Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin with a Cocoa-Chile Seasoning
Grill up some outrageously tasty pork tenderloins by whipping up a spice rub that packs a serious punch! This ain't your typical dessert recipe, no way Jose. Here's the scoop:
Unsweetened cocoa powder ain't just for sweets anymore. When combined with other tasty spices, it adds a deep, rich flavor to meats, especially as part of a spice rub. In this pork tenderloin recipe, we're using it as a secret ingredient to kick things up a notch.
Mix together chili powder, cocoa powder, brown sugar, cumin, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon. Coat those pork tenderloins all over, then let them marinate overnight, or if you're in a hurry, grill them right away. For the full taste explosion, serve alongside a Tangy Cabbage Slaw for a fantastic outdoor dinner.
Now, here's the game plan: After 30 minutes, the spice-rubbed tenderloins are ready to hit the grill, but for even more flavor and juicy goodness, let them marinate for up to 24 hours.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings, but you'll probably want seconds, so don't say we didn't warn ya.
Difficulty: Easy peasy, even a bleedin' jackass could do it.
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins, plus up to 24 hrs marinating time. But hey, good things takes time, right?
Ingredients:
For the spice rub:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Dutch-process or natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the tenderloins:
- 2 (1- to 1-1/2-pound) pork tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
For the spice rub:
- Gather your ingredients and mix 'em all together in a small bowl, then set it aside. Easy as pie.
For the tenderloins:
- Trim the pork of any silver skin, pat it dry with paper towels, and rub it all over with oil.
- Sprinkle with the spice mixture, then rub it in until it's evenly coated. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium (around 350°F to 450°F). If you've chilled the tenderloins, let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Grill the tenderloins until they're browned all over and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F to 150°F, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Transfer the tenderloins to a cutting board, let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve 'em up, hot and spicy!
Want to get crazy with unsweetened cocoa powder? Check out these other tasty ideas:
1. Cocoa Chipotle Beef Rub
Grab some beef and smother it in this spicy, smoky rub with a hint of chocolate:
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper powder, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste
2. Mexican-Style Rub for Chicken or Pork
This rub is perfect for adding a little somethin' somethin' to your chicken or pork:
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), salt and pepper to taste
3. Deeply Flavored Beef Stew
Warm up with this deliciously spiced beef stew:
- Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 medium onions, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup red wine
These recipes showcase how unsweetened cocoa powder can elevate the flavors of meats with its rich, depth, especially when combined with spices and smoky elements like chipotle peppers. Enjoy!
- The deep, rich flavor of unsweetened cocoa powder is not just limited to sweets anymore; it can also enhance the taste of meats, particularly as a secret ingredient in a spice rub for grilled pork tenderloins.
- By incorporating unsweetened cocoa powder into the spice rub, this recipe for pork tenderloins promises a tastier, more flavorful, and juicier dish, perfect for an outdoor dinner.
- If you're looking to experiment with unsweetened cocoa powder, consider trying the Cocoa Chipotle Beef Rub, Mexican-Style Rub for Chicken or Pork, or the Deeply Flavored Beef Stew, all of which showcase the power of cocoa powder to elevate the flavors of meats.
