Zesty Cilantro Lime Pesto Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your dining experience with this Zesty Cilantro Lime Pesto Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. This mouthwatering dish features lean, tender pork stuffed with a vibrant cilantro lime pesto that is both refreshing and zesty. From the fragrant garlic and onion to the creamy Monterey Jack cheese, each bite bursts with flavor. With hints of jalapeño for a subtle kick and the bright acidity of lime juice, this elegant main course is not only visually stunning but also packed with layers of taste. Perfect for special occasions or an upscale weeknight dinner, serve it with your favorite side and a drizzle of tangy green chile picante sauce for the ultimate culinary delight.
4
Servings
132.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork tenderloin
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed and cleaned)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
onion
1/2 (cut into chunks)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (loosely packed and chopped)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
jalapeno
1 teaspoon (diced)
corn oil
2 tablespoons
Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
green chile picante sauce
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Carefully slice the pork tenderloin lengthwise, almost all the way through, to create a pocket. Open it up and place between two pieces of waxed paper.
3
Gently pound the tenderloin with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it reaches an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
4
In a food processor or blender, combine the minced garlic, onion chunks, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and diced jalapeño. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
5
With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the corn oil, processing for an additional 10-15 seconds until the mixture is slightly smooth.
6
Spread half of the cilantro lime pesto mixture evenly over the opened tenderloin, leaving space at the edges. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
7
Carefully roll the tenderloin back up, starting from one end. Secure the roll with kitchen twine to hold everything together.
8
Spread the remaining cilantro lime pesto over the top of the rolled tenderloin.
9
Place the stuffed tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C).
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the twine and slice the tenderloin into medallions.
11
Serve warm, drizzled with green chile picante sauce for an added kick.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is 1.5 lbs of trimmed and cleaned pork tenderloin.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the pork for stuffing?
Slice the tenderloin lengthwise almost all the way through to create a pocket, then pound it to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
What equipment is needed to make the pesto?
You will need a food processor or a blender to combine the pesto ingredients.
What ingredients are in the cilantro lime pesto?
The pesto contains garlic, onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and corn oil.
How long should the pork tenderloin bake?
Bake the tenderloin for 55-60 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork is done when the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C).
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is very low in carbs with only 1.5g per serving.
What kind of cheese is used in the stuffing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Should the pork rest after baking?
Yes, let the pork cool for about 5 minutes before removing the twine and slicing.
How is the pesto applied to the meat?
Spread half of the pesto inside the tenderloin before rolling and the remaining half over the top of the rolled pork.
What sauce is recommended for serving?
It is recommended to serve the pork with a drizzle of green chile picante sauce.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 132.5 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 14g of protein per serving.
Is the jalapeño used in the pesto spicy?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of diced jalapeño, providing a subtle kick without being overly spicy.
What kind of oil is best for the pesto?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of corn oil.
How should I slice the pork?
After resting, remove the kitchen twine and slice the tenderloin into medallions.
How do I keep the stuffed pork together during cooking?
Secure the rolled tenderloin with kitchen twine before baking.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 an onion cut into chunks.
Is the cilantro measured before or after chopping?
It is 1/2 cup of loosely packed cilantro that is then chopped.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
Can this recipe be considered Mexican-inspired?
Yes, with ingredients like cilantro, lime, jalapeño, and green chile picante sauce, it has a Mexican-inspired profile.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
Should the lime juice be fresh?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What is the prep for the pork tenderloin?
The pork should be trimmed and cleaned before you begin.
What is the best way to pound the meat?
Place the meat between two pieces of waxed paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this dish?
According to the nutrition facts, the fiber and sugar content is null.
Does the recipe require a roasting pan?
Yes, place the stuffed tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan for baking.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as an elegant main course perfect for special occasions or upscale dinners.