Seared Achiote-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Mango Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy pork tenderloin crusted with aromatic achiote spice, paired with a refreshing mango avocado salsa that balances heat and sweetness. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, achiote paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin. Rub evenly with 2 tbsp achiote paste, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork tenderloin for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from skillet and tent with foil to rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: While pork rests, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1 cup diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice in a bowl. Gently mix and season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Slice the rested pork tenderloin and serve topped with the vibrant mango avocado salsa for a bright contrast of flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Achiote-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Mango Avocado 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 Seared Achiote-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Mango Avocado 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 Seared Achiote-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Mango Avocado 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 Seared Achiote-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Mango Avocado 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 Seared Achiote-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Mango Avocado 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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