Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Chili-Lime Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pork tenderloin rubbed with a bold coffee and chili spice blend, grilled to juicy perfection and served with a fresh, zesty chili-lime salsa. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes blends pounds pork tenderloin, finely ground ground coffee, chili powder 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 360 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp finely ground coffee, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin dry and rub all sides with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat evenly with the coffee spice blend. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 1 medium diced tomato, 1/2 small finely chopped red onion, 1 small seeded and minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Stir well to make the chili-lime salsa.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve slices topped with chili-lime salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Chili-Lime Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Chili-Lime Salsa?

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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Chili-Lime 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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Chili-Lime 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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Chili-Lime Salsa?

Latin American 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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