Black Pepper Pork with Asparagus

1. Prepare the Pork

Begin by halving the pork tenderloin lengthwise and then slicing it crosswise into thin pieces. This helps the pork cook quickly and evenly, ensuring tender bites.

2. Marinate the Pork

In a large bowl, combine the sliced pork, soy sauce, cornstarch, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat the pork thoroughly and let it marinate for 15 minutes. This step infuses the meat with flavor and the cornstarch helps create a lovely crust when seared.

3. Cook the Pork

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork in a single layer. Allow the pork to brown undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes. This high heat searing locks in the flavors and gives the pork a beautiful golden crust on one side. Stir the pork and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it's just cooked through.

4. Remove the Pork

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to a plate, leaving the flavorful oil in the skillet for the next step.

5. Cook the Asparagus

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet. Toss in the asparagus pieces along with a pinch of salt. Cook them for about 3 minutes until they are crisp-tender, maintaining their bright green color and crunch.

6. Combine and Heat Through

Return the cooked pork to the skillet with the asparagus, stirring everything together. Cook for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.

7. Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions over the dish. Serve your flavorful black pepper pork and asparagus with steamed rice, creating a satisfying and complete meal.