This Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet is a tasty and hearty dish that’s easy to whip up on a busy night. The juicy pork pairs perfectly with the sweet, soft potatoes, creating a delightful balance!
What I love most is how all the flavors come together in one pan. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it cooks—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and cooks quickly, which is why I love it here. If you need a substitute, chicken breast or turkey breast work well too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as poultry may cook faster.
Sweet Potatoes: They bring a wonderful sweetness to the dish. If you can’t find them, butternut squash or regular potatoes are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since they may cook differently.
Onion: I prefer yellow onions for their sweetness, but if you’re out, red onions or shallots can be used. They’ll add a nice flavor too.
Smoked Paprika: This adds depth and a smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can be good substitutes. Use a bit less, as these can vary in strength.
Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme adds lovely herbal notes. If you’re out, rosemary or oregano can work in its place.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions can elevate the dish by adding sweetness and depth. Here’s how to master it:
- Cook onions slowly over medium heat. This draws out their natural sugars.
- Stir occasionally, allowing them to brown evenly. Don’t rush it; patience is key, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- If they start to stick, a splash of water or broth can help! Just scrape up any brown bits for extra flavor.
By following these tips and techniques, your Pork And Sweet Potato Skillet will be on point and full of flavor! Enjoy creating this hearty dish!
Pork And Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (optional, for deglazing)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
- Optional side: steamed green beans or other green vegetable
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. It’s quick and easy for a weekday meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced sweet potatoes. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and get a nice golden color, about 10 minutes. Once done, carefully remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the second tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and let them cook. Stir occasionally as they turn soft and caramelize, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re golden and fragrant, remove them from the skillet and set aside with the sweet potatoes.
3. Cook the Pork:
Now, add the pork cubes back into the skillet. Season them generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and thyme. Cook the pork until it’s browned on all sides and completely cooked through, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add Garlic:
Mix in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute, or until it’s fragrant. This will bring an amazing aroma to the dish!
5. Combine Everything:
Next, return the sweet potatoes and caramelized onions back into the skillet with the perfectly cooked pork. If you like, pour in the chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan. Make sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom as you mix everything together. Let it all cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Taste and Finish:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor!
7. Serve It Up:
Finally, serve your hearty Pork And Sweet Potato Skillet hot! It goes perfectly with a side of steamed green beans or your favorite green vegetable. Enjoy!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is lean and cooks quickly, you can also use pork loin or pork chops. Just be mindful of the cooking time as different cuts may require adjustments to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I Prep This Meal in Advance?
Yes! You can chop the vegetables and marinate the pork a day ahead. Keep them stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the instructions from that point!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Potatoes?
If you don’t have sweet potatoes, butternut squash or regular potatoes are great alternatives! Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and adjust the cooking time if needed, as they may take slightly longer or shorter to cook.
