Recipe of the Month: Grilled Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Plantains

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup tightly packed fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup 100% orange juice (juice from 1 medium orange)
• 2 medium green onions, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 medium lemons)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 medium limes)
• 8 medium garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
• 1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin, all visible fat discarded
• 1 1/2 tablespoons canola or corn oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons canola or corn oil, divided use
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground preferred), divided use
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe plantains, peeled and cut diagonally into slices about 1/2-inch thick
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, process the cilantro, orange juice, green onions, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and oregano. Process for about 1 minute, or until smooth. Transfer the marinade to a large shallow dish, reserving 1/4 cup. Add the pork, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
2. About 30 minutes before the pork is ready to grill, preheat the oven to 450°F and preheat the grill on medium high.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and the salt until combined. Add the plantain slices, turning to coat.
4. Cover a large baking sheet and two smaller ones with aluminum foil. Lightly spray all three sheets with cooking spray. Arrange the plantains in a single layer on the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven.
5. Turn over the plantains. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the plantains are crisp and caramelized on the outer edges. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.
6. Meanwhile, drain the pork, gently wiping off most of the marinade. Discard the marinade.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper over the pork. Using a basting brush, brush the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over the pork. Transfer to the grill.
8. Grill the pork for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, turning every few minutes.
9. Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Let stand for at least 5 minutes. Cut into slices. Transfer to a large platter. Spoon the reserved marinade over the pork. Serve with the plantains.

Recipe courtesy of The American Heart Association