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Epicurious

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pipian Sauce

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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.
TagsMexicanLatin AmericanPork TenderloinPorkMeatPumpkin SeedSeedTomatilloVegetableCilantroHerbs & SpicesRomaineLettuceLeafy GreensMainDinnerDairy FreeGluten FreeGrillingBlenderFallBon Appétit
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