How to Make a Pork Loin Tender

Pork loin is tougher than other cuts of pork.

Pork loin is a cut of meat that is found at the top edge of a pig's rib cage. Though pork loin is generally highly flavorful due to the fat concentration on it, it is frequently marinated and tenderized before it is eaten to make it softer and juicier. Making a pork loin tender is accomplished the same way as making any other cut of pork tender. This is accomplished by following a simple set of guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden or plastic cutting board
• Cellophane or plastic wrap
• Meat tenderizer
• Marinade or olive oil

Instructions

1. Place the loin on a cutting board. A wooden cutting board works best, but a plastic one will work as well.

2. Cover the pork loin with a sheet of plastic wrap or cellophane. Stretch the plastic wrap tight across the top of the pork loin.

3. Using a meat tenderizer, pound the meat all along the surface to tenderize that side of it.

4. Flip the pork loin over and repeat this process. Make sure to use a new strip of plastic wrap.

5. Remove the plastic wrap and place the pork loin in a large Ziploc bag.

6. Fill the bag with enough marinade or olive oil to cover the pork loin. The amount will vary based on the size of your pork loin, so as long as the liquid covers the pork loin, it will work.

7. Let the pork loin sit refrigerated for six hours making sure the bag is sealed tight.

8. Remove the pork loin from the bag. It will then be ready for additional preparation and cooking, and will be far tenderer.

References

• Recipe Tips: Meat Tenderizing
• How to Cook Gourmet: Cooking Pork Tenderloin
• OChef: How to Tenderize Meat