Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato & Chipotle Pork Tenderloin
This Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato & Chipotle Pork Tenderloin recipe combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and smoky chipotle peppers for a deliciously savory dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The rub adds just the right amount of heat and a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. With its simple preparation and fast cooking time, this tenderloin is an ideal choice for busy evenings. Serve it sliced over a bed of greens or alongside your favorite grains, and don't forget to save some of the flavorful rub for dipping or spreading on sandwiches. A perfect balance of spice and zest awaits in every bite!
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
1/2 cup (drained and chopped)
canned chipotle chile
1 (from can with adobo)
fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pork tenderloin
1 (about 1 lb, whole)
chopped cilantro
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, chipotle chile, fresh orange juice, balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic, sugar, and salt. Blend until you achieve a coarse paste.
3
Place the pork tenderloin in a suitable baking dish and evenly coat it with about 3 tablespoons of the prepared rub, making sure to cover all sides.
4
Roast the tenderloin in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), which should take about 20 minutes; however, for best results, check at around 15 minutes for doneness, especially if the tenderloin is at room temperature.
5
Once cooked, remove the tenderloin from the oven and allow it to rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
6
After resting, slice the tenderloin thinly and serve it on plates with any collected juices. Garnish with chopped cilantro to add a fresh touch.
7
Enjoy your flavorful creation, and consider saving extra rub to enhance your other dishes or as a mix-in for mayo in sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is a whole pork tenderloin, weighing approximately 1 lb.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to roast the pork tenderloin?
It typically takes about 20 minutes, though you should begin checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark.
What internal temperature should the pork reach?
The pork tenderloin is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
How long should the pork rest after cooking?
Allow the meat to rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to let the juices redistribute.
What ingredients are in the sun-dried tomato rub?
The rub consists of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, canned chipotle chile in adobo, fresh orange juice, balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic, sugar, and salt.
Should the sun-dried tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the sun-dried tomatoes should be drained and chopped before being added to the blender.
How do I prepare the rub?
Combine the rub ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until they form a coarse paste.
How much of the rub should be applied to the meat?
Apply approximately 3 tablespoons of the prepared rub evenly over all sides of the pork tenderloin.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes canned chipotle chile, which provides a smoky heat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 3 servings.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is best garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.
Can I use the leftover rub for other things?
Absolutely; extra rub can be used as a sandwich spread or mixed into mayonnaise.
How should the pork be sliced for serving?
The pork tenderloin should be sliced thinly after it has finished resting.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed for busy evenings with its simple preparation and fast cooking time.
What equipment is needed to make the rub paste?
You will need a blender or a food processor to achieve the correct coarse paste consistency.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
While fresh orange juice is recommended for the best zest, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar in the rub.
Does the recipe use garlic?
Yes, it requires 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What kind of chipotle pepper is needed?
Use 1 canned chipotle chile from a can packed with adobo sauce.
Is this dish considered high protein?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, it is a high-protein meal.
What should I serve with the pork?
It is delicious served over a bed of greens or alongside your favorite grains.
Should I salt the pork before adding the rub?
The salt is already included in the blended rub mixture.
Do I need to sear the pork before roasting?
No, the instructions indicate placing the coated tenderloin directly into the preheated oven.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the garnish.
What consistency should the rub be?
The rub should be a coarse paste rather than a smooth liquid.
What should I do with the juices from the baking dish?
Serve the sliced pork with any collected juices for extra flavor.
Can I make the rub in advance?
Yes, the rub can be prepared ahead of time to make the assembly even faster.
How much sun-dried tomato is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.