Pork Tenderloin Tacos recipe
This Pork Tenderloin Tacos recipe is perfect for chefs who enjoy combining bold flavors and experimenting with new culinary creations. The tender and juicy pork tenderloin pairs perfectly with the fresh toppings and spices, making it a crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking, making it a go-to meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 small tortillas
Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced red onions
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Season the pork tenderloin with the spice blend on all sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork tenderloin in the skillet until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the pork tenderloin to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Warm the tortillas in the oven for a few minutes or on a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the sliced pork on the tortillas and topping with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, crumbled queso fresco, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serving size: This recipe serves 4 people.
Cooking tips:
- Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin.
- You can also grill the pork tenderloin instead of roasting it in the oven for a slightly different flavor.
- For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
Common spices that could potentially be used to enhance the flavor:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Coriander
- Chipotle powder
Serving and side suggestions:
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Refried beans
- Spanish rice
- Roasted corn
Variations:
- Use chicken or beef instead of pork.
- Top the tacos with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream.
- Use soft or hard-shell tortillas depending on your preference.
Ingredient substitutions:
- Canola or vegetable oil can be used instead of olive oil.
- Queso fresco can be substituted with feta cheese or shredded cheddar.
Storage and reheating instructions:
- Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Leftover suggestions:
- Use leftover pork tenderloin in a salad or quesadilla.
- Make nachos by topping tortilla chips with the pork and cheese, then baking until melted and crispy.
Health benefits:
- Pork tenderloin is a lean source of protein.
- The fresh toppings add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
- Spices like cumin and chili powder have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutrition information
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Total fat: 14g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Total carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary fiber: 4g
- Total sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g
RDA values (%):
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 20%
- Protein: 60%
- Total fat: 22%
- Saturated fat: 20%
- Cholesterol: 25%
- Sodium: 23%
- Total carbohydrates: 9%
- Dietary fiber: 16%
Shopping list:
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Tortillas
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onions
- Queso fresco
- Cilantro
- Limes
This Pork Tenderloin Tacos recipe is a tasty and healthy meal that is perfect for any day of the week. The flavorful spice blend combined with fresh toppings creates a delicious explosion of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. It is easy to customize and can be adapted to your liking. Be sure to add it to your recipe collection for a go-to meal.
