Cooking a “coq au porc” on a BBQ: Terry Pomerantz’ tips and tricks

Terry Pomerantz presents his “coq au porc” BBQ recipe. He also suggests what veggies to serve as a side dish, as well as which wines are best for pairing.

What is a “coq au porc”?

A typical Quebecer dish, “coq au porc” is a pork tenderloin wrapped in a flattened chicken breast. It is an incredibly tender meat dish. To enhance flavors even more, Terry Pomerantz adds a few slices of bacons in his “coq au porc”, between the chicken and the pork tenderloin.

Choosing the right “coq au porc”

At your butcher’s, choose relatively thin pork tenderloins and chicken breasts that are large enough to wrap the tenderloins in.

How to cook the “coq au porc” on the BBQ

First you’ll want to roast your “coq au porc” directly on the barbecue grille. Then, in a cast iron cooking pot, cook your “coq au porc” directly on the charcoal, between 45 and 55 minutes. Cooking time for the “coq au porc” has to be long enough for the inner temperature of the meats to reach 74^o C (165^o F).

Ingredients for the “coq au porc” on the barbecue

• 2 pork tenderloins
• 2 chicken breasts
• Lard
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 cup of white wine
• 80 ml of Calvados
• 1 coarsely chopped Spanish onion
• 1 garlic clove
• Fresh thyme
• Fleur de sel and pink pepper, to taste

Preperation for the “coq au porc” on the BBQ

• Heat the BBQ to 350^o F
• Flatten the chicken breasts
• Place bacon on the chicken breasts
• Wrap the pork tenderloins in the chicken and bacon. Tie with string.
• Grill the “coq au porc” on all sides, directly on the barbecue grill. Set aside.
• Place cast iron cooking pot directly on the charcoal (or the grill).
• Roast onion and garlic in butter and oil.
• Add cranberries. Cook for 1 minute.
• Deglaze with brandy and white wine.
• Place “coq au porc” in the cast iron cooking pot.
• Baste “coq au porc” regularly with cooking juices.
• If needed, add chicken broth.

What sauce to serve with the “coq au porc” on the BBQ?

Thicken the cooking juices of your “coq au porc” with kneaded butter. Add a little bit of cream. If needed, thin the sauce with chicken broth.

What appetizers to serve with “coq au porc” on the BBQ?

As an appetizer, Terry Pomerantz’ suggests a fresh basil and tomato salad. A green salad is also an excellent choice of appetizer before serving the “coq au porc” on the BBQ.

What side dishes to serve with your “coq au porc” on the BBQ?

As a side dish for your “coq au porc” on the barbecue, you can serve Quebec baby potatoes and a mixture of yellow and green string beans.

Which wines to drink with “coq au porc” on the BBQ?

With your “coq au porc” on the barbecue, Terry Pomerantz suggests red wines like a Medoc, for example a Château Coufran or a Château Vieux Moulin, or a Cahors like a Château de Haute-Serre or a Château Lamartine.