don’t eat a lot of ribs and rarely make an entire pork shoulder or similarly large cut of meat, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love a good dry rub. Pork tenderloin is always a winner in our house because it’s lean, cooks quickly, and is a good size.
I was debating what to pair with a bbq-rubbed tenderloin so I thought of the usual sides. Macaroni and cheese sounded great, but what I really wanted was some sweet summer corn. After all, you can eat mac and cheese year-round but corn this good only lasts so long! Eating corn straight off the cob is great, of course, but I decided to turn this into a risotto since I had a small amount of arborio rice to use up and my pantry is in a state of chaos, so I really need to, um, clear out.
The rub for the tenderloin is fantastic. And the corn risotto? Oh so good. Sweet, creamy, basically everything that is great about risotto and corn in one dish. Ian in particular went absolutely apeshit over this. Once again, I’m starting to think they’re going to have to get jobs by age 8 if we are expected to afford their food.
I took a pretty traditional approach to this risotto, but as everyone knows barbecued-rub stuff goes really well with cheese and beer, so I think a beer-cheese risotto would be a different but equally great spin on this dish. The nice thing about this dish is that the pork is roasted, so you can concentrate on the risotto. I also roasted green beans, so I didn’t even have to think about a vegetable side later. To get the timing right, you will want to sear the pork tenderloin, and then as soon as you stick it in the oven, start making the risotto. The cook and rest time will be right around the time the risotto is done, but you may want to do some prep before searing, like cutting the corn off the cob. I trimmed my green beans and threw them on a sheet pan so they would be ready to stick in the oven when I was about halfway done with the risotto.
BBQ-rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Corn Risotto
Pork Tenderloin
Spice rub adapted from Cook’s Illustrated via The Way the Cookie Crumbles
1 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1.5 tsp. chili powder
1.5 tsp. cumin
1.5 tsp. dark brown sugar
3/4 tsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. paprika
1.5 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. granulated sugar
1 pork tenderloin (about 1.25 lbs.)
2 tsp. neutral oil
Preheat the oven to 425.
In a small bowl, combine everything except the pork tenderloin. Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat it completely.
Heat a large oven-proof skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the tenderloin and sear on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Place the pan in the oven and continue to cook for about 15-20 extra minutes, until pork registers 135-140. Place on cutting board and tent with aluminum foil; rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Corn Risotto
3 cobs of corn
1 qt. chicken stock or broth
2 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large shallot, diced
3/4 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup Romano cheese
Cut the corn off the cobs. Reserve a cob (I cut it in half), and place in a saucepan along with the broth. Heat the broth to a low simmer.
In a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and oil over medium heat until melted together. Stir in corn and shallot. Saute until corn is lightly golden and shallot is tender. Add the rice, and stir several times, toasting it until it becomes opaque (about 2 minutes).
Add the wine and continue stirring until it has nearly evaporated. Add one ladle-full of the broth. Stir almost constantly until nearly all of the broth has been absorbed. Continue doing this with the broth, only adding more after the previous addition has been absorbed. This will take about 20-25 minutes. Test a kernel of rice to make sure it is mostly tender, but still has a bit of a bite in the center. You may not use all the broth, but at this point I like adding maybe half a ladle-full before removing it from the heat. Risotto should be “loose” and just a little runny.
Off the heat, stir in the cheese, Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
I agree with you, I am definitely trying to take advantage of the summer corn lately.
I like barbeque sauce, but now that you mention it I am a bit hesitant too. I don’t want to overpower the flavor of the meat or fish. BUT rubs are a different story.
I have never verbalized that before. What other aspects of my life can you clarify? Laughing here. The risotto is tons of summer fun. Pork is my favorite me, so I am a push over on that account.
I had corn risotto at a restaurant recently and it was great! This makes me want to recreate it at home. 🙂
Had this tonight and it was wonderful! The pork was tender and tasty without an overpowering taste of the seasonings. I had a few leftover ears of corn so it was a wonderful way to use them. My husband really pigged out and was most happy. This will be a go to regular at our house.
So happy to hear that, Jane!
Pork is my favorite meat. The corn risotto is a perfect combo with it. I have always been timid about making risotto. I didn’t get any braver either having taking my Italian cooking lessons. Sigh.
I made the pork tonight and it was fantastic. Definitely making this my go to tenderloin recipe!
So happy to hear that, Jenn!