Spiced Pork Lomo with Toasted Quinoa Salad

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

Tender pork loin marinated with warm spices, grilled and served alongside a nutty toasted quinoa salad with fresh vegetables. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 35 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb pork loin medallions and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast 3/4 cup rinsed quinoa, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt to the quinoa, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: Mix the cooled quinoa with 1 small diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook pork medallions for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Serve spiced pork atop the toasted quinoa salad for a balanced dish with smoky, fresh, and tangy notes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pork Lomo with Toasted Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (35 min prep + 25 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 Pork Lomo with Toasted Quinoa Salad?

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 ground cumin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pork Lomo with Toasted Quinoa Salad?

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 Pork Lomo with Toasted Quinoa Salad 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 Pork Lomo with Toasted Quinoa Salad?

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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