Limoncello-Infused Porchetta Delight
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Limoncello-Infused Porchetta Delight, a dish that brings the vibrant essence of Italy right to your kitchen. Inspired by a delightful experience from the renowned Buca di Beppo restaurant, this recipe captures the bold and zesty flavors of lemon, complemented by the kick of pepperoncini. Perfect for special occasions or a gathering with friends and family, this dish features succulent pork loin that's pounded thin, seared to a golden crust, and bathed in a luscious limoncello butter sauce. With a delightful contrast of tang and heat, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates. Prepare to be the star of your next dinner party with this crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and beautifully presented!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole pork loin
4 lbs (cut into 1/2-inch thick slices and pounded to 1/4-inch thickness)
flour
as needed (for dredging)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
butter
1/3 cup (for sauce)
limoncello
1 cup (for sauce)
minced garlic
3 tablespoons (for flavor)
sliced pepperoncini pepper
3/4 cup (for flavor and garnish)
lemon
1 (sliced thin horizontally)
whole pepperoncini peppers
5 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Prepare the pork loin by cutting it into 1/2-inch thick slices, then use a meat mallet to pound each slice to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness.
2
Generously season both sides of each pork slice with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off any excess, and set aside.
3
In a large non-stick skillet (12 or 14-inch), heat olive oil over medium-high heat until smoking. Ensure the skillet is adequately preheated for optimal browning.
4
Working in batches, carefully place the seasoned pork pieces into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Sauté each piece for about 2 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate as each batch completes.
5
Once all pork slices are seared, reduce the heat to low and add butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt and foam gently.
6
Add the limoncello to the melted butter (it may release steam). Stir and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
7
Return all the sautéed pork pieces to the skillet, overlapping them if necessary. Adjust the heat to medium-low.
8
Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the pork, then cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
9
After 5 minutes, carefully flip each piece of pork to ensure even cooking. Squeeze the juice from the lemon slices on top of the pork, then layer with sliced pepperoncini.
10
Cover the skillet and continue to simmer for an additional 3 minutes, or until the pork reaches a deep golden color and is thoroughly cooked.
11
Transfer the pork to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, then garnish with additional lemon slices and whole pepperoncini for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Limoncello-Infused Porchetta Delight?
It is a zesty Italian-inspired dish featuring thin-pounded pork loin seared and cooked in a luscious limoncello butter sauce with pepperoncini.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a dining experience at the renowned Buca di Beppo restaurant.
How much pork loin do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 lbs of whole pork loin.
How should the pork loin be sliced?
The pork loin should be cut into 1/2-inch thick slices before being pounded thinner.
What is the ideal thickness for the pork after pounding?
Each slice should be pounded to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
What are the pork slices seasoned with?
They are seasoned generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Do I need to coat the pork before cooking?
Yes, the pork slices should be dredged in flour, with any excess shaken off.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the pork?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What temperature should I use for sautéing?
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it is smoking before adding the pork.
How long does it take to sauté the pork slices?
Sauté each piece for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/3 cup of butter.
What gives the sauce its signature flavor?
A full cup of limoncello provides the vibrant, citrusy base for the butter sauce.
How long should the limoncello simmer?
Let the limoncello and butter simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after returning the seared pork pieces to the skillet with the butter and limoncello.
How much garlic is included in this dish?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of minced garlic for a bold flavor.
How long is the first simmer period?
After adding garlic, cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
What is the next step after the 5-minute simmer?
Carefully flip each piece of pork to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavor.
How is the lemon used in the recipe?
The juice of one lemon is squeezed over the pork, and the slices are used as a layer and garnish.
What type of peppers are used in the dish?
The recipe uses both 3/4 cup of sliced pepperoncini and 5 whole pepperoncini peppers.
How long is the final simmer?
After adding lemon and pepperoncini, cover and simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
What should the final appearance of the pork be?
The pork should reach a deep golden color and be thoroughly cooked.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 18.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, it contains 30g of protein per serving.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is described as zesty, garlicky, spicy, and savory.
Can this recipe be served at a dinner party?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for special occasions and dinner parties.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include porchetta, pork, limoncello, Italian, spicy, garlicky, and gourmet.
How should the dish be garnished?
Garnish with additional thin lemon slices and whole pepperoncini for a professional presentation.
What skillet size is recommended?
A large 12 or 14-inch non-stick skillet is recommended to avoid overcrowding.