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Cinco de Mayo Recipe: Pork Tenderloin in Tangy Tomatillo Sauce

Published on August 01, 2026
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Cinco de Mayo Recipe: Pork Tenderloin in Tangy Tomatillo Sauce
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 Servings

Making authentic Mexican food can sometimes feel out of my comfort zone, but after discovering delicious carne de puerco at a favorite local joint, I knew it was high time I try. Now that I know how easy it is to achieve this dish of tender pork smothered in a charred tomatillo sauce at home, I may never again need to “go out” for Mexican ever again.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds tomatillos, husks removed
  • 2 large jalapenos
  • 1 large onion, cut into wedges
  • 6 to 8 large cloves garlic, peeled
  • Handful of cilantro stems, leaves attached
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • Kosher salt
  • Bacon grease, lard, or vegetable oil, for browning (See Recipe Notes)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup Mexican-style beer
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • Small corn or flour tortillas
  • Cooked rice
  • Cooked beans
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. For the tomatillo sauce, place an oven rack a few inches from the broiler. Place tomatillos, jalapenos, onion wedges, and garlic on a roasting pan and broil for 5-6 minutes until starting to char. Flip all of the ingredients to the other side and broil for another 5-6 minutes, until tomatillos are soft and blackened.
  2. Allow the vegetables to cool for about 20 minutes. Split the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. (If a hotter sauce is desired, reserve some of the seeds to add to the blender.) Transfer the roasted vegetables and their juices to a blender. Blend until the ingredients are pureed but still a little chunky. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and a generous pinch of salt and pulse a few more times. (The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.)
  3. For the pork, heat a few tablespoons bacon grease (or oil) in a large Dutch oven or braising dish over medium-high heat until sizzling. 
  4. Meanwhile, combine the flour, salt, and cumin in a large mixing bowl. Add the pork cubes and gently toss to coat. Working in batches, add the pork to the hot grease and cook until browned, about 1 - 2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon, set aside, and continue with the remaining pork.
  5. Pour the beer into the hot skillet to de-glaze the pan and scrape up any leftover browned bits as the beer bubbles. Return the browned pork cubes to the skillet along with tomatillo sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes to allow flavors to marry. (This dish only gets better with time, so feel free to make a day or two in advance. When reheating, add a glug of chicken stock or water to thin if necessary.)
  6. Serve with warmed tortillas, rice, beans, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Recipe Stats

  • Aug 01, 2026
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Servings: 4 Servings
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