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This chipotle pork tenderloin is smoky, citrusy, lightly spicy, and easy enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough for a dinner with family or friends.
The marinade is made with chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, and cumin, then the pork is grilled until juicy and sliced thin.
The rice keeps the meal simple. It cooks with onion, garlic, tomato sauce, cumin, broth, and cilantro, so you get a complete plate without making several sides.
This recipe works because pork tenderloin cooks quickly, takes marinade well, and pairs beautifully with smoky chipotle and bright citrus.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
For the pork tenderloin, you’ll need pork tenderloin, chipotle peppers in adobo, adobo sauce, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
For the rice, you’ll need quick-cooking brown rice, oil, garlic, onion, tomato sauce, cumin, chicken broth, salt, and cilantro.
Chipotle Marinade
The marinade is the main flavor builder in this recipe.
Chipotle peppers in adobo bring smokiness, heat, and depth, while orange juice adds sweetness and citrus.
Lime juice and apple cider vinegar brighten the marinade and help tenderize the pork.
Cumin and oregano keep the flavor warm and savory without making the recipe complicated.
Everything gets blended until smooth so the pork is coated evenly.
You can find canned chipotle peppers in adobo in many grocery stores or international food stores.
Any brand works.
Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours.
I don’t recommend going longer because the citrus and vinegar can start changing the texture of the meat.
Why Pork Tenderloin Works Here
Pork tenderloin is lean, tender, and cooks quickly, which makes it a good match for a bold marinade.
It absorbs flavor well, but it can dry out if overcooked.
For this recipe, I like grilling it because the high heat gives the outside a little char and brings out the smoky flavor of the chipotle marinade.
I usually buy pork tenderloin from my local butcher or Costco when I want a good price.
How to Make Chipotle Pork Tenderloin
Combine the marinade ingredients in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Transfer the marinade to a blender and blend until smooth.
Place the pork tenderloin in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the pork and turn to coat well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the pork for about 4 minutes per side, turning to cook all sides evenly, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Can Pork Tenderloin Be Pink Inside?
Yes. Pork tenderloin can still be slightly pink in the center and be safe to eat as long as it reaches 145°F internally and rests before slicing.
This is especially important with pork tenderloin because cooking it too long can make it dry.
Mexican Rice
The rice is simple but flavorful and makes this a complete meal.
Onion and garlic cook first, then the rice is briefly toasted before adding cumin, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and finish with fresh cilantro.
What to Serve With Chipotle Pork Tenderloin
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Mexican Rice (recipe in the recipe card below)
Leftovers and Reheating
Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, wrap the pork in foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also slice it thin and reheat gently in a skillet.
Avoid overheating, because pork tenderloin dries out quickly.
MORE PORK RECIPES:
- ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN
- GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN
- TOP 10 PORK CHOP RECIPES
- PORK LOIN ROAST
- EASY OVEN BAKED BONE-IN PORK CHOPS
CHIPOTLE PORK TENDERLOIN AND MEXICAN RICE RECIPE
Ingredients
FOR THE PORK:
- 2 Chipotle chies in adobo
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, , pressed
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- juice from 1 lime
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin
FOR THE RICE:
- 1 cup quick cooking brown rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, , pressed
- 1/2 small chopped onion
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
- salt to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
FOR THE PORK TENDERLOIN:
- In a small saucepan combine all ingredients for the marinade. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Transfer marinade to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Place pork tenderloin in a zip lock bag and pour the marinade on top. Make sure the meat is evenly coated in marinade. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook meat for about 4 minutes per side (4 sides), until cooked through.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes, before slicing and serving.
FOR THE RICE:
- In a large saucepan, heat oil and add onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, then add rice. Cook the rice for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, making sure it does not burn.
- Add cumin, tomato sauce and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cover.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, until rice is cooked.
- Fluff with fork. Season with salt. Add fresh cilantro on top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I could definitely use new way to jazz up pork tenderloin, as I often make it the same way! This chipotle version sounds perfect, Mira! And that Mexican rice sounds like it complements it wonderfully. Such a flavorful meal!
thanks friend!
Why yes I do love Latin cuisine and heck yes am I a fan of bold flavors! Obviously this pork tenderloin was made just for me right? 😉 Seriously, Mira this is just gorgeous! And your chipotle marinade sounds amazing – I love that you added orange juice! This definitely needs to happen for dinner at my house! Pinned! Cheers, friend!
thanks friend!
I love the sound of this spicy pork tenderloin, and the Mexican rice looks good enough to make a meal out of on it’s own! Delicious dish, Mira!
thanks Marcie!
What a beautiful presentation and combination of flavors. This si perfect option for the holidays. ~ client
thanks Adriana!
This looks SO juicy and flavorful, Mira! Love the chipotle chilies and the Mexican rice is the perfect side!
thanks Kelly!!!
I love your Latin theme for this pork loin. That marinade sounds absolutely perfect!
Wow! That marinade sounds amazing! And I’m a huge fan of bold flavors, so I’m all over this dish! What a fantastic meal, Mira!
A great Mexican inspired, tasty and easy to make meal. Love La Morena Products!
I made the marinade with only 1 chipotle pepper, did not boil it, and it turned out delicious! So fresh tasting with a nice tang, and low fat! I highly recommend this if you are a citrus lover. 5 stars
Thank you Rose! Glad you liked it!