Cocoa Cherry Pork

4.7
(100)

My favorite candy growing up was the chocolate covered cherry. The way that thin, crisp chocolate would break away to reveal the florescent red maraschino cherry suspended in the clear syrup was intoxicating. What about a savory dish that celebrated the same basic flavors?

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Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 tablespoon ground ancho chile pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper

  • 2 (1 1/4 pound) boneless pork tenderloins

  • kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

  • cup cherry preserves

  • cup white vinegar

  • 1 pinch dried oregano

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  2. Whisk cocoa powder, ancho chile powder, cumin, black pepper, and chipotle pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

  3. Generously season tenderloins with salt, then coat in the cocoa powder mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place tenderloins in the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook until browned on each side, about 4 minutes.

  4. Transfer tenderloins to a baking dish; cook in the preheated oven until pork is slightly pink in the center, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

  5. Whisk cherry preserves, vinegar, and oregano in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil and cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over pork tenderloin and serve.

    Slices of pork tendeloin on white square plate
    David Daniels
146 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

241 Calories
6g Fat
15g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 241
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 82mg 27%
Sodium 135mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Protein 30g 60%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 559mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.