Citrus and Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Mojo Sauce
Juicy pork tenderloin glazed with a tangy citrus and rum reduction, served alongside a vibrant mojo sauce for a flavor-packed Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends pork tenderloin, orange juice, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 4: Brush the pork with half of the citrus-rum glaze, then transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: While pork roasts, prepare mojo sauce by mixing 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/2 tsp salt; stir well.
- Step 6: Remove pork from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and drizzle with remaining citrus-rum glaze and mojo sauce before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus and Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus and Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Mojo Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus and Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Mojo Sauce?
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 Citrus and Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Mojo Sauce 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 Citrus and Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Mojo Sauce?
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.