Chipotle Honey Lime Pork Tenderloin

(Photo credits to my wonderful husband. Love these pictures.)

Chipotle Honey Lime Pork Tenderloin
adapted from Alton Brown via my friend Katie, home cook extraordinaire

Ingredients

1 pound pork tenderloin
1/2 cup lime juice
zest from 1 lime
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, chopped
1/2 tablespoon adobo sauce
Canola oil
Chopped cilantro

Method

1. Place tenderloin in a large ziplock bag or other container to marinate.

2. In a bowl, combine lime juice, zest, honey, salt, and garlic powder.

3. Stir to combine, then pour half over tenderloin, reserving half for sauce.

4. Add chipotle and adobo sauce to tenderloin. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

5. About 30 minutes before you are ready to cook, remove pork from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.

6. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a heavy, oven-proof skillet, heat enough oil to coat over medium high.

7. Remove tenderloin from marinade and sear in hot skillet on all sides.

8. Place the skillet in the oven and roast tenderloin for about 15 minutes.

9. Check temperature with an instant read thermometer. Remove pork from the oven at approximately 140 to 145 degrees, then cover pork in skillet with foil. Let rest on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes or until temperature rises to 150 degrees.

10. Remove pork to a cutting board and slice into 1-inch medallions.

11. Pour reserved lime juice mixture into skillet with meat juices and heat on high. Allow sauce to reduce and thicken slightly, then pour over sliced pork.

12. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

NOTES

I've made this three times and it's just.so.good. And stupid easy as long as you plan that marinating one day ahead.

The pork comes out tangy and tender, with a hint of heat. Yes, I said hint. It's perfect as it is, so I actually *gasp* don't add more peppers. However, I do recommend serving it with the spicy (HA!) corn and mushroom side you see over there in the background. They go hand in hand in my mind. Recipe to come.