Grilled Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Citrus Salsa Verde
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 ready in about 40 minutes blends trimmed pork tenderloin, finely ground ground coffee, brown sugar 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, trimmed pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp, finely ground ground coffee
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup packed, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 large, peeled and segmented orange
- 1, juiced lime
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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). 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 Citrus Salsa Verde?
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 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.
