Guava-Glazed Jerk Pork Tenderloin

Updated May 23, 2022

Guava-Glazed Jerk Pork Tenderloin
Bobbi Lin for The New York Times. Food Stylist :Monica Pierini.
Total Time
1 hour
Rating
4(121)
Comments
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Jerk is a powerfully complex blend of spices and aromatics redolent with cinnamon, allspice, cumin and chiles. Historically, it’s tied to Maroons fleeing enslavement in the Jamaican foothills, and is among the most iconic flavors of the Caribbean. True jerk is grilled over an open fire, and is as much a seasoning as it is an action, because you can “jerk” pork, goat, chicken and even fruits and vegetables. It’s often applied to dark, often gamey or gristly cuts of meat that stand up to complex flavors. While not traditional, this leaner, lighter pork is an excellent vessel for jerk. It’s especially good when marinated overnight and grilled, but is so simple to prepare it can easily be made for a weeknight celebration. A simple jelly glaze at the end adds sweetness and tang, caramelizing under a quick broil. Pair with rice and peas, maduros or a bright, fresh garden salad.   

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings

    For the Jerk

    • 1(2-inch) piece fresh ginger, scrubbed and finely chopped
    • 3scallions, coarsely chopped
    • 6garlic cloves, finely chopped
    • 1tablespoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
    • 1 to 2Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles (optional)
    • 2tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
    • 2tablespoons dark brown sugar
    • teaspoons ground allspice
    • 1teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ½teaspoon ground cayenne
    • ½teaspoon ground cumin 
    • ½teaspoon ground coriander 
    • ½cup fresh lime juice 
    • 1tablespoon vegetable oil

    For the Pork

    • pounds pork tenderloin (see Tip)
    • ¼cup guava jelly or preserves (or other tangy fruit jam, such as mango, peach or apricot)
    • ½teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

231 calories; 7 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 18 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 11 grams sugars; 24 grams protein; 417 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the ginger, scallions, garlic, salt and chiles (if using) in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely minced. Add the thyme, sugar, allspice, nutmeg, cayenne, cumin, coriander, lime juice and oil, then blend until the mixture becomes a fine paste.

  2. Step 2

    Using a clean towel or paper towels, pat the pork tenderloin dry. Using a sharp paring knife, cut a series of deep holes into the meat.

  3. Step 3

    Transfer the pork to a zip-top bag or container with a tight lid, and pour over the marinade. Let sit for at least 10 minutes on the countertop, or refrigerate overnight if possible. Bring to room temperature before continuing.

  4. Step 4

    When ready to cook, heat the oven to 400 degrees, adjusting your rack to the top third of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, then set a little water in a small pot and bring to a boil.

  5. Step 5

    Place the tenderloin in the center of the pan and put the pan on the center rack of the oven. Roast until the internal temperature is 145 degrees in the thickest part, flipping every 10 minutes, for about 25 minutes to evenly brown the outside.

  6. Step 6

    Mix the guava jelly and lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of the boiling water, and use a fork to break up then stir to form a glaze.

  7. Step 7

    Increase the oven heat to a high broil. Carefully pull the pan out of the oven, and brush the tenderloin with the glaze. Broil in the upper third of the oven 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s a toasty dark brown with some charred spots, brushing once more with any remaining glaze if desired.

  8. Step 8

    Remove the pan from the oven and set the tenderloin on a carving board to rest for about 5 minutes. Cut into slices and pour over any juices that remain.

Tip
  • Many commercially available pork tenderloins are sold in packs of two. This marinade is enough for 1½ pounds of tenderloin, so you can prepare both, leaving a little space between them in the oven, or freeze one for later. The raw marinated pork freezes very well, as the marinade more fully penetrates the meat.

Ratings

4 out of 5
121 user ratings
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Comments

Can anyone suggest a recommendation for cooking time/technique for a gas grill?

NY Guy: You could try grilling AFTER cooking in the pan @400 (which you could do in your gas grill instead of heating your oven). Alternatively, you could put the meat directly on the grill to char it then transfer it into the pan to finish cooking (using a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches between 135-145 degrees). And after you brush the jam on, another quick (<1 minute per side) grill to finish. PS: I am too busy (too lazy) to flip the meat on the pan and it's still great.

What is the small pot of boiling water for?

I had no guava so substituted for peach jam and it was amazing.

Great marinade! I used the second half on boneless skinless chicken thighs. Mixed with onions and yellow bell pepper and roasted at 400 for an easy sheet pan dinner.

I grilled this and it came out pretty well. I let my gas grill preheat on high. I put the pork on, turned the heat down, and let it “sear” for 10 mins with the lid closed, then flipped it and started to glaze it. The temp in the grill came down to about 400f. Flipped and glazed every five mins for ~15 mins, until it reached ~140f, closing the lid between flips. Used two 1lb pork tenderloins and had more than enough marinade and glaze for both. Marinated overnight. Will make this again!

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