Skip to main content

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pipian Sauce

2.7

(6)

Image may contain Food Lunch Meal Dish and Steak
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pipian SauceMark Thomas

Pipián is an earthy, pureed seed sauce that is traditional in Mexican cooking. Serve this dish with rice to soak up the sauce.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1- to 1 1/4-pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch-thick medallions
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 onion, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/4 cup peanuts (1 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup sesame seeds (1 1/2 ounces)
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups water
12 ounces tomatillo,* husked
2 teaspoons coarsely chopped seeded jalapeño chili
1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
1 1/2 cups torn romaine leaves
1 1/4 cups low-salt chicken broth
3 radishes, trimmed, chopped

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place pork between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Pound to 1/4- to 1/2-inch thickness. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover; chill.)

    Step 2

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add next 5 ingredients. Sauté until seeds are lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Set aside.

    Step 3

    Place 4 cups water, tomatillos, and jalapeño in small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until tomatillos are soft and olive-green color, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Transfer tomatillos, jalapeño, reserved 1/4 cup liquid, cilantro, lettuce, broth, radishes, and seed mixture to blender. Blend sauce until smooth, stopping occasionally to push down ingredients.

    Step 4

    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sauce; cook until thickened, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

    Step 5

    Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Divide among 4 plates. Stir sauce over medium heat until heated through. Spoon sauce over pork.

  2. Step 6

    • Green tomato-like vegetables with paper-thin husks. Available at Latin American markets and some supermarkets.
Read More
Invert the ratio of gin to vermouth for a party-friendly and slightly lighter drinking experience.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Loosely inspired by pasta Amatriciana, a few pounds of zucchini stand in for tomatoes.
Like banana pudding cake and beer can chicken.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.