Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Cilantro Lime Pesto

Chef Luis Aguilar's Note:

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a signature spice in Mexican cooking. In this recipe it combines with lime to add zing to pork tenderloin, a sensational main dish for an elegant dinner.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 ½ lbs pork tenderloins
• 3 garlic cloves , minced
• ½ onion , cut into chunks
• ½ cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
• 2 tablespoons corn oil
• ½ cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• green chile picante sauce

Directions:

1. PREHEAT oven to 400°F.
2. CUT tenderloin lengthwise almost in half.
3. Open; lay flat between two pieces of waxed paper.
4. Pound with meat mallet or rolling pin to 1/2-inch thickness.
5. PLACE garlic, onion, cilantro, lime juice and jalapenos in food processor or blender container; cover.
6. Process until coarsely chopped.
7. Process, while slowly adding corn oil, for 10-15 seconds or until mixture is slightly smooth.
8. Spread half of cilantro mixture over tenderloin; top with cheese.
9. Roll up; secure with string.
10. Spread remaining cilantro mixture over top.
11. Place on rack in roasting pan.
12. BAKE for 55-60 minutes or until internal temperature of 170 F is reached.
13. Cool for 5 minutes.
14. Remove string; slice.
15. Serve with picante sauce.

Reviews

[Sandy Curtis]

This is one of the best, most flavorful pork recipes that I have ever made. My husband still raves about how good this was.

[Jangomango]

Excellent way to stuff a pork tenderloin. The directions were very clear and accurate. Delicious flavour - I used a serrano chile instead of Jalapeno and deglazed the pan with some reduced wine/shallot sauce and poured that on top of the tenderloin before serving.

[Little_Sister]

Wouldn't call it pretty but it tasted great! Made as directed other than instead of green picante sauce I made Chilean Cilantro Salsa (Pebre) for dipping. I served with my own cilantro lime rice recipe on the side.