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

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.

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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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