Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the ultimate one-pan wonder that'll make your taste buds dance and your kitchen cleanup a breeze! Our Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork and Rice Skillet is the mouthwatering meal you've been craving - a perfect harmony of crispy bacon, tender pork, and perfectly cooked rice that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, diced
- 6 slices applewood smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch cubes, chopping bacon into small pieces, and finely dicing onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and fat is rendered, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon drippings in the pan.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add diced pork tenderloin to the bacon drippings. Season with salt and pepper. Sear meat until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté with the pork for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in long-grain rice, coating it with the pan drippings and allowing it to lightly toast for 1 minute.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Once rice is cooked, remove lid and fluff with a fork. Sprinkle reserved crispy bacon pieces over the top.
- Let skillet rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful result, use a cast-iron skillet to develop rich, deep flavors and achieve perfect browning of the meat and vegetables. • Make sure to pat the pork tenderloin dry before searing to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust. • Don't skip rendering the bacon fat - this is the secret weapon that adds incredible depth of flavor to the entire dish. • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level, especially since bacon will add additional saltiness. • Let the skillet rest for those crucial 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining moisture. • For extra crunch, consider garnishing with some fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving. • If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 394kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 100mg
