Spicy Caribbean Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this Spicy Caribbean Grilled Pork Tenderloin! This flavorful dish combines the warmth of allspice, the heat of cayenne, and the earthy notes of thyme and cinnamon, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Perfectly healthy at just 3 points per serving, this recipe was a hit at the WW meeting, proving that eating well doesn't mean feeling deprived. It's versatile too – enjoy it as a main dish or slice it up for sandwiches. You can also substitute the tenderloin for lean boneless pork chops or chicken for a different twist!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 large (minced)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground allspice
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (crumbled)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pork tenderloin
1 (1 1/2 lb) (trimmed of all visible fat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine minced onion, cayenne pepper, allspice, salt, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh ground pepper to create a spice rub.
3
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the trimmed pork tenderloin, ensuring it's well-coated for maximum flavor.
4
Place the seasoned tenderloin in a shallow roasting pan, then roast in the preheated oven until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). This should take approximately 45 minutes.
5
Once cooked, transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
6
After resting, slice the tenderloin into 12-18 pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy!
7
*For a quicker option, substitute the tenderloin with 6 lean boneless pork chops, making sure to trim any visible fat before cooking.
8
**This recipe is also fantastic when made with chicken for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Caribbean Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
It is a flavorful Caribbean-inspired pork dish that uses a blend of allspice, cayenne, thyme, and cinnamon for a spicy and earthy taste.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
This recipe is considered very healthy and is approximately 3 points per serving.
What are the ingredients in the spice rub?
The spice rub consists of minced onion, cayenne pepper, ground allspice, salt, dried thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh ground pepper.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for roasting the pork tenderloin.
How long does the pork tenderloin need to cook?
It typically takes about 45 minutes to reach the desired internal temperature.
What is the safe internal temperature for this pork recipe?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
How long should the meat rest after cooking?
Let the tenderloin rest for about 10 minutes covered loosely with foil to allow juices to redistribute.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic when made with chicken for a different flavor profile.
Can I use pork chops instead of a whole tenderloin?
Yes, you can substitute the tenderloin with 6 lean boneless pork chops for a quicker cooking option.
How much pork tenderloin is required?
The recipe calls for one 1.5 lb pork tenderloin.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
The onion should be minced before being added to the spice rub.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it contains cayenne pepper and Caribbean spices like allspice and nutmeg which provide heat and warmth.
How should the pork be sliced for serving?
After resting, slice the tenderloin into 12 to 18 pieces.
What type of thyme should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, crumbled.
What should I do to the pork before seasoning?
The pork tenderloin should be trimmed of all visible fat.
Can I use this pork for sandwiches?
Yes, the sliced pork is versatile and delicious when served in sandwiches.
What equipment is needed for roasting?
You will need a small bowl for the spice rub, a shallow roasting pan, and aluminum foil for resting.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What flavor notes are provided by the thyme and cinnamon?
Thyme and cinnamon provide earthy notes that complement the spicy heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged for meal prep and is easy to slice and store.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
How much allspice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Is this a low-sodium recipe?
It contains 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the entire 1.5 lb tenderloin, which is relatively moderate.
How much nutmeg is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg.
Does the recipe require fresh pepper?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
What type of onion is best?
The recipe specifies 1 large onion, minced.
Why is the pork covered with foil after cooking?
Covering it loosely with foil while resting helps keep the meat warm and ensures it stays juicy.
Is this a traditional Jerk recipe?
It uses traditional Jerk spices like allspice, thyme, and cayenne to achieve a Caribbean flavor profile.
What is the main advantage of this recipe?
It provides a tropical, flavorful meal that is healthy, low-point for dieters, and versatile for different meats.