Caribbean Tamarind Glazed Pork Tenderloin

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork tenderloin roasted with a tangy tamarind glaze that balances sour and sweet notes for a lively Caribbean-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, tamarind paste, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Rub 1 lb pork tenderloin evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then coat with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork on a rimmed baking sheet and brush generously with half of the tamarind glaze.
  4. Step 4: Roast for 20 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze and continue roasting for another 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F and glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with any pan juices and remaining glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Tamarind Glazed Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Tamarind Glazed Pork Tenderloin?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Tamarind Glazed Pork Tenderloin?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean Tamarind Glazed Pork Tenderloin for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribbean Tamarind Glazed Pork Tenderloin?

Caribbean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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