| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hour | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 20g | 5g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 50g | 1.2g |
Why I Love French Pork with Oyster Mushrooms
Most of the time, my culinary musings are a proud display of New England seafood combined with the comfort of Irish food, but today, I am exploring a completely different direction. The richness of the French cuisine with a recipe for Pork with Oyster Mushrooms. This dish, with the hearty pork and flavor-packed oyster mushrooms, marries so perfectly with the herbs and aromatics, it is bound to steal your heart just as it did mine.
Unearthing The Inspiration
Strangely, you may ask, where did a Boston boy with strong Irish roots find his love for this French classic? It all started when I was introduced to renowned French chef, Jacques Pépin. His delicate balance of minimalist cooking yet complex flavors sparked my interest in French cuisine. I found myself attempting to recreate his dishes at home for my lovely lady, Laura, and our baby boy. Gradually, Pork with Oyster Mushrooms made its way into our dining room and hearts.
Reminiscent and Versatile
What I love about the Pork with Oyster Mushrooms recipe is its maternal warmth. It reminds me of those homey Irish stews my grandma used to make. The savory notes of the pork cooked to perfection mirror the comforting feeling of a thick hearty stew. The elegant mushrooms, in turn, introduce a nuanced layer of earthy flavor that is both fascinating and delightful.
This dish is versatile, to say the least. Although it’s distinctly French, it stands out in its adaptability and how well it can complement other cuisines. Serve it with a crisp side salad for a light spring meal or accompany it with some warm mashed potatoes for a full-bodied winter feast. Be it a romantic date night under the stars or a Sunday family dinner, this dish is sure to hearten any table.
I am excited to share the joy and flavors of French cooking with you through this exquisite Pork with Oyster Mushrooms recipe. So, grab those aprons and let’s transport our kitchen to the countryside of France, shall we?
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs pork loin, cut into chunks
- 10 oz oyster mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
Method
Step One
Season the pork loin chunks with salt and pepper to taste. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork loin and sear on all sides until they are browned. Remove the browned pork from the skillet and set aside.
Step Two
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. If needed, you can add more olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step Three
Add the oyster mushrooms to the skillet and continue to sauté until they are nicely browned. Push the mushrooms to one side of the skillet, making sure they are still on low heat.
Step Four
Moving back to the pork, add the browned pork loin chunks back into the skillet with the sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
Step Five
Pour in 1 cup of white wine and 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet. Then sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of dried thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine, then cover the skillet and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
Step Six
After the pork is cooked, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the skillet, simmering until the sauce thickens. The cornstarch slurry will give your dish a nice, glossy finish and help to thicken the wonderful juices in the pan.
Step Seven
Right before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This will add a pop of color and a fresh flavor to the dish.
Step Eight
Check the seasoning and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve your Pork with Oyster Mushrooms warm, perhaps with some steamed rice or crusty bread to mop up the savory sauce. Enjoy your meal!
