This Citrus Chile Roasted Pork Tenderloin is a zesty delight! The mix of citrus juices and a touch of chili brings a burst of flavor to tender, juicy pork.
It’s like a little fiesta in your mouth! I love serving this with rice or veggies, and it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and cooks quickly. You could substitute it with chicken breasts if needed, but adjust cooking time as they might cook faster.
Olive Oil: A staple for marinating and cooking. You can easily swap it with avocado oil or canola oil if you’re looking for an alternative.
Citrus Juices: Fresh orange and lime juice give a zesty flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, lemon juice can work as a substitute, though it’ll add a different taste.
Chili Powder: This spice gives the dish its heat. You can substitute it with taco seasoning or a mix of paprika and cayenne if you prefer a different spice blend.
Honey: Used for sweetness, you can replace honey with maple syrup or a sugar alternative like agave syrup if needed.
How Do I Keep My Pork Tenderloin Juicy?
Keeping pork tenderloin juicy is all about cooking it right. Here’s how:
- Pat the pork dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better.
- Don’t skip the searing step! Cooking it in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side locks in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Removing it at 145°F (63°C) keeps it tender.
- Let the meat rest after cooking. This gives time for the juices to settle, making for a more succulent slice.
Citrus Chile Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an hour to marinate, and around 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven. So, plan for about 1 hour and 40 minutes from start to finish, including resting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing Your Oven:
First, get things heating up by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the meat will roast perfectly once it’s ready.
2. Making the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, orange zest, lime zest, orange juice, lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed together to form a flavorful marinade.
3. Marinating the Pork:
Take the pork tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in either a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour your homemade marinade over the pork, making sure to rub it all over so every part is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or, if you have the time, up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for even more flavor!
4. Searing for Flavor:
Once marinated, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork tenderloins in the skillet and sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re nicely brown. This step helps lock in all that juicy goodness!
5. Roasting:
After searing, transfer the pork to a baking dish or roasting pan. Pour any leftover marinade over the top and pop it into your preheated oven. Roast it for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook, so your pork stays juicy!
6. Resting and Slicing:
When it’s done, take the pork out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time is essential for juicy pork as it allows the flavors to settle. After resting, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions.
7. Serving:
Now it’s time to serve! Arrange the slices on a plate, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for garnish, and drizzle any pan juices over the pork. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted veggies, or a light salad.
Enjoy your flavorful Citrus Chile Roasted Pork Tenderloin with a delightful blend of tangy citrus and spicy notes—perfect for impressing your friends and family!
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Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is great for its tenderness, you can also use pork loin or boneless pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time, as thicker cuts may require longer to cook through.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. For more heat, add extra chili powder or even some diced jalapeños to the marinade for a kick!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the pork the night before and leave it in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
