Meat Main Dishes

Easy Real Pork Tenderloins: Better than the Drive Thru!

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real pork tenderloin

Real Pork Tenderloins are one of those recipes that have been in my family for generations. Not only are they easy, but this is the perfect weekend dinner to share with your family and friends! Just don’t forget to plan ahead…they have to soak overnight.

Real Pork Tenderloins Recipe…

This recipe originally came from my grandma, my dad’s mom, who could make anything taste AWESOME! We are still trying to figure out some of her recipes, and she’s been gone for over 16 years. Thankfully, my Aunt Nancy wrote down the recipe for Real Pork Tenderloins for me back in 2002. My family loves these fried, buttery patties, and I know yours will, too!

Something you should know about this recipe…it uses the pork tenderloin, NOT the loin! There is a big difference between the cuts of meat, so please be sure to purchase the TENDERLOIN. I picked mine up from Aldi, but you should be able to find them at any grocery store. Just ask the butcher.

real pork tenderloin

First, find a pork tenderloin you like. 🙂 Mine was one pound, which served the four of us nicely.

real pork tenderloin

The next step is to slice the tenderloin into pieces…mine were about 2 1/2 inches or so wide. To butterfly each piece, slice down the middle of each section until you are 3/4 of the way thru. See how there is still a little bit attached? You should then be able to open up the tenderloin as shown above.

real pork tenderloin

This part is my favorite, especially if I’ve had a frustating day. 🙂 Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound each tenderloin between plastic wrap until it is about 3/8-inch thick.

real pork tenderloin

Soak in evaporated milk overnight. This makes the tenderloins extra tender.

real pork tenderloin

The next day, bread the tenderloins in the crushed cracker crumbs. The MOST IMPORTANT STEP here is to roll the breaded tenderloins between waxed paper. This makes the breading stick during frying.

real pork tenderloin

After frying, I stick these lovelies in the oven at 200 ℉ to keep warm while I finish the meal. I fried some sweet potato chips to serve with the Real Pork Tenderloins above, but you can serve whatever you want as a side. The centerpiece of this meal is definitely the tenderloins!

If you’d like some ideas for side dishes, you might try my Easy Glazed Fruit Salad, Roasted Dill Potatoes, Easy Oreo Ice Cream, or Rich and Easy Brownies.

I know this isn’t the healthiest of meals, but how often do you treat yourself? Everything in moderation, right? 🙂

real pork tenderloin

If you’d like to see what products I use for Real Pork Tenderloins, please see below. Please know, these contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission on any sales, at no extra cost to you. The income I earn helps to pay for maintaining my blog. Thank you so much for your support!