Pork Tenderloin In Tequila
Juicy pork tenderloin simmered in a flavorful tequila and tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and lime, perfect for a savory, crowd-pleasing meal with vibrant southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup prepared mustard ⓘ
- 4 tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped carrot ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- Juice of 1 lime ⓘ
- 1/4 cup tequila ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup snipped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil and garlic in a 10-inch skillet until hot.
- Coat the pork tenderloin with prepared mustard.
- Cook the pork over medium heat until browned on all sides.
- Remove the garlic from the skillet.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, lime juice, tequila, bay leaf, chili powder, salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer until the pork is tender, about 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with snipped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor profile, try using honey mustard instead of prepared mustard, which adds a touch of sweetness. If you don’t have tequila, a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar can be a suitable substitute. To enhance the garlic flavor, consider adding minced garlic cloves to the vegetable mixture. Remember to adjust the salt if using seasoned broth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, making it a great complement to Beefy Mexicali Rice. Consider serving with warm tortillas or over a bed of sautéed greens. A side of Aunt Pam'S Hot Mexican Salad adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the flavors of the pork tenderloin.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Tenderloin In Tequila contains roughly 1086 calories, with 26g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (287% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (201% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2671mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork loin or pork shoulder instead of tenderloin, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Pork shoulder will take longer to become tender, while pork loin may require less time. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safety.
What can I serve with Pork Tenderloin in Tequila?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with Mexican recipes like Ranchero Cornbake or a simple side of sautéed vegetables. Rice or beans also make excellent accompaniments, absorbing the delicious sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegetable mix. You could also use a spicier chili powder. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).