
Coogirl Candy Glazed Pork Tenderloin With Charred Pineapple Salsa
Featuring
This weeknight dinner showcases Coogirl Candy as both a sticky glaze for pork and a bright element folded into a charred pineapple salsa. The syrup lends sweet heat to the glaze and a spoonful is stirred into the salsa for contrast.
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Coogirl Candy Glaze
- 1/3 cup Coogirl Candy syrup from the jar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
Charred Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (about 1/3 of a medium pineapple)
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Coogirl Candy syrup (from jar), stirred in
- Pinch of kosher salt
To Serve
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes
- Extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges
Instructions
-
Preheat and prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl whisk together Coogirl Candy syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic for the glaze. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the glaze for finishing and the rest for basting while cooking.
-
Char the pineapple
- Heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Dry the pineapple chunks on paper towels.
- Add pineapple to the hot pan in a single layer and cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until charred on one side. Turn and char the other sides until golden with some blackened spots, about 4 to 6 minutes total.
- Transfer charred pineapple to a bowl to cool slightly.
-
Make the pineapple salsa
- To the charred pineapple add diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, 1 tablespoon Coogirl Candy syrup, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir to combine and taste, adjusting lime or salt if needed. Set aside at room temperature while you cook the pork so flavors meld.
-
Sear the pork
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry and season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the pork and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
-
Roast and baste
- Brush the reserved glaze over the seared pork and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Roast 12 to 18 minutes, depending on thickness, until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) in the center.
- Every 5 minutes, brush additional glaze over the pork for a sticky, shiny finish.
- Remove from oven and transfer pork to a cutting board to rest 8 to 10 minutes before slicing.
-
Slice and serve
- Slice the rested pork tenderloin into 1/2 inch medallions.
- Arrange slices over warm rice or potatoes and spoon charred pineapple salsa alongside or on top.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Place the jar of Coogirl Candy on the table for guests who want extra syrup or candied jalapeños.
Tips
- To test doneness, remove pork from oven at 140°F, tent, and rest to reach 145°F for juicy results.
- For grill finish, sear and roast on the grill over medium heat, basting with glaze until cooked through.
- If you prefer more heat, stir a tablespoon of finely chopped Coogirl Candy jalapeños into the glaze before basting.

