Tamarind and Chipotle Glazed Pork Tenderloin

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

Pork tenderloin imbibed in a smoky tamarind and chipotle glaze, roasted to juicy perfection with a caramelized crust. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes turns pork tenderloin, tamarind paste, chipotle in adobo, finely chopped into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp finely chopped chipotle in adobo, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir until well mixed.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and season all over with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Step 4: Brush the tamarind-chipotle glaze generously all over the pork. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-18 minutes, basting once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the tenderloin slices drizzled with any remaining glaze to imbibe the smoky, tangy flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind and Chipotle Glazed Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Tamarind and Chipotle Glazed Pork Tenderloin?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind and Chipotle Glazed 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 Tamarind and Chipotle Glazed 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 Tamarind and Chipotle Glazed Pork Tenderloin?

Mexican 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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