RECIPE

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Mint Marinade

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 10

Danielle Custer insists that the key to full-flavored and tender pork is to buy naturally raised meat from producers such as Niman Ranch (nimanranch.com). Her "all-purpose" marinade of fresh herbs and toasted spices also works well with beef, lamb, chicken and fish.

Plus: More Pork Recipes and Tips

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 10
  • HEALTHY
  • MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
    2. 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
    3. 3/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
    4. 1 cup cilantro
    5. 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    6. 1 medium onion, quartered
    7. 1/2 cup mint leaves
    8. 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
    9. 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
    10. 5 pounds whole pork tenderloins
    11. Freshly ground pepper
    12. Salt
    13. Vegetable oil, for the grill
    14. Cornmeal-Cheddar Biscuits and Spiced Tomato Ketchup, for serving

Directions

  1. In a small skillet, lightly toast the coriander, cumin and fennel seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool. In a spice or coffee grinder, grind the seeds to a fine powder.
  2. In a blender, combine the cilantro with the olive oil, onion, mint, orange juice and zest; puree until smooth. Scrape the marinade into a large glass baking dish. Stir in the ground spices. Season the pork with pepper and add to the marinade; turn to coat. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, turning occasionally.
  3. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Remove the pork from the marinade and scrape off any excess. Season generously with salt and pepper. Lightly brush the grate with vegetable oil. Grill the tenderloins over a medium-hot fire or in the grill pan, turning occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 140° for medium.
  4. Transfer the tenderloins to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut the meat into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Split the Cornmeal-Cheddar Biscuits, spread with Spiced Tomato Ketchup and make sandwiches with the pork.

Make Ahead

The grilled pork can be refrigerated for 2 days; let it return to room temperature before serving.