If you want to take your Sunday roast to unforgettable new heights, this Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe by Chef Gordon Ramsay will be your new best friend. Stuffed with delicately nutty Manchego cheese and sweet, but also tangy, membrillo as well as herbs, this little dish conveys a happy meeting of multiple flavors as well as textures.
It’s the kind of showstopper that trips family and friends out and makes them think you might be a pro — especially if you’re as much a fan of Chef Gordon Ramsay as we are.
Whether accompanied by the classic roast potatoes, a sharp green salad or seasonal veggies, this recipe will have every slice filled with richness and finesse. And the best part? It’s simpler to prepare than you might realize. Let’s get started.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1kg pork loin roasting joint, skin scored
- 175g Manchego cheese, thinly sliced
- 150g membrillo (quince paste)
- 2 sprigs fresh sage
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
- 200ml medium-dry sherry
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 220°C (Gas Mark 7). This initial high heat will help create that irresistible crackling on the pork’s skin.
2. Butterfly the Pork
Lay the pork loin on a sturdy chopping board, skin side down. Using a sharp knife, cut a lengthwise slit down the center, slicing about three-quarters deep. Gently open the meat to form a flat rectangle. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Layer the Flavors
Arrange the Manchego cheese slices and chunks of membrillo along the center of the pork. Top with the leaves from one sage sprig. This combination will melt and mingle into a sweet-savory filling that takes the dish from ordinary to gourmet.
4. Roll and Tie
Carefully roll the meat back up, enclosing the flavorful stuffing inside. Use kitchen string to tie the pork loin at 3cm intervals along its length, ensuring it stays snug and secure while cooking.
5. Prepare the Roasting Tray
Scatter the thyme, the remaining sage sprig, and the halved garlic head (cut side up) into a hob-proof roasting tray. Place the stuffed pork loin on top, skin side up. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season once more with salt and pepper. These aromatics and seasonings will infuse the meat with complexity as it roasts.
6. Roast to Perfection
Slide the tray into the hot oven and roast for 20 minutes at 220°C until the skin is crispy and crackling. Then reduce the heat to 180°C (Gas Mark 4) and continue cooking for an additional 50 minutes, or until the pork is just cooked through. The internal juices should run clear when the thickest part is pierced.
7. Rest the Meat
Transfer the pork loin to a serving platter and let it rest for at least 10–15 minutes. Resting seals in those succulent juices, ensuring every slice is tender and moist.
8. Make a Luxurious Pan Sauce
Place the roasting tray on the hob over medium heat. Pour in the sherry and bring it to a gentle boil, scraping up the caramelized bits from the bottom of the tray. Press down on the softened garlic to release its sweet pulp, then remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in any juices that have collected from the resting meat for an even deeper flavor. Strain the sauce, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve
Slice the pork into thick, generous pieces and arrange on a warm platter. Spoon the sherry sauce over top, making sure to let it tumble to the edges of the plate. Serve this beautiful centerpiece with roasted baby potatoes, a fresh seasonal salad or charred Brussels sprouts to round out the meal.
Expert Tips and Variations
- Chef’s Tip: Make sure to get good-quality Manchego cheese, which is buttery and melts beautifully when cooked.
- Add a Twist: Substitute membrillo with dried apricots or figs, for a different sweetness profile.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Spanish red (think Rioja) or a dry sherry do nicely with the stuffing’s richness.
A Culinary Gift Worth Sharing
This Gordon Ramsay Stuffed Pork Tenderloin recipe is not only a meal, it’s an experience.
Dazzle family and friends at your next get together or surprise a special someone with a gourmet feast worthy of a fine dining restaurant menu.
Optimise your kitchen with more memorable moments, browse our foodie Gifts & Experiences here for how to prepare and host incredible meals.