Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred Corn Salsa

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

Juicy pork tenderloin rubbed with smoky chipotle spices and grilled, paired with a fresh charred corn salsa bursting with flavor. This Mexican-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire surface of 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place pork on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning to develop a char, until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and let rest 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While pork rests, char 2 cups fresh corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until blackened spots appear, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine charred corn, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well.
  5. Step 5: Slice pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch medallions and serve topped with the fresh charred corn salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred Corn Salsa?

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 Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred Corn Salsa?

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 Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred Corn Salsa 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 Chipotle-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred Corn Salsa?

Mexican 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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