Spiced Pork and Mango Chimichurri Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Try this Spiced Pork and Mango Chimichurri Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Try this Spiced Pork and Mango Chimichurri Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons chile paste (i like sambal oelek)
- 1 (approximately 1-pound) pork tenderloin)
- 6 large lettuce leaves washed and dried (green leaf or butter)
- about 1/2 cup cilantro chimichurri (the recipe is
- 2 medium to large mangoes (i used honey gold australian man
- Carbohydrate 4.64876208333333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.39145291714911 g
- Fiber 2.20042492659887 g
- Protein 2.0002075 g
- Saturated Fat 0.198468250066616 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (146g)
- Sodium 66.680958333343 mg
- Sugar 2.44833715673447 g
- Trans Fat 0.108656541679731 g
- Calories 34 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the olive oil, chile paste, cinnamon, allspice and cloves to a small bowl. Mix to blend, and then rub this over the entire surface of the pork tenderloin.
- Place it on a large plate and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, and ideally overnight.
- About 15 minutes before the pork is finished marinating, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and adjust a rack to the center.
- Place an oven proof sauté pan over high heat. Sprinkle the entire surface of the pork with salt and pepper, and then once the pan is very hot, add the pork and brown it, about 1 minutes per side.
- Place the pan in the preheated 400 degree F oven and roast until the pork has an internal temperature of 145 degrees F -- this should take about 15 minutes, but times will vary.
- Remove the pan from the oven and use kitchen tongs to place the pork on a cutting board. Let it rest about 10 minutes, and then slice it thinly (about ⅛-inch slices). Set aside.
- While the pork is roasting, cut both of the mangoes into round slices (again, about ⅛-inch slices). A mango pit is flat, and runs lengthwise, so the slices should be made on either side of the pit.
- Then use a paring knife to remove the skin from each slice. Set the mango slices aside.
- Lay the lettuce leaves out on a clean, dry surface.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the Cilantro Chimichurri over each one.
- Divide the mango slices between the lettuce leaves, directly on top of the chimichurri.
- Then add a few slices of pork on each one.
- Now add about another ½ tablespoon of the chimichurri to each one, on top of the pork.
- Roll & eat! (You can almost fold the lettuce, like a tortilla, or roll them tightly and use a chive to tie them, for a more refined presentation.)
A Busy Mom's Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal
Let's be honest, dinnertime as a mom can feel like a marathon. Between school pick-ups, homework battles, and the general chaos of family life, whipping up a gourmet meal often falls to the bottom of the priority list. That's where this Spiced Pork and Mango Chimichurri Lettuce Wraps recipe comes in. It's quick, easy, and surprisingly elegant, proving that healthy and delicious doesn't have to be complicated.
This recipe has become my go-to weeknight savior. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal prep time, and the whole family loves it – even the picky eaters! The sweet mango and spicy pork create a wonderful balance of tastes, and the fresh cilantro chimichurri adds a vibrant, herbaceous kick. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; it’s all about letting quality ingredients shine.
The best part? It's highly adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the pork for chicken or shrimp. Don't have mangoes? Peaches or even grilled pineapple would work beautifully. The core idea is the fusion of sweet and savory, wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves – it’s a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredient Spotlight:
I've found that using good quality ingredients makes all the difference. A well-marinated pork tenderloin is key to juicy and flavorful wraps. Don't be shy with the spices; let that beautiful aroma fill your kitchen. And please, use fresh cilantro for the chimichurri – it's the heart and soul of this dish. I usually grab a bunch from the local farmers market, supporting local businesses while ensuring the freshest flavors.
Preparation Tips:
Marinating the pork is crucial. Ideally, let it sit overnight, but even an hour will enhance the flavor considerably. I often prep the marinade in the morning, pop the pork in the fridge, and then just pop it in the oven when I get home from work. The mango slicing might seem fiddly, but it’s quicker than you think, and worth the effort for the stunning presentation. This recipe is a great way to teach even young kids the basics of cooking. They can help wash the lettuce, slice the mangoes, or even assist in spreading the chimichurri.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish can be served as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even an appetizer for a party. It’s beautiful to look at and impressive to serve, yet so easy to prepare. For a complete meal, serve with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. Leftovers, if you have any, are great for lunch the next day. They reheat perfectly well.
Beyond the Recipe:
This isn’t just a meal; it’s a gateway to healthier eating habits. It encourages using fresh, flavorful ingredients while being quick and easy enough for even the busiest weeknights. It’s a fantastic alternative to heavy, processed meals that can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated. This recipe is a celebration of simple flavors, bringing joy and ease into mealtime.
Conclusion:
More than just a recipe, this dish is a reminder to cherish those precious moments spent around the dinner table with loved ones. It’s about creating wholesome, delicious memories that nourish both the body and the soul. So, go ahead and try this Spiced Pork and Mango Chimichurri Lettuce Wraps recipe. I am confident it'll become a family favorite, just as it is in my home.
