Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Citrus Salsa Verde

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

Tender pork tenderloin seasoned with a bold coffee and spice rub, grilled to juicy perfection, and served with a bright, tangy citrus salsa verde. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 40 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 360 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp finely ground coffee, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 1.5 lb trimmed pork tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat evenly with the coffee spice mixture. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Grill pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 large peeled and segmented orange, juice of 1 lime, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded for less heat), 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion in a bowl. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch medallions and serve topped with the citrus salsa verde.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Citrus Salsa Verde take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Citrus Salsa Verde?

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 Citrus Salsa Verde?

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 Citrus Salsa Verde 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 Citrus Salsa Verde?

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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