Pork and Spinach Recipe: USDA-Safe Cooking Guide with Spice Pairing Tips

Table of Contents

• Pork and Spinach Recipe
• Spice Pairing Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Spice Buying Guide

Pork and Spinach Recipe: Quick & Delicious

This simple pork and spinach recipe uses a blend of spices to create a flavorful and nutritious meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's ready in under 30 minutes. Follow these easy steps for a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork tenderloin
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure oven temperature accuracy with an oven thermometer for food safety.
2. Pat pork dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Heat olive oil in oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork 2 minutes per side until browned. Pro tip: Dry surface ensures better browning.
4. Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant. Never cook garlic over high heat to prevent burning.
5. Pour in chicken broth, cover skillet, and transfer to oven. Bake 18-22 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
6. Rest pork 5 minutes before slicing. USDA recommends this for safe consumption.
7. Meanwhile, sauté spinach in separate pan over high heat 2-3 minutes until wilted. Pat spinach dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
8. Carve pork into slices and serve with spinach. Pair with lemon wedges for bright acidity.

Spice Pairing Tips for Pork and Spinach

Maximize flavor with these targeted spice combinations:

• Smoked paprika: Adds depth without heat. Best for pork tenderloin.
• Garlic powder: Provides consistent flavor without burning. Use instead of fresh garlic when cooking quickly.
• Onion powder: Enhances savory notes. Combine with paprika for balanced seasoning.
• Nutmeg: (Optional) 1/8 teaspoon sprinkled on spinach adds subtle sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best cut of pork for this recipe?

Pork tenderloin is ideal due to its tenderness and quick cooking time. USDA guidelines confirm 145°F internal temperature ensures safety for this cut. Avoid tougher cuts like shoulder which require longer cooking that would overcook spinach.

How to prevent watery spinach?

Thoroughly dry spinach leaves with paper towels before cooking. Cook in a hot pan over high heat for 2-3 minutes maximum. For frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess water using a clean kitchen towel.

Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen?

Yes. Use 10 oz frozen spinach (equivalent to 1.5 cups cooked). Thaw completely, then squeeze out all liquid. Frozen spinach has concentrated flavor but requires complete moisture removal to prevent sogginess.

What spices work best with pork and spinach?

Smoked paprika provides rich depth for pork, while garlic and onion powders enhance savory notes. For spinach, a pinch of nutmeg adds subtle sweetness without overpowering. USDA food safety guidelines confirm these spices are safe and effective for flavor enhancement.

How to check pork doneness?

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Pork tenderloin is safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest. Overcooking beyond 150°F causes dryness. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service confirms this standard.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Season pork up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Cook spinach fresh before serving. Reheat leftovers with 1 tbsp broth to prevent drying. Always reheat to 165°F for food safety.

Spice	Best Use Case	Food Safety Note	Flavor Profile
Smoked Paprika	Pork tenderloin seasoning	Safe for all ages when used in moderation	Deep, smoky richness
Garlic Powder	Quick meat rubs	Preserves freshness without moisture issues	Consistent savory depth
Onion Powder	Base seasoning for proteins	Stable at high temperatures	Sweet, caramelized notes
Nutmeg	Spinach enhancement	Use sparingly (1/8 tsp max)	Subtle warmth and sweetness

Spice Buying Guide

Choose spices with these quality indicators:

• Color: Vibrant hues indicate freshness (e.g., deep red for paprika)
• Scent: Strong aroma when crushed
• Expiration: Check date - discard after 12 months
• Source: Look for USDA-certified organic when possible