Recipes /

Cuban Mojo Pork Tenderloin

Get your skillet ready to evoke the warmth and vibrancy of Cuban culture with our Cuban Mojo Pork Tenderloin. The classic Cuban-style mojo sauce was originally inspired by recipes from the Canary Islands, however, centuries of colonial-era exploration and modern immigration expanded the sauce’s horizon across the Atlantic. The sauce’s flavor profile and applications are now used throughout South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Our mojo pork tenderloin recipe features the Cuban Mojo Spice Blend, a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, tang, and savory notes created through a combination of habanero chiles, honey, orange, and lime juice, onions, and garlic. This authentic Cuban tasting dish makes for the perfect main course for a delicious and filling lunch or dinner.

Curious Spoon Culinary Team
Difficulty:
Moderate
Prep Time:
1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:

Ingredients

Yield 4
  • 1 Pork Tenderloin
  • 1/3 cup Curious Spoon Cuban Mojo Spice Blend
  • 2 tbsp. Vegetable Oil, divided

Tomatillo Salsa

  • 1 Tomatillo, finely diced
  • 1 Roma Tomato, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp. Red Bell Pepper, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp. Cilantro, minced
  • 2 tsp. Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
  • Vegetable Oil, divided
  • Salt
  • ground Black Pepper

From the Kitchen

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Medium Skillet
  • Small mixing bowl

What is it and where to find it?

* Pork Tenderloin: This cut of meat comes from the muscle of the pig that runs along the backbone (though it should not be confused with pork loin which is also found on the back) and can be easily found in the meat section of most grocery stores. It is lean, boneless, and the most tender cut of pork meat. The flavor is mild, making it an ideal canvas for flavorful spice and herb pairings. When purchasing a pork tenderloin, look for one that has some marbling and is pink/red-ish in color. Typically a pork tenderloin will weigh around 1lb.

Notes from the Chef:

Once the tenderloin is seared and heat is turned down to low, use the oil in the pan and baste the pork to keep the pork tender and juicy. This will also give added color. If more oil is needed, just add it to the pan!

Make it a meal:
Serve with black beans and rice for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
Pairs well with:
Pairs well with a minty mojito or a refreshing iced tea!
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Directions:
  1. 1

    Prep all ingredients.

  2. 2

    Rub Curious Spoon Cuban Mojo Spice Blend evenly over pork tenderloin, then refrigerate for at least an hour (let sit overnight for the best flavors!).

  3. 3

    Heat remaining 1 tbsp. oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Sear pork tenderloin on all sides, then turn heat to low. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning often, until internal temperature reaches 145 F.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  5. 5

    Mix diced tomatillo, Roma tomato, red bell pepper, cilantro, onion, lemon juice, and 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil to create Tomatillo salsa. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Slice rested tenderloin and serve garnished with tomatillo salsa.