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15-Minute Guajillo-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Warm Peach Salsa

15-Minute Guajillo-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Warm Peach Salsa

Lean pork tenderloin sliced into fast-cooking medallions, seared with a smoky guajillo crust, and smothered in a warm, sweet-and-spicy blistered peach salsa. High-payoff Oaxacan flavor logic scaled down for a lightning-fast Brooklyn lunch.

María “Mari” Santiago
María “Mari” Santiago
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
2
easy
lunch
pork-tenderloin15-minutequick-lunchweeknight-bright

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Timeline

15 minutes
0m5m10m15m
Spice Pork Medallions
3m
Prep Salsa Ingredients
2m
Sear Pork Medallions
5m
Sauté Warm Salsa
3m
Plate and Serve
2m

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Pork tenderloin(trimmed of silver skin and cut into 1/2-inch medallions)
  • 1 tbsp Guajillo chile powder(or ground ancho powder)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp Neutral cooking oil(avocado or canola oil, divided)
  • 2 medium Ripe peaches(diced (unpeeled))
  • 1 medium Jalapeño(finely chopped, seeds removed if heat-sensitive)
  • 1/4 cup Red onion(finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice(from about 1 lime)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Queso fresco or cotija(crumbled, optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Slice 1 lb pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp guajillo chile powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp kosher salt. Season the pork medallions evenly on both sides, pressing the spices gently so they adhere. (Real life note: keeping the slice thickness uniform guarantees they all finish cooking at the exact same second!).

    3 min

    Tip: In Pantry Mode? Replace guajillo powder with standard mild chili powder or smoky paprika.

  2. 2

    While your skillet heats up, dice 2 medium ripe peaches, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, chop 1 medium jalapeño, and pick 1/4 cup fresh cilantro.

    2 min

    Tip: Leave the peach skin on—we are not suffering for lunch with unnecessary peeling!

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil in a large skillet or comal over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned pork medallions in a single layer. Sear without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until a rich, reddish-brown crust forms. Flip and sear 2 minutes more until cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate to rest.

    5 min

    Tip: Don't crowd the pan! If your skillet is small, do two quick batches so the meat sears instead of steams.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to medium and pour in remaining 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil. Add 1/4 cup red onion and 1 medium jalapeño, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 medium ripe peaches and toss for 1 to 2 minutes until warm and blistered at the edges. Turn off the heat, then stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. Taste it—then decide if you need a pinch more salt.

    3 min

    Tip: Use your wooden spoon to scrape up the caramelized spiced brown bits from the pork—that's instant depth.

  5. 5

    Arrange the rested pork medallions on plates and spoon the warm, blistered peach salsa generously over top. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup queso fresco or cotija if you have it. Ándale, lunch is served!

    2 min

    Tip: Pair with warm corn tortillas or spoon over canned black beans if you need extra fuel for the afternoon.

Chef's Notes

This is my go-to mid-day hero when I need serious flavor without dirtying every pan in my Brooklyn apartment. Pork tenderloin is lean, tender, and cooks at lightning speed when sliced thin into medallions. The earthy guajillo rub cuts straight through the sweet heat of warm blistered peaches. If peaches aren't in season, diced mango or ripe plum tomatoes work like a total charm!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does 15-Minute Guajillo-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Warm Peach Salsa take to make?

15-Minute Guajillo-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Warm Peach Salsa takes about 15 minutes total. That includes 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 2 servings.

What skill level is needed for 15-Minute Guajillo-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Warm Peach Salsa?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for 15-Minute Guajillo-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Warm Peach Salsa?

The main ingredients are: Pork tenderloin, Guajillo chile powder, Ground cumin, Garlic powder, Kosher