Looking for a delicious and spicy twist to your dinner routine? This Chipotle Crusted Pork Tenderloin recipe is a perfect choice! Originating from a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, this dish combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the tender juiciness of pork tenderloin. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that will wow your family and friends. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey!
Ingredients
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1-1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Chipotle Lime Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce.
- Marinate the Pork: Place the pork tenderloin in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepping the Pork Tenderloin
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chipotle chili powder, and brown sugar.
- Season the Pork: Remove the pork from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork tenderloin.
Cooking the Pork Tenderloin
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Roast in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the pork for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. For those who prefer their pork more well-done, continue roasting until it reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful tenderloin.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Cooking
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork tenderloin is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Pork tenderloin is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let It Rest: Always let the pork rest after roasting to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor.
Variations
- Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can cook the marinated pork tenderloin in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Orange-Chipotle Twist: Add more orange juice and zest to the marinade for a citrusy twist on the classic chipotle flavor.
- Grilled Version: Grill the pork tenderloin over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
This Chipotle Crusted Pork Tenderloin is a delightful combination of spicy and smoky flavors with a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something special for a weeknight meal. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below and follow us for more easy and crispy recipes.