Oh, let me tell you ’bout this citrus pork tenderloin. It’s real easy to make, and every time I do it, folks just can’t get enough! You start with that tenderloin, nice and lean, and the secret is the marinade. You wanna get some fresh orange juice. It makes the meat so tender, like butter, I swear!
Now, you might not always find that fancy orange juice, but don’t you worry. Just grab yourself some navel or Valencia oranges, mix ’em with a bit of lime juice, and you’re good to go! That acidity does wonders for the pork, I tell ya. It really gives it a unique flavor that just dances on your tongue.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pork tenderloin
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic, minced (optional)
First thing you do is mix that orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. If you like garlic, throw that in too! Then, you gotta put that pork in a ziplock bag and pour that marinade all over it. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour. If you can wait longer, even better, let it soak overnight if you can.
When you’re ready to cook, you got a couple options. Some folks like to slow cook that pork till it hits about 135°F. You can do it in the oven or even on a smoker if you got one. I like to use that reverse sear method—makes it all crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy inside. If you got a sous vide, you can also do that, but be sure to leave it in there for about 4 to 5 hours at 137°F.
But here’s the kicker: don’t you cook that pork too long! If you do, it’ll turn tough, and we don’t want that, do we? You know it’s done when the juices run clear. If they’re pink or red, keep it cooking a bit longer.
Once it’s all cooked up nice, let it rest for a few minutes. This part is real important, you gotta let it rest. It keeps all those juices locked in, so when you slice it, it don’t dry out. Slice it nice and thin, and you’ll see how tender it is!
Now, you can serve this up with some roasted veggies or maybe a nice salad on the side. Folks at the table will be asking for seconds, I promise you that! And if you got any leftovers—oh boy, they make a great sandwich the next day!
Tips to Remember:
- Always marinate for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook your pork; it’ll be tough!
- Let it rest before slicing.
So there you have it, simple as pie! This citrus pork tenderloin is a hit for any meal, whether it’s Sunday dinner or just a regular ol’ weekday. Try it out and see for yourself how easy and delicious it can be!
Tags：[citrus pork tenderloin, easy recipes, pork recipes, marinated pork, cooking tips]
