Thai Peanut Pork Tenderloin with Rice Vermicelli Noodles
This Thai Peanut Pork Tenderloin recipe features tender, marinated pork served over rice vermicelli noodles with a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce and fresh herbs. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
For The Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Thai Seasoning
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
For The Noodles
- 8 oz vermicelli noodles (or glass noodles)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1-2 red chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
Marinate the Pork
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and Thai seasoning.
Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Cook the Pork
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Heat coconut oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pork for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce & Noodles
While the pork is cooking, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sriracha, honey, Thai spice, and coconut milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more liquid if needed.
Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Assemble & Serve
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked noodles with the red bell pepper, red onion, fresh cilantro, and basil/mint leaves. Drizzle half of the peanut sauce over the noodle mixture and toss to coat.
Divide the noodles among serving plates. Arrange the sliced pork tenderloin on top of the noodles. Drizzle more peanut sauce over the pork. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced red chilies, lime wedges, and additional cilantro if desired.
Vermicelli vs. Glass Noodles: Which One is Right for Your Dish?
When it comes to this Thai Peanut Pork Tenderloin recipe, the type of noodle you choose can make all the difference. Two popular options that work beautifully in this dish are rice vermicelli and glass noodles. Though they may look similar, these noodles have distinct characteristics that can slightly change the texture and experience of your meal.
Rice Vermicelli Noodles are thin, white noodles made from rice flour. They have a light, springy texture that’s perfect for soaking up sauces while staying tender. Common in Southeast Asian cuisine, they’re the go-to choice for dishes like Vietnamese pho and pad Thai. Their neutral flavor lets the bold peanut sauce and fresh herbs shine in this recipe, making them an ideal base for savory dishes.
Glass Noodles, also known as cellophane or mung bean noodles, are translucent when cooked and have a more slippery, chewy texture. These noodles are made from mung bean starch and are often found in Korean and Chinese cuisine. They’re slightly heartier than rice vermicelli, giving the dish more bite while still allowing the sauce to cling to them nicely.
Both noodles work well in this recipe, so it comes down to your personal preference. If you prefer a lighter texture that lets the flavors of the pork and sauce take center stage, go for rice vermicelli. But if you want a bit more chew and a slightly different mouthfeel, glass noodles are a great alternative. No matter which one you choose, the noodles serve as the perfect foundation for this flavor-packed dish.
Keyword Thai Peanut Pork Tenderloin