Ancho-Cocoa Pork with Charred Corn Salsa
A quick Oaxacan-inspired grill dinner pairs cocoa-ancho pork with a juicy salsa of peak-summer Washington corn, tomatoes, and mild Hatch chile.
This recipe may need another look before cooking.
It scored 5/10, below our 8/10 retry mark.
Ingredients
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Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Tenderloin1 lb $2.99
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Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob-Each2 ears $0.75
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Fresh Roma Tomato8 oz $1.49
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Private Selection™ Mild Hatch Chile Peppers4 oz $1.79
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Garlic1 clove $0.79
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Olive oil2 tablespoons
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Ancho chile powder1 teaspoon
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Unsweetened cocoa powder1 teaspoon
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Ground cumin1 teaspoon
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Dried oregano1/2 teaspoon
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Kosher salt3/4 teaspoon
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Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
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Honey1 teaspoon
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Apple cider vinegar1 tablespoon
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Fresh cilantro1/4 cup
Instructions
- Heat a grill to medium-high. Pat 1 lb pork tenderloin dry; shuck 2 ears corn, dice 8 oz Roma tomato, halve and seed 4 oz Hatch chile, mince 1 garlic clove, and chop 1/4 cup cilantro.
- Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Rub the mixture over the prepared 1 lb pork tenderloin and let it stand for 10 minutes.
- Coat 2 ears corn and 4 oz halved Hatch chile with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Grill the coated 1 lb pork tenderloin, 2 ears corn, and 4 oz Hatch chile, turning occasionally; remove the vegetables after 8–10 minutes and cook the pork for 14–18 minutes, until its center reaches 145°F.
- Rest the grilled 1 lb pork tenderloin for 5 minutes. Let the grilled 2 ears corn and 4 oz Hatch chile cool for 3 minutes while the pork rests.
- Cut the kernels from the 2 grilled ears corn and dice the grilled 4 oz Hatch chile. Toss both with 8 oz diced Roma tomato, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
- Slice the rested 1 lb pork tenderloin across the grain, divide it between two plates, and spoon all of the charred corn salsa alongside.
Total time: 40 minutes
Estimated cost: $7–$9 for 2 servings
Health notes: About 480 calories per serving, with roughly 48 grams protein, 30 grams carbohydrates, and 18 grams fat.
Drink pairing: A fruit-forward Grenache complements the pork and ancho-cocoa rub without overwhelming the charred corn salsa.