What Goes Best With Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin? Top 10 Ideas to Try Tonight
Some evenings, I find myself staring into the fridge, hoping inspiration for dinner will just appear. Sound familiar? That’s when teriyaki pork tenderloin steps in to rescue the situation. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for company but easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. The sweet-savory glaze, tender pork, and quick prep make it a recipe I turn to time and again.
But what’s a fantastic main dish without the perfect sides? Have you ever wondered how to round out your plate to take teriyaki pork tenderloin from delicious to unforgettable? Knowing which flavors and textures pair well with this dish can make a significant difference, whether you’re hosting friends or cooking for your family.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite side dishes to serve with teriyaki pork tenderloin. From vibrant veggies to hearty starches, these pairings will not only complement the dish but elevate your entire meal. Let’s get cooking!
Top 10 Side Dishes That Go Well With Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
1. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a delicious and healthy side dish with teriyaki pork tenderloin. Roasting cauliflower enhances its nutty flavor, complementing the sweet and savory teriyaki flavors.
You can eat roasted cauliflower as a stand-alone dish or serve it with rice and steamed vegetables.
For a quick and easy way to roast cauliflower, place it on a baking sheet and drizzle it with olive oil. Then, bake at 400 degrees for 20–25 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and lightly browned. Roasted cauliflower is a versatile side dish that everyone can enjoy.
2. Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are a classic side dish with teriyaki pork tenderloin. They are crispy and full of savory goodness on the inside. Most Asian restaurants serve egg rolls, which are also relatively easy to prepare at home.
Simply wrap pre-made egg roll wrappers around a filling of your choice and deep fry them until golden brown.
3. Green Peas & Lemon Salad
Green Peas and Lemon Salad is a fantastic side dish with Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin. The sweetness of the peas pairs perfectly with the savory pork, and the lemon dressing adds a bright and acidic touch.
This salad is also incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep time. Combine cooked green peas, diced red onion, chopped parsley, and lemon juice in a bowl.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
4. Stir-Fried Vegetables
If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly complements your teriyaki pork tenderloin, look no further than stir-fried vegetables. Stir-fried veggies are a classic side dish in Asian cuisine, and they’re the perfect way to round out a meal.
They’re also super easy to make – saute your favorite veggies in a little oil until they’re crisp-tender. Once finished, place them on your plate next to your teriyaki pork tenderloin and relish.
5. Herbed Potato Wedges
Herbed potato wedges are the perfect side dish to accompany your teriyaki pork tenderloin. We roast thick potato wedges in the oven until the potatoes turn golden and crispy, then toss them with a blend of herbs to enhance their flavor.
This dish is both hearty and filling, yet it remains light enough to allow the pork’s flavors to shine through.
6. Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is the perfect accompaniment to teriyaki pork tenderloin.
The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pork. Plus, the grill marks add a beautiful visual element to the dish.
7. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is the perfect side dish for a teriyaki pork tenderloin. The savory flavors of garlic complement the sweet and slightly salty flavors of the pork, and the bread provides a pleasing contrast in texture.
Most grocery stores sell garlic bread, or you can easily make it at home.
Spread butter on a loaf of crusty bread, sprinkle some garlic powder, and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
| Check out: How Long Are Pork Chops Good In The Freezer? |
8. Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with teriyaki pork tenderloin. You can easily prepare it in advance. Homemade applesauce is also a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C.
9. Lemon Rice Bowl
The rich and savory flavors of teriyaki pork pair perfectly with the light and fluffy rice in the Lemon Rice Bowl.
Plus, it’s quick and simple to prepare, so you can focus on getting the main dish right. For a complete meal, pair Lemon Rice Bowl with steamed veggies and a salad. Enjoy!
10. Steamed Bao Buns
Steamed Bao Buns are a wonderful option for a side dish because they are light and fluffy and soak up the pork flavors very well. They’re easy to make ahead and reheat when ready to eat.
Another great thing about Steamed Bao Buns is that they can be made in advance and frozen, so they’re always ready when you want them.
| Read: How to Steam Buns Without a Steamer |
FAQs Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin Side Dish
How long does it take to cook teriyaki pork tenderloin?
The general rule is to cook it for about 10 minutes per pound at medium-high heat. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the pork, as it is susceptible to overcooking. When the pork reaches its doneness, the thermometer should register 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you serve pork tenderloin?
You can roast, grill, or sauté pork tenderloin. People often serve it thinly, making it a popular choice for sandwiches.
How do you know when teriyaki pork tenderloin is bad?
The teriyaki pork tenderloin will be undesirable if it has an off-putting odor or a slimy texture. Additionally, if the pork tenderloin has darkened or developed mold, it’s unfit for consumption.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki pork tenderloin is a wonderful main dish for any meal. You can serve it with various sides like rice, noodles, vegetables, and fruit.
You can also change the pork taste by adding different sauces or spices. With so many options available, you’re sure to find a combination that you and your family will love.
Give it a try tonight!
