So So the parade of rhubarb recipes continues. Most people find it easy to bake with rhubarb. Most rhubarb recipes are dessert recipes. In fact, most rhubarb desserts are strawberry rhubarb desserts. However, I find it interesting to explore some pairings with meat for main dish options. Consequently, this Rhubarb Thyme Brown Sugar Pork recipe is a sweet and sour delight.
Jump to RecipeI’ve seen several savory or main dish recipes made with rhubarb in German cooking magazines. They are a bit more scarce here in the States.
Intrigued with the pairing of the pork and brown sugar, I thought the sage was too strong for my palate. Consequently, I used thyme instead in this Rhubarb Thyme Brown Sugar Pork dish.
Luckily, I have a plethora of lemon thyme sprouting in my garden. I love this variety, not only for its lovely lemon-tinged scent but also for its fatter leaves. Let’s talk about how annoying ii is to pull thyme leaves off their stalks. So rude of thyme.
I understand most people do not have easy access to different thyme varieties. So I like to grow several varieties because I love the flavors they add to a dish. Therefore, use a common variety of thyme for this recipe. If you like, add a squeeze of fresh lemon to the pot in the last minutes of cooking. Separately, this adds lemon flavor.
This Rhubarb Thyme Brown Sugar Pork recipe takes around 30 minutes to create. However, beware the boneless pork pieces are marinated in vegetable oil and thyme for one hour before cooking. Also, the chopped rhubarb should be marinated in brown sugar and vanilla for at least 20 minutes before adding it to the dish. Alternatively, prep those steps the day before to get them out of the way.
Rhubarb Thyme Brown Sugar Pork
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb fresh rhubarb stalks
- 4 + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus some stalks for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1.75 lb boneless pork filets
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
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Trim all the leaves off of the rhubarb and discard them. Cut the rhubarb into small pieces.
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In a separate medium-wised bowl, whisk together the thyme leaves with the oil. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
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Cut the pork into small pieces, add to the bowl and toss to coat.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for one hour.
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In a separate bowl, toss the rhubarb with the brown sugar and vanilla. Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
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Heat the oil in a large skillet.
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Add the pork pieces to the pan and cook, stirring until they start to brown.
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Add the sugared rhubarb to the pan. Stir to combine.
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Cook for another 5 minutes or until the pork has been cooked thoroughly.
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Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately.