Quick Pork Stew - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

Here's an overview of the ingredients needed to make this pork stew. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.

• Olive oil: I love cooking with this delicious oil. Another tasty option is to use ghee.
• Pork tenderloin: I use a sharp chef's knife to cut it into 1-inch cubes.
• Minced fresh garlic: I use a full tablespoon, which may seem like a lot. But it adds great flavor to the stew.
• To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Since we add 2 teaspoons of paprika, which is quite a bit, you should ensure it's fresh.
• Chicken broth: I typically use a low-sodium broth by Pacific Natural. This enables me to better control the saltiness of the stew.
• Canned tomato sauce: I usually use the Whole Foods brand.
• Dried bay leaf: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the stew. It's not strictly needed here, so don't buy it especially, but it does make a difference in the dish's flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener in case you feel the stew is not thick enough.
• Parsley: Used for garnish. You can skip it if you don't have any on hand.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

Cube the pork tenderloin.

Cook the pork cubes in olive oil on all sides.

Add the garlic, paprika, and thyme, and cook them briefly.

Add the broth and use it to deglaze the pan - scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any tasty bits stuck to the bottom.

Then add the tomato sauce and bay leaf.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the pork is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. This should take about 10 minutes. Here's what the stew looks like when it's done:

Expert Tip

Pork tenderloin is a tasty cut, but it's lean and can dry out quickly. So make sure not to overcook it.

According to the USDA, pork (except for ground pork) can be cooked to medium. There's no need for it to be cooked until it's well done.

What cut of pork is best for making a stew?

Does pork get more tender the longer it cooks?

While this is true (with some limitations) for a fatty cut like pork shoulder, and assuming you use a slow cooking method, it's not true for a lean cut such as pork tenderloin. That's why I cook this stew for a short time.

Can I add vegetables to this pork stew?

Yes. During the last five minutes of simmering the stew, you can mix in 1-2 cups of a chopped vegetable such as broccoli or cauliflower florets.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve this pork stew in soup bowls atop cauliflower rice, with a side of a green vegetable such as roasted green beans, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli.

It's also excellent on spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or sauteed spinach.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered (to prevent splatters), in the microwave at 50% power.

You can freeze the leftovers in individual containers for up to three months.

Quick Pork Stew

This aromatic and hearty pork stew is easy to make and perfect for cold winter nights. The leftovers are excellent!

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 399kcal

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 0.25recipe | Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 621mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g