This cocoa-crusted pork tenderloin recipe uses deep, fragrant spices to seal in succulent, perfectly cooked meat. A mouthwatering pan sauce is poured on top for a velvety finish.
If you’re looking for a low-fat pork recipe, using pork tenderloin is the way to go. A boneless pork tenderloin can be part of a heart-healthy diet since it is one of the leanest cuts of pork. With this healthy pork recipe, you won’t have to worry about dryness or lack of taste because a mix of deeply fragrant spices are used to form a crust around the edge of the pork that seals in the juices as it cooks. Then those same spices are combined to form a mouthwatering sauce that’s drizzled over the pork for a flavor punch. Since there is no flour used to coat the pork or thicken the sauce, this is a gluten-free pork recipe. At only 180 calories per serving, it’s also a low-calorie recipe that is easy to fit into a healthy eating plan or weight loss diet.
Recipe yields 4 servings
Preheat oven to 400°.
In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, instant coffee, cinnamon and chili powder. Rub the pork with the oil. Dust the pork with the cocoa mixture.
Lightly coat a heavy oven-proof skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat the skillet over high heat until hot. Place the tenderloin in the pan and sear on all sides. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until the tenderloin reaches 145° on a meat thermometer. Remove the skillet from the oven. Place the meat on a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet with the meat juices to the stovetop.
Add the broth to skillet and deglaze by boiling over medium-high heat, scraping up any brown bits, for 1 minute. Transfer broth to a small saucepan and simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, 10 to 15 minutes. In a cup, stir together cornstarch and water and add to the broth. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in butter.
Serve pork with sauce.