Tender pork tenderloin topped with peanut sauce and served alongside Asian stir-fried noodles is a combination of savory flavors that creates a colorful and delicious meal that’s simple to prepare. It’s better than ordering take out and might become one of your favorite go to meals…it’s that good.
Not one or two but three easy and adaptable recipes that can be prepared separately or served together for a delicious meal. What is nice is that you will probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen so you won’t have to go shopping for hard to find ingredients.
Pork Tenderloin With Peanut Sauce And Stir-fried Asian Noodles
Pork Tenderloin
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1 1/2 lbs.), trimmed of all silver skin
- 2 Tbsp. peanut or canola oil (divided)
- 1 Tbsp. Chinese five spice powder
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- a pinch of cayenne pepper or to taste
Mix the dry rub ingredients together well. Rub the pork tenderloin with 1 Tbsp. oil then cover with the spice rub and pat so the rub adheres. Let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate for several hours.
Heat the remaining oil in an ovenproof sauté pan over medium high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the pork and sear on all sides (about 1 to 2 minutes each side). Transfer to the preheated oven and roast until the pork registers 145 degrees (about 10 – 15 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin). Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes (the temperature will continue to rise) so the juices redistribute into the meat before slicing. Serve with peanut ginger sauce.
Peanut Ginger Sauce (About 3/4 cup)
- 2 tsp. peanut oil
- 1 tsp. sesame seed oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated (approx. 2-3 tsp.)
- 1/4 c. natural peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. sweet Thai chili sauce
- juice from 1/2 lime
- 1/4 c. or more water for thinning the sauce
- 1 tsp. sriracha (optional)
Heat the oils in a small saucepan over medium heat, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add all the other ingredients except the water and cook until the peanut butter is melted and smooth. Slowly add the water a little at a time until the desired consistency.
Asian Stir-Fried Noodles
- 12 oz. fresh Chinese noodles or spaghetti
- 1 Tbsp. peanut oil
- 1/4 c. chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp. rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp. chili garlic sauce (sriracha may be substituted)
- 3 additional tsp. peanut oil
- 1/2 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 Tbsp. grated ginger
- 1 small can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 3 scallions, white parts thinly sliced, save tops for garnish
In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil and garlic sauce then set aside. Cook the noodles or spaghetti in a pot of boiling water according to package directions then drain. Place in a bowl and toss with 1 Tbsp. oil to prevent sticking.
Heat the additional oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the onion, red pepper and ginger then cook, stirring frequently, until tender crisp. Add the water chestnuts, noodles, scallions and sauce then cook until sauce is absorbed, about 2 – 3 minutes. Transfer to a platter, garnished with the green tops of the scallions.

When making the spice rub for the pork, if you don’t have Chinese five spice powder you can make a mixture with 1 tsp. ground ginger, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp. ground cloves, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper.
In warm weather, the pork tenderloin can be prepared on the grill just adjust the cooking times accordingly until you reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
For a creamier peanut sauce, you can substitute the water with coconut milk.
The peanut ginger sauce recipe makes about 3/4 cup of sauce. Any remaining sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. Thin with water, if necessary, after being refrigerated.
The peanut ginger sauce is delicious on chicken, pork and seafood. It is also great used as a dip, tossed with noodles or used as a salad dressing.
If you can’t find fresh Chinese noodles, you can use spaghetti, rice noodles, udon, lo mein or other pasta noodle of your choice.
If you don’t like water chestnuts, add thin sliced carrots, snow peas or bok choy. If you like your food extra spicy, double or triple the amount of chili garlic sauce to your own taste.
For extra flavor, texture and color to this dish, you can add some chopped peanuts, cilantro or sliced limes when serving.
Cook’s Notes
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I’ve shared three recipes with you, the pork tenderloin that I serve with an easy peanut ginger sauce and quick Asian style stir-fried noodles. They go well together or can be served separately. The meals are easy to prepare with ingredients you may already have and adaptable to your own family’s tastes and dietary restrictions. I think you can forget about ordering takeout for one of your weeknight meals…enjoy!
That’s a wonderful antidote to an overindulgence in Christmas food!
Hi Mad Dog, Sometimes we need a totally different kind of meal and this one fit the bill. Thank you for your nice compliment.
I love peanut sauce! The recipe I’ve been using is slightly different to the one you give here but I will try yours next time 😊.
Happy New Year Karen, this sounds wonderful!
Thank you Deb for the wish and compliment.
I hope you will enjoy my version of peanut sauce Helen…thank you.
Thank you, Karen!
