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Roasted Pork Loin with Cajun Tonnato Sauce

Chef John Lim Hing, Hog Shack Cook House (hogshack.ca)

Ingredients
  

Pork Loin

  • 2 lb Johnston's Pork Loin
  • Salt & pepper or your favorite rub
  • Oil

Cajun Spice Blend

  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 3 tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cajun Tonnato Sauce

  • 1 small can of tuna drained
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp capers plus extra for garnish
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ tsp garlic
  • 1 tsp Cajun spice

Garnish

  • Pickled red onions see recipe below
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Fried capers

Pickled Red Onions

  • 2 small red onions
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp sea salt

Instructions
 

Pork Loin

  • Marinate the pork loin with your favorite rub or just salt and pepper. Let rest for 1 hour or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Roast the pork loin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven. Take care not to overcook.
  • Let the pork loin rest, then refrigerate to cool.

Cajun Tonnato Sauce

  • While the pork loin is cooking, prepare the sauce.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine tuna, capers, garlic, Cajun spice, lemon zest, and juice. Blend until smooth.
  • Add mayonnaise and blend again until fully incorporated.
  • Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Pickled Red Onions

  • Thinly slice the red onions—using a mandoline will give the best results.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until fully dissolved, about a minute.
  • Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly before pouring over the sliced onions.
  • Allow the onions to sit at room temperature until completely cooled, then transfer them to the refrigerator.
  • The onions will be ready to use once they develop a vibrant pink hue and soften—this takes about an hour for very thin slices or overnight for thicker ones.
  • Store in the fridge and use within two weeks.

Garnish & Serving

  • Drain and fry extra capers in oil until crispy. Set aside.
  • Slice the chilled pork loin as thin as possible; a meat slicer works best.
  • Arrange the sliced pork loin on a platter, fanning out the pieces.
  • Drizzle the Cajun tonnato sauce over the meat.
  • Garnish with fried capers, diced tomatoes, and pickled onions.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Notes
You can roast the pork loin a day in advance—or just use leftovers from last night’s dinner! Want to mix things up? Try smoking the pork loin for a whole new flavor experience. If you’re in the mood for something extra tasty, throw everything into a sandwich—it’s a total game-changer!