Caramelized Pork Tenderloin with Tropical Mango Pineapple Salsa
Table of Contents
Indulge your taste buds with the tantalizing flavors of our Caramelized Pork Tenderloin with Tropical Mango Pineapple Salsa. This tropical‑fusion twist on tender pork tacos is bursting with savory and sweet zing, irresistible for Taco Tuesday or any night of the week. Featuring juicy, caramelized pork and a vibrant mango‑pineapple salsa—it’s a culinary escape in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ cup red onion, minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- ½ tsp strong coffee (optional)
- 1.5 lb boneless pork tenderloin (or substitute pork shoulder)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, Feta cheese (optional)
For the Tropical Mango Pineapple Salsa
- 1 pineapple, cored & diced
- 2 mangoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small cucumber, dices
- 1 jalapeño (or 2 serrano chiles), minced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ tsp pureed ginger
- 1 tsp sugar or agave syrup (optional)
- ¼ cup lime juice
Instructions
- Pork: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté oil, red onion, garlic, and jalapeño until onions soften (≈2 min).
- Raise heat to medium‑high; add pork strips, fish sauce, and coffee—cook until no longer pink (≈3 min).
- Turn to high heat; add brown sugar & water, let caramelize undisturbed for 1 min; repeat until pork is golden.
- Salsa: Combine all salsa ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine.
- Tacos: Warm tortillas in a skillet; divide pork among tortillas; top with salsa and optional feta, serve with lime wedges.
Expert Tips
- Trim fat before slicing pork.
- Add chili sauce for extra heat.
- Pair with Mexican Style Street Corn for a complete meal.
- Boost crunch with shredded red cabbage or extra sweet chili sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other pork cuts?
Yes, tenderloin or pork shoulder both work great.
What makes Ibérico pork special?
Ibérico pork is prized for its nutty, rich flavor and tenderness—perfect for caramelization.
Can the salsa be made in advance?
Absolutely! Prep ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours—the flavors deepen over time.
Let this recipe transport your taste buds—sweet, savory, and refreshingly tropical. Be sure to share, comment, save, and pin your experience below!
Recipe Card
Caramelized Pork Tenderloin with Mango Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your taco game with Caramelized Pork & Mango Pineapple Salsa. A symphony of flavors awaits in this unique fusion recipe! #TacoTuesdayTwist
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 cup red onion, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced with ribs and seeds removed
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon strong coffee, optional
- 1.5 pounds boneless pork loin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 8 flour tortillas or corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, optional
- Feta Cheese, optional
- 1 pineapple, cored and diced
- 2 mangos, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small cucumber
- 1 jalapeno pepper, or 2 Mexican Serrano chiles, seeded and minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon pureed ginger root
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or agave syrup, optional
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Instructions
For the pork:
- In a large pan, over medium heat, add the oil and let heat for 1 minute.
- Once the oil is hot, add the red onions, garlic, and jalapeno pepper.
- Saute vegetables until onions are almost translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Increase the heat to Medium-High, and add the pork strips, the fish sauce, and the strong coffee (if using).
- Saute until the pork is no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
- Turn heat to high and add the sugar and the water, stir and let the pork caramelize without stirring for one minute.
- Give the mixture a stir, let caramelize again.
- Repeat until liquid has reduced and pork is a golden brown.
For the salsa:
- Toss everything together in a medium bowl.
For the tacos:
- Warm the tortillas in a pan with a touch of oil or a tortilla warmer.
- Divide the caramelized pork between 6 to8 tortillas and top with the fresh pineapple salsa and crumbles of feta cheese.
- Serve with lime wedge.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from pork before slicing.
- Enhance flavor with chili sauce.
- Pair with Cuisinery's Mexican Style Street Corn for an authentic experience.
- Consider adding shredded red cabbage or tossing in sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 471Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 434mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 5gSugar: 20gProtein: 30g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate.
Related: Try our Grilled Halibut with Mango Salsa.
Sources: Fresh mango‑pineapple salsa techniques from Epicurious, fish sauce flavor tips via Serious Eats.
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