Description
The leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Recipe brings together a harmonious blend of flavors. The savory pork, sweet Honey Crisp apples, creamy Gouda cheese, peppery arugula, and zesty garlic lemon aioli create a taste sensation that’s both satisfying and delicious. No boring pork tenderloin leftovers here!
Ingredients
Sandwich:
- Leftover pork tenderloin, thinly sliced (about 1 pound)
- Ciabatta bread, sliced and toasted (4 slices) you can also use square ciabatta rolls, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting and heating pork)
- 1 large Honey Crisp apple, thinly sliced
- Gouda cheese, sliced (about 4 slices)
- 2 cups baby arugula
For Garlic Lemon Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Lemon Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Toast the Ciabatta: Slice the ciabatta bread, drizzle or brush with olive oil, and toast it in a toaster or on a grill until it’s golden brown.
- Slice and Heat the Leftover Pork Tenderloin: Thinly slice about 1 pound of leftover pork tenderloin. If it’s cold, briefly heat it in a pan with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil until warmed through.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of the garlic lemon aioli on one side of each ciabatta slice. Place the thinly sliced leftover pork tenderloin on the bottom slice of the bread. Layer the slices of Gouda cheese on top of the pork, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the pork. Add thin slices of apples on top of the cheese. Add fresh arugula to the apples and adjust the amount to taste. Top with the second slice of ciabatta, aioli side down.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. You can also wrap it in parchment paper for a portable lunch.
Notes
Toast Ciabatta Just Right: Toast the ciabatta until it’s golden brown and has a slightly crisp exterior. This helps to enhance the overall texture of the sandwich and prevents it from becoming too soggy.
Experiment with Cheese Melting: If you prefer a melted cheese texture, consider briefly warming the assembled sandwich in a pan or oven to achieve a gooey and melted consistency.
Balance Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning of the garlic lemon aioli to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile. This step helps to harmonize the sweet, savory, and zesty components of the sandwich.
Wrap for On-the-Go Enjoyment: If you’re preparing the sandwich for a picnic or on-the-go meal, wrap it in parchment paper. This helps to keep everything together and makes it easier to handle.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: American