Savor the flavor of tender pork tenderloin, delicately seasoned with a blend of spices, and pan-fried to golden perfection. A mouthwatering delight! It’s also gluten free, nut free, and egg free, along with a dairy free option.
As summer rolls around, it’s time to whip up some new flavors for those backyard gatherings. If you’re like me, always on the lookout for fresh twists on old favorites, you’re in for a treat with my latest creation: Gluten Free Spicy Fried Pork Tenderloin!
Having cooked gluten-free for a while now, this latest one of my dinner recipes represents the culmination of my experience and my family’s preferences. It all started with a simple tenderloin from the supermarket and a desire to jazz up our usual sautéed pork tenderloin dish.
This recipe features a medley of seven spices that add a burst of flavor. The result? Juicy pork tenderloin, butterflied, marinated, and gently pan-fried to golden perfection.
And when my husband John took that first bite, his eyes lit up with recognition. ‘This tastes like something we would get at the country fair!’ he exclaimed, and my heart swelled with joy.
Trust me, this recipe is a winner!
If you’re watching your carbs or want extra crunch, give my Keto Pork Tenderloin Crispy Bites a whirl — they’re coated with crushed pork rinds! And don’t miss Pork Tenderloin Cordon Bleu — it’s stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese!
Pork Tenderloin vs. Pork Loin roast
In this recipe, we’re choosing pork tenderloin over pork loin, a departure from the pork loin used in my previous Spice Rubbed Pork Roast. Unlike pork loin, which includes blade, center, or sirloin roasts, pork tenderloin is a lean, tender, and flavorful cut from a small major muscle, resembling a skinless chicken breast in texture.
And here are the remaining ingredients needed to whip up this flavorful dish.
Cooking ingredients
Spice-rub: paprika, garlic powder, sage, oregano, mustard powder, salt, and pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil for frying. You could also use avocado oil, coconut oil or any oil with a high smoke point.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour for dredging. The flour creates a golden crust on the pork, while any remaining flour in the skillet aids in thickening the cream sauce.
Milk for your creamy gravy. *See dairy free option in the recipe notes
Instructions
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
Butterfly:
First, grab those two tenderloins from the package. Slice each tenderloin into three pieces.
Then, make a long cut along the side of each piece, about halfway in, so you can open them up like a book and lay them flat.
Sprinkle with spice rub:
Now, let’s spice things up! Grab a small bowl and mix together all seven spices. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the meat and rub it in on both sides. Now, pop the meat in the fridge and let it hang out for about half an hour to soak up all those flavors.
Dredge in flour and pan-fry:
Heat up some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Take each spice-rubbed piece of tenderloin and dredge in flour. Then, carefully place them into the sizzling oil, frying them up for about 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once they’re done, set them aside on a platter to rest.
Prepare gravy:
Now, let’s make that gravy goodness! Drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving just a couple of tablespoons behind. Then, pour in some milk and crank up the heat until it starts to bubble gently. As it cooks, scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan—they’re full of flavor! Once the gravy starts to thicken up nicely, pour it over your delicious dish, and enjoy!
Serving suggestions
To round out your meal, consider pairing your spicy fried pork tenderloin with one (or more!) of these delicious side dishes:
- Potatoes: Parmesan Baked Sweet Potatoes, crispy Roasted Potatoes, or healthier Homemade French Fries.
- Veggies: Easy Bacon, Corn, and Zucchini Sauté or irresistible Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
- Salads: Coleslaw with sugar free dressing and fresh Cucumber Salad.
Or serve as a spicy pork tenderloin sandwich, piled on a toasted gluten free Against the Grain roll.
For dessert, try my chocolate cream pie with MI-DEL’s gluten free graham style pie crust or this graham cake with mango from one of my blogging friends. Her site isn’t strictly gluten free, so be sure to use gluten free grahams.
Pro tips and recipe notes
- Customize to your preferences
The dish has a moderate level of spiciness, with a balanced blend of spices. However, feel free to tweak the heat according to your preference. To tone it down, simply reduce the paprika. For an extra kick, amp up the spices or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjusting the seasoning lets you tailor the dish to your liking, ensuring it’s just right for your taste.
- Dairy free option
If dairy-free is what you need, instead of the creamy gravy, serve with one of these dipping sauces: tangy barbecue sauce or Sugar free Teriyaki Sauce from my Chicken Teriyaki recipe.
- How to store leftovers
You can store leftover spicy fried pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to the container. When reheating, ensure it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. If you don’t plan to eat it within this timeframe, consider freezing the leftovers for longer storage.
From backyard barbecue to a cozy family dinner, Gluten Free Spicy Fried Pork Tenderloin is sure to be a hit. Gather your loved ones and dig in!
Try these recipes next
Gluten Free Panko Crusted Pork Chops: These center cut pork chops are another one of the easiest, yet satisfying dinners to make.
Gluten Free Crispy Chicken Fingers (With Healthy Cooking Tips!): When eating out in restaurants, the chicken fingers are usually cooked in a shared frier and coated in a batter. Definitely not gluten-free. These crispy chicken fingers are such a fun treat and safely gluten-free.
Gluten Free Baked Zucchini Chips: Serve as a side dish or add these zucchini chips to your spread of quick bites for game day or movie night!
Grainless Crispy Chicken Nuggets: These low carb nuggets are coated in a spicy batter before frying. Absolutely delicious and go from stovetop to your table in 30 minutes flat.
Gluten Free Salmon Cakes: These are a fun way to enjoy salmon with the perfect balance of crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, healthy ingredients, and wonderful flavor.
Gluten Free Spicy Fried Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins
For spice-rub
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1/2 cup Gluten Free All Purpose flour for dredging
- extra virgin olive oil for pan-frying
For creamy gravy
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
Butterfly
- There are 2 tenderloins in the package. Cut each across into 3 pieces. Then butterfly each piece by making a lengthwise cut along the vertical side. Stop about 1/2 inch through, open and lay flat.2 pork tenderloins
Spice rub:
- Combine all seven spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly on the meat and rub over both sides. Let meat marinate for 1/2 hour in the refrigerator.1 tablespoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon sage, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
Dredge in gluten free flour and pan-fry:
- Heat oil in a skillet over a medium-high heat. Dredge each tenderloin piece in gluten free flour and fry in batches about 4 minutes on each side. Set aside.extra virgin olive oil for pan-frying, 1/2 cup Gluten Free All Purpose flour
Prepare gravy:
- Drain all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet. Add milk and heat to low boil. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of skillet as gravy thickens. Pour over your finished dish.3/4 cup milk
Notes
- Customize to your preferences
- Dairy free option
- How to store leftovers
Nutrition
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Kebba Buckley Button says
Barbara, I’m visiting from the UBC. I’m thrilled that you are on the GF bandwagon. So important for so many. I would like to add a suggestion: Perhaps it’s a typo, but you have “all purpose flour” listed as an ingredient. It is wheat and not gluten free. Bob’s Red Mill does have gluten-free flour and also white rice flour, which you can use in this recipe and most others. I even make baked goods with white rice flour, just substituting equal volumes for the all-purpose flour listed in the recipe. All the best in your GF journey!
Barbara says
Thanks for the head’s up, Kebba. When you click on the link, it takes you to Bob’s Gluten Free flour. I added gluten free to the ingredient listed.
Kebba Buckley Button says
Barbara, so glad you updated that. Many need that specificity. Recipe sounds yum!
Sherri says
Sounds delicious Barbara! We’ll have to give it a try 🙂
Barbara says
Terrific Sherri. Thanks for following my Facebook page, too!