Nicaraguan Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin

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

Juicy pork tenderloin infused with a rich coffee and spice rub, grilled to perfection and bursting with flavors inspired by Nicaraguan highland coffee. This Latin American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, ground Nicaraguan coffee beans, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp ground Nicaraguan coffee beans, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 1 pound pork tenderloin with paper towels and rub the spice mixture evenly all over the pork, pressing gently to adhere. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 2 tbsp olive oil over the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Place the pork tenderloin on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 4 minutes to develop a crust and ensure even cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and tent with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Nicaraguan Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Nicaraguan Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin?

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 Nicaraguan Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin?

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 Nicaraguan Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin 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 Nicaraguan Coffee-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin?

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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