Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Salsa

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

Juicy pork tenderloin rubbed with a bold coffee and spice blend, grilled to perfection and topped with a bright cilantro-lime salsa for a balanced flavor. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, ground coffee, brown sugar 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: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground coffee, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then generously coat with the coffee spice mixture. 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 15-18 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes, until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
  4. Step 4: While the pork cooks, mix 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 small seeded and finely chopped jalapeño in a small bowl. Set aside.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve topped with the fresh cilantro-lime salsa.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime 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 Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-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 Cilantro-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 Cilantro-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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