Adobo Pork Tenderloin Medallions

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Lake Pátzcuaro and Janitzio Island

📍 Where this dish comes from: Michoacán · Lake Pátzcuaro and Janitzio Island
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Adobo Pork Tenderloin Medallions, plated and ready to serve

Ingredients for Adobo Pork Tenderloin Medallions

Adobo Pork Tenderloin Medallions

Lean pork tenderloin luxuriates in a quick ancho-chipotle adobo, sears to a brick-red crust, then slices into buttery medallions you can grill, roast, or pan-finish in just 15 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 265kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 lb pork tenderloin silver skin removed; sub: pork loin, add 5 min cook time
  • 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo minced; sub: 1 tsp chipotle powder + 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp ancho chile powder sub: regular chili powder or smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic minced; sub: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp apple-cider vinegar sub: lime juice or red-wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil sub: avocado oil, melted bacon fat
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper sub: ground white pepper
  • Optional finish: squeeze of lime chopped cilantro, or a pat of herb butter

Instructions

  • Whisk the adobo: In a bowl, mix chipotle, ancho powder, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a thick paste.
  • Marinate: Pat tenderloin dry. Slather paste over every surface. Let it stand at room temp while you fire up the grill.
  • Preheat grill/skillet: Gas/charcoal grill high direct heat zone at 500°F, plus a cooler side. Cast-iron skillet/grill pan medium-high until a droplet skitters.
  • Sear & finish: Grill tenderloin over direct heat 2 min per quarter turn to develop deep char (8 min total). Move to cooler zone, cover, cook 2–3 min more until internal temp hits 140°F.
  • Rest & slice: Tent loosely with foil; carryover brings temp to 145°F. Slice crosswise into 1-inch medallions, spoon juices on top, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 265kcal | Protein: 33g | Fat: 14g
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Cooking Adobo Pork Tenderloin Medallions in the kitchen

About This Dish

Lean pork tenderloin luxuriates in a quick ancho-chipotle adobo, sears to a brick-red crust, then slices into buttery medallions you can grill, roast, or pan-finish in just 15 minutes.

Health Benefits

  • Pork tenderloin provides lean protein with less saturated fat than fattier cuts.
  • The ancho-chipotle adobo adds deep flavor without any added sugar.

Pairs Well With

  • Nopales, Radish & Queso Fresco Salad
  • Cheesy Jalapeño Cauliflower Bake
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