Pan-Fried Pork Loin with Eggplant & Tomatoes

I often think that pork meat is under-appreciated. Religious and ethical reasons are sometimes cited as the reasons for avoiding pork but I think it’s a really fantastic choice of protein that is also very tasty. My rule is to always use very good quality pork meat from free-range pigs, and I can really tell the difference in taste when it’s not. Today, I am sharing a very simple recipe using a piece of pork loin, which you can easily get from your local butcher or the supermarket. 

Pork loin is a cut of meat from the top of pig’s rib cage and it is often cut into chops with the bone in or into steaks, but you can also find it as a whole long piece of loin. That’s what I used in this recipe. You can use pork steaks or diced pork instead, even chicken or beef. Eggplant and tomatoes are delicious with pork but they can be replaced by something like diced carrot and zucchini for those avoiding nightshades. I hope you like this one as it’s simple, quick and affordable – it’s a one pan dish that you can serve with some green vegetables on the side.

Pan-Fried Pork Loin with Eggplant & Tomatoes

• Author: Irena Macri
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Diced pork or cut up pork steaks can be used in this recipe. Diced chicken or beef will also work well with eggplant and tomatoes. If you like a little kick, I would add some chopped fresh chilli or chilli flakes.

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Ingredients

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• Sea salt
• 1 large eggplant, diced with skin on
• 1 large brown onion,sliced
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• 400 grams pok tenderloin, sliced or diced
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 large cloves garlic, diced
• 2 tablespoons Tamari or coconut Aminos
• 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar (lemon juice can also be used)
• Pinch of salt
• Parsley to garnish
• Extra coconut oil and ghee for frying eggplant

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Instructions

1. Sprinkle diced eggplant with a little sea salt and set aside. Salt helps to draw out some of the moisture from the eggplant flesh, making it less oil hungry.
2. Heat a teaspoon of coconut oil in a large frying pan or a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for 7-8 minutes, until softened and golden. Remove to a bowl.
3. Turn the heat to high. Add another dollop of coconut oil and ghee and add the pork meat in two batches as to not overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2 minutes each side and remove to a plate.
4. Pour 1/4 cup water in the frying pan to deglaze it and stir through to scrape off some of the sticky pork bits and juices, transfer the liquid to the bowl with the onions.
5. Add another teaspoon each of coconut oil and ghee and bring the heat to medium-high. Add the diced eggplant, toss through the oil, and cover with a lid. Cook for about three minutes, then uncover and add a little more coconut oil and ghee. Stir and cover again, cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
6. Then add garlic, tomatoes, cooked onions with the pork juices, tamari sauce or coconut aminos (whichever one you’re using), vinegar and stir through. Then add the pre-cooked pork, mix through and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Season with another pinch of salt if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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