A very flavorful meal. Love the Asian flavors in the noodles and peanut sauce. Never thought of using a peanut sauce on pork tenderloin, but you’ve made it sucha complementary pairing. Thanks//1
Thank you MJ, I’m glad you like the idea of pairing pork tenderloin with an Asian peanut sauce.
This is so delicious. I love how juicy and tender the pork turned out.
Angie
http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com
Thank you Angie, the pork was indeed juicy and delicious.
Oh, with those spices and sauce, that sounds fabulous!
I’m glad you like the Asian pork and stir fried noodle recipe Jeanie, thank you.
Great flavors in this dish. Love peanut sauce! 🙂
Thank you Ronit, I believe the peanut sauce is a flavorful.
This I am sur would taste great but peanut butter is a forbidden word in this house, the only thing we both really dislike!!! Happy new year and keep safe, Diane
Hi Diane, If you like the sound of this meal, you can just eliminate the peanut sauce. The pork will still be very flavorful because of the rub. Thank you for your compliment and wish.
I loved the photo with the pork which looked so tender. My mouth started to water just looking at it.
Thank you Gary, the pork really was good.
This sounds wonderful, I just put a tenderloin in the freezer, next up to try your recipe..
Thank you Amelia, I hope you will enjoy the pork if you get a chance to try the recipe.
Looking good!
Thank you Judy, this meal was definitely as good as it looks.
There are wonderful flavors in your dish. I will have to try it.
Thank you Gerlinde, if you try this flavorful Asian inspired dish, I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.
I am such a fan of your posts as your recipes always appeal to mr. taste buds. Too, I admire you photography as shooting food gives me my least satisfactory results. Happy New Year!
I so enjoy your posts as your recipes always appeal to my taste buds. Also, I admire your photos as shooting food is not what I do best. Happy New Year!
I appreciate your kind words about my posts and photos, Linda. Thank you so much, your compliments as well as your friendship is much appreciated.
These sound really great! i just made an Asian orange pork tenderloin and served it with friend rice. Happy New Year!
Thank you for your compliment Penny…it sounds as though we have similar tastes. 😊
I love that peanut sauce. This is a super fun and delicious Asian Fusion recipe. Hope you are doing well. Stay well and take care
I so appreciate your compliment Bobbi, as you are always an inspiration when it comes to Asian food.
Such a great meal — tons of flavor. We really like pork with Asian flavors. And will never — ever! — turn down noodles of any kind. 🙂
Thank you John, I agree with you on both counts. Asian flavors and pork work well together and noodles are always a winner at our table. 😊
This looks way better than any Chinese takeout dish! My mouth is watering for those delicious noodles with that generous side of pork.
A true compliment coming from you Carolyn, thank you for your lovely compliment.
Karen, this looks so delicious and I love pork tenderloin! Happy New Year!
Thank you Pam, I’m glad you like the Asian pork tenderloin recipe.
I think I could have the peanut sauce with a spoon or maybe a straw. 😉 What a beautiful and delicious combination of flavors! 🙂 ~Valentina
I appreciate your lovely compliment Valentina. It sounds like we both have the same love for peanut sauce, it really is good. 😁
It looks delicious – definitely better than take out.
Hi Sheryl, I’m glad you agree these Asian dishes are better thank takeout. Thank you.
Wow! what a wonderful meal! I love every part of it, but together? Brilliant!
I appreciate your compliment Mimi. I’m happy to know you like how I combined the two Asian dishes.
Great looking dish Karen and it will have to go on the must-try list.
I hope you enjoy the meal if you give it a try Larry, thank you for the compliment.
YUM! I need to pick up some fresh ginger and add these to our menu ASAP. Happy New Year, Karen!
I’m happy to know that you are thinking about preparing this meal Liz, I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did. Thank you for your compliment and wish.
Happy 2021!!….all the best for you and your family….I love fried noodles and your recipe looks fantastic!!….it has everything!!……Abrazotes, Marcela
I appreciate your kind wish and lovely compliment about the stir fried noodles, Marcela…thank you.
This is the type of Asian recipes I like. Looking forward to making this recipe.
I’m happy to know you like the Asian recipes Jovina, I hope you will enjoy the dishes.
You had me at Peanut Sauce, sounds wonderful with the pork!
Jenna
Hi Jenna, the peanut sauce makes a great accompaniment for the pork. I’m glad you like the idea, thank you.
This looks wonderful, Karen – I especially love the peanut-ginger sauce, as (like you said about my poblano sauce) this could have many applications! Happy New Year!
So true David, there are many applications for the peanut ginger sauce. For example, iit is good as a dressing on salads when thinned down a little. Thank you for your nice compliment.
You’ve hit all the right tones with this recipe! The pork couldn’t be more tender and it pairs well with the noodles and peanut sauce. Perfect meal!
Thank you for your lovely compliment Jan, the pork and noodles really were a good combination of flavors.
Yum, yum! Too funny! This sounds delicious, Karen! I ordered the same from a Chinese restaurant for delivery on New Year’s Eve. It was delicious! And it looks like your recipe is the same, next time I will make my own. I love love peanut sauce! And those noodles are awesome! Thanks for the recipe! Take care and Happy New Year!!! The best in 2021 for you!!!!
I’m glad I could share the recipes with you Pam, I do think you would enjoy the meal. Thank you for your wish and compliment.
Hi Karen, just wanted to let you know I sent you an e-mail but don’t know if it ended up in your spam folder!
Happy New Year to you, Kiki
Happy New Year Kiki. Thank you for your message, I did find your note and I hope you got my reply. Stay safe…hopefully the world will be able to start traveling later in the year or at least by 2022. 😘
Pork is in love with peanut sauce and so am I. Wish I had this for dinner!
I have to agree with you Tania, they are a great match. Thank you.
This sounds like just the thing for a cold January night, love the sound of that peanut and ginger sauce!
Hi Caroline, I believe you would really enjoy the meal and we think the peanut ginger sauce is a winner. Thank you for your nice compliment.
That pork tenderloin looks juicy!
Thank you Raymund, the pork is indeed juicy when prepared this way.
That looks delicious and now I am hungry! I will be making the stir fry! Thanks❤️
Thank you Diane, I hope you will enjoy the stir-fry.
Scrumptious!
I enjoy pork tenderloin and the new spice rub will be an added bonus to our kitchen. Thank you Karen!
Hi Nancy, I’m happy that I could supply you with a recipe for a new spice rub, it goes well with the pork.
Karen, anything with peanut sauce has my name ALL OVER IT! I love this idea and you’re right, it definietly beats takeout!
I’m happy to know that you enjoy peanut sauce as much as I do. I thought it went so well with the pork. Thank you for your nice compliment.
I have never cooked with water chestnuts so here is a good excuse for me to try them out 🙂
Hi Tandy, I don’t find that water chestnuts have much taste but I do like the texture they add to recipes.
What a great addition to my pork tenderloin repertoire; pretty and easy, who doesn’t love that! I love the tenderloin, it’s such a versatile cut.
I’m happy to supply you with a new pork tenderloin recipe Eva, I believe you would enjoy this one and appreciate your nice compliment.
Your pork tenderloin is done to perfection! I love all the wonderful flavors in this recipe…the sauce sounds so good!
I appreciate your lovely compliment about the pork and peanut ginger sauce, Susan. Thank you!
Looks amazing!
Amalia
xo
Thank you Amalia, the meal really was as good as it looks. 😊
Oh this is a keeper! Sounds absolutely delicious! Thanks Karen 👏
I’m so happy you like this sounds of this Asian inspired meal Julie, thank you for your compliment.
It seems to be a hearty and delicious meal Karen!
Thank you Denise, the pork is very flavorful and works well with the noodles.
Looks delicious, Karen. I would probably cook the tenderloin a little longer as I’m not a fan of pink meat. 🙂 🙂
Hi Jo, While I know it is perfectly safe to eat pork a little pink, I do know that many prefer it cooked a smidgen longer. 😊 Thank you for your compliment.
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We make peanut sauce on occasion, but we’ve never paired it with pork tenderloin. This sounds like a fantastic (and flavorful!) meal.
Hi David, Definitely try adding the peanut ginger sauce to pork, you will love the flavor combination. Thank you for your nice compliment.
My kind of meal. It looks terrific.
Hi Pam, I’m glad you like the combination I put together for this meal, thank you.
Such a delicious looking meal, Karen. The pork looks perfectly cooked and tender, and the peanut ginger sauce sounds amazing!
Thank you Thao, the peanut ginger sauce is indeed delicious and is a nice accompaniment for the pork.
This looks amazing, Karen! I can’t wait to try your recipe. I’ve never thought about pairing pork and peanut sauce together before so it’s going to be fun to try something new. Thanks so much, CoCo
I’m happy to know that this meal has inspired you to try the peanut ginger sauce with pork, I believe you will love the combination. Thank you for your nice compliment.
Now this is one I could even feed my “picky” daughter!
Hi Inger, I hope your daughter will enjoy the meal. 😊
Karen, I can only imagine how delicious this is! I can’t get enough peanut sauce to satisfy my cravings for it, so with your recipe, I can make it at home and enjoy it whenever! I’ve never made it at home and just love it in Thai restaurants. But the bottled stuff, no matter what brand, is always a let-down. Thanks so much for sharing this, Karen! 5 stars!