Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that’s perfect for easy weeknight meals. A sautéed or baked pork tenderloin makes a quick and delicious dinner However, this small cut of meat often leaves you with leftovers. While cooked pork keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge, you can get bored eating the same pork two nights in a row
Luckily, leftover pork tenderloin is extremely versatile for making all sorts of yummy second meals. From soups and salads to sandwiches, pasta bakes, and more, you have ample options for repurposing extra pork. In this article, we’ll explore 20 creative ways to use up leftover pork tenderloin. With a mix of global flavors, comfort foods, and simple ingredient swaps, you can give new life to excess pork.
20 Clever Ways to Use Leftover Pork Tenderloin
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Pork Tenderloin Stroganoff – Sauté mushrooms, onions, garlic and stir in leftover sliced pork, sour cream, mustard, and parsley for a quick stroganoff. Serve over egg noodles.
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Pork Fried Rice – Transform leftover pork into restaurant-style fried rice with aromatics, vegetables, soy sauce, and eggs.
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Pork Tenderloin Lettuce Wraps – Toss shredded pork with hoisin, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and fill lettuce leaves for handheld wraps.
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Pork Quesadillas – Layer pork, cheese and sautéed peppers and onions between tortillas for an easy Mexican-inspired meal.
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Pork Ramen – Slice pork and add to ramen noodles along with broth, mushrooms, soft boiled egg, and scallions for a cozy dinner.
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Pork Carnitas Tacos – Briefly broil or pan fry pork slices until crispy then stuff into warmed corn tortillas. Top with onions, cilantro, salsa, and lime.
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Pork Banh Mi – Layer leftover pork, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and sriracha mayo on a crusty baguette.
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Pork Tortilla Soup – Simmer pork in tomato broth with onions, peppers, chiles, cumin, and top bowls with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
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Pork Fried Dumplings – Chop pork and mix with aromatics then wrap in dumpling skins. Pan fry until crispy for an appetizer or snack.
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BBQ Pork Pizza – Top pizza crust with shredded mozzarella, leftover pork, red onion, cilantro, and drizzle with bbq sauce.
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Pork Bibimbap – Heat up pork alongside kimchi, sautéed mushrooms and spinach, fried egg, and rice, then mix it all together.
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Pork Spring Rolls – Wrap pork, shredded vegetables, and aromatics in rice paper then deep fry for Vietnamese-style fresh spring rolls.
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BBQ Pork Sandwiches – Pile pork on buns and drizzle with your favorite bbq sauce. Serve with coleslaw and potato chips.
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Pork Lo Mein – Sauté pork with mushrooms, cabbage, bell pepper, and green onions and toss with lo mein noodles.
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Pork Enchiladas – Stuff corn tortillas with shredded pork, enchilada sauce, beans, and cheese then bake until melted and bubbly.
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Pork Fried Rice Balls – Mix together pork, rice, eggs, green onion, soy, and sesame oil then shape into balls and pan fry until crispy.
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Pork Egg Rolls – Wrap pork, shredded cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil in egg roll wrappers then fry until golden brown.
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Pork Banh Xeo – Make Vietnamese crepes filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and serve with nuoc cham and lettuce cups.
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Pork and Sweet Potato Hash – Sauté pork with sweet potatoes, bell pepper, onion, sage, and poach eggs on top for a hearty breakfast.
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Pork Tenderloin Sliders – Pile leftover pork on mini buns with pickles, dijon, and caramelized onions for an easy appetizer.
With endless global flavor possibilities, you can reinvent leftover pork tenderloin in so many delicious ways. Get creative with leftovers instead of eating the same pork dish twice. Any extras from a simple sautéed pork tenderloin can become amazing fried rice, enchiladas, pizza, soup and so much more with just a few extra ingredients.
Tips for Repurposing Leftover Pork
Follow these tips for effortlessly transforming leftover pork tenderloin into crave-worthy second meals:
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Shred, chop, or slice pork to use in stir-fries, fried rice, omelets, sandwiches, pasta bakes and more.
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Add bbq sauce or buffalo sauce to turn pork into sliders, wraps, pizza toppings or tacos.
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Use pork in egg rolls, wontons, dumplings, crepes, and other wrapped appetizers.
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Incorporate into noodle or rice bowls and season with soy, sesame, ginger, garlic, etc.
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Pair with potatoes, sweet potatoes, or hash for heartier breakfasts and dinners.
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Stuff into sandwiches, pitas, tacos, enchiladas, and more with sauces and vegetable toppings.
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Simmer in broth with beans, tomatoes, and chiles for Latin-inspired soups.
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Sauté with cabbage, mushrooms, bell peppers and classic Asian seasonings.
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Toss with pasta and cream or tomato sauce for easy one-pot meals.
With a little creativity, your leftover pork can become totally new exciting dishes the whole family will love.
FAQs About Using Up Leftover Pork
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about reusing extra pork tenderloin:
How long does cooked pork tenderloin last in the fridge?
Cooked pork tenderloin will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat fully when ready to use.
Can you freeze leftover pork tenderloin?
Yes, cooked pork can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
What’s the best way to reheat pork?
Slow reheating, either in the oven at 325°F on a sheet pan or in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil, keeps pork moist.
How can I use small amounts of leftover pork?
Toss into fried rice, scrambled eggs, a pasta dish, or soup. Stir into mac and cheese or baked beans.
What flavors pair well with pork?
Onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, bbq sauce, mustard, chili sauce, citrus, and cheeses all complement pork.
What ingredients can stretch a small amount of leftover pork?
Grains like rice, pasta, or noodles, potatoes, eggs, beans, and plenty of vegetables help make the pork go further.
What are quick and easy leftover pork meals?
Fried rice, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, pasta bakes, dumplings, spring rolls, and stir-fries come together fast.
Enjoy Endless Possibilities with Leftover Pork
Don’t let leftover pork tenderloin go to waste. With a wide range of creative recipes, you can reinvent those extras into all kinds of global flavors. Turn to stir-fries, rice bowls, soups, sandwiches, egg rolls, and more to give leftovers new life.
So next time you have extra cooked pork tenderloin, look beyond basic reheating. With a little inspiration and simple ingredients you likely have on hand, you can prepare crave-worthy pork dishes for meals all week long. Get excited about leftovers and all the delicious potential they hold!