Step 1: Preheat the grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 2: Season the pork tenderloin with salt, black pepper, and your choice of spices or herbs.

Step 3: Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 4: Remove the pork tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: While the pork tenderloin is resting, prepare the sandwich toppings. Slice tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and wash and dry lettuce leaves.

Step 6: Slice the pork tenderloin into thin slices.

Step 7: Spread mayonnaise or your preferred condiment on both sides of a hamburger bun.

Step 8: Place a few slices of pork tenderloin on the bottom half of the bun.

Step 9: Layer the sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, and lettuce on top of the pork.

Step 10: Top with the other half of the bun and press gently to hold the sandwich together.

Step 11: Serve the Illinois Pork Tenderloin Sandwich immediately with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, French fries, or potato chips.

Enjoy your homemade Illinois Pork Tenderloin Sandwich!

Substitutions/Alterations for Illinois Pork Tenderloin Sandwich:

1. Pork Tenderloin:
- Substitute with chicken breast or beef sirloin steak.
- Adjust cooking time accordingly as chicken breast may require less time than pork tenderloin.

2. All-Purpose Flour:
- Substitute with cornstarch or breadcrumbs.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

3. Eggs:
- Substitute with buttermilk or plain yogurt.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

4. Milk:
- Substitute with almond milk or soy milk.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

5. Saltine Crackers:
- Substitute with bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

6. Salt and Pepper:
- Adjust according to personal taste preferences.

7. Vegetable Oil:
- Substitute with canola oil or sunflower oil.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

8. Hamburger Buns:
- Substitute with ciabatta rolls or sandwich bread slices.
- Adjust cooking time for the bread accordingly, as it may require less time to toast.

9. Lettuce and Tomato:
- Substitute with any preferred greens and vegetables such as spinach, arugula, or cucumber.
- Adjust quantities based on personal preference.

10. Mayonnaise:
- Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

Note: The substitutions and alterations provided are suggestions and may slightly alter the taste and texture of the original Illinois Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. Adjustments in cooking time and personal taste preferences should be considered while using these alternatives.

- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Onion rings
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Macaroni and cheese
- Potato salad
- BBQ sauce
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Hot sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Ice-cold beer
- Lemonade
- Iced tea

1. Improve presentation:
- Use a brioche or artisanal bun instead of a regular hamburger bun for a more elegant look.
- Add a colorful and fresh garnish like microgreens or edible flowers on top of the sandwich.
- Serve the sandwich on a wooden cutting board or a stylish plate for a visually appealing presentation.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the pork tenderloin in a mixture of herbs, spices, and a touch of honey or maple syrup to add depth of flavor.
- Coat the pork tenderloin with a light breading or panko crumbs before cooking to create a crispy exterior.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms on top of the pork for an extra savory element.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular mayonnaise with a homemade truffle aioli or a tangy Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard seeds.
- Upgrade the cheese by using a creamy and rich Gruyère or a smoky Gouda instead of the traditional American cheese.
- Include a slice of seared foie gras or crispy bacon as an indulgent and luxurious addition to the sandwich.

- Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread instead of white bread for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Opt for lean pork tenderloin or trim excess fat to reduce saturated fat content for individuals with heart disease or high cholesterol.
- Marinate the pork tenderloin in a low-sodium marinade or use herbs and spices to enhance flavor instead of salt for individuals with high blood pressure.
- Replace mayonnaise with a healthier spread like mashed avocado or Greek yogurt for individuals looking to reduce their saturated fat intake.
- Load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion to add fiber and essential nutrients to the sandwich.
- Consider grilling or baking the pork tenderloin instead of frying it to reduce calorie and fat content.
- For individuals with diabetes, monitor portion sizes and balance the sandwich with a side of vegetables or a salad to control blood sugar levels.
- Offer a variety of condiments like mustard, hot sauce, or salsa as alternatives to high-fat dressings or sauces for individuals watching their calorie intake.
- Provide a vegetarian or vegan alternative by substituting the pork tenderloin with grilled tofu, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms for individuals following a plant-based diet.
- Accommodate individuals with lactose intolerance by using dairy-free cheese or omitting cheese altogether from the sandwich.

- Choose a whole wheat bun instead of white bread for added fiber.
- Trim any visible fat from the pork tenderloin before cooking to reduce saturated fat content.
- Use a lean cooking method like grilling or baking instead of frying the pork.
- Opt for a homemade marinade using olive oil, herbs, and spices instead of store-bought sauces that may contain added sugars and preservatives.
- Load up on fresh, nutrient-dense toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for added vitamins and minerals.
- Consider using a low-fat or light mayo or mustard instead of regular mayonnaise to reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Serve the sandwich with a side of mixed greens or a vegetable salad instead of fries for a healthier balance.
- Limit the amount of cheese or choose a reduced-fat version to cut down on saturated fat and calories.
- Enjoy the sandwich with a glass of water or unsweetened beverage instead of sugary sodas or high-calorie drinks.

1. Opt for pre-marinated or seasoned pork tenderloin to save time on marinating.
2. Use a meat tenderizer to flatten the pork tenderloin, reducing cooking time.
3. Instead of breading from scratch, consider using pre-made breadcrumbs or panko.
4. Use a store-bought or homemade seasoned flour mix for coating the pork.
5. Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the pork tenderloin in a small amount of oil for a quicker cooking process.
6. Substitute traditional burger buns with cheaper and equally delicious sandwich rolls or bread slices.
7. Utilize ready-to-use condiments like store-bought barbecue sauce or mayonnaise to save time on making sauces from scratch.
8. Consider using pre-sliced cheese or cheese singles for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
9. Opt for bagged lettuce or pre-washed salad greens instead of buying and washing whole lettuce heads.
10. Prepare the toppings (tomatoes, onions, pickles) in advance and store them in the refrigerator for easy assembly.

Note: While these suggestions aim to save time and money, it's important to prioritize food safety and quality. Always choose reputable brands and fresh ingredients for the best results.

 Related

• Alaska Salmon Burger
• Po' Boy Sandwich
• Bison Burger
• California-style Burgers
• Chicago-style Hot Dog
• Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich
• Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
• Michigan Coney Dog
• Mountain State Pepperoni Rolls
• Muffuletta Sandwich
• Nashville-style Hot Chicken Sandwich
• Nebraska Runza
• New Jersey Pork Roll
• New Jersey Taylor Ham and Egg Sandwich
• Philadelphia-style Roast Pork Sandwich
• Philly Cheesesteak
• Pittsburgh-style Primanti Brothers Sandwich
• Santa Fe Green Chile Cheeseburger
• Sonoran Hot Dogs