Spiced Brazilian Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in warm Brazilian spices and finished with a bright orange glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, minced garlic cloves, ground cumin 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh orange zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides, about 3 minutes per side, until it develops a golden-brown crust.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp fresh orange zest, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Pour this glaze over the pork and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Step 4: Roast for 15-20 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove pork from oven and rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the orange glaze drizzled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Brazilian Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Spiced Brazilian Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze?
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 Spiced Brazilian Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze?
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 Spiced Brazilian Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze 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 Spiced Brazilian Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze?
Brazilian 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.