CRISPY PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH

Crispy Pork Tenderloin Sandwich image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

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1 1 1/2- to 2-pound pork tenderloin
2 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons barbecue rub
4 cups peanut oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups garlic croutons, crushed
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apricot- or mango-habanero sauce
Pinch of granulated garlic
Kosher salt
4 large brioche buns, split, toasted and buttered
Spicy pickle slices and shredded iceberg lettuce, for topping

Steps:

Make the pork: Cut the tenderloin into quarters; using a meat mallet, pound each piece until it is 1/4 inch thick and about 6 inches wide. Mix the buttermilk and barbecue rub in a baking dish, add the pork, cover and let marinate overnight or up to 2 days.
In a large deep saucepan, heat the peanut oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Take the pork out of the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
Make a three-stage breading station with the flour, eggs and crouton crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Place the pork pieces first in the flour, turning to coat; shake off the excess. Dip the pork in the beaten egg and let the excess drip off, then dredge in the crouton crumbs, pressing until total coverage is achieved.
Fry the pork in batches until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Let drain on a paper towel?lined baking sheet. Set aside.
Make the aioli: Mix the mayonnaise, habanero sauce and granulated garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt.
Build the sandwiches: Place the crispy pork on the toasted buns with some pickle slices, shredded lettuce and then a nice schmear of the aioli. Serve with extra aioli on the side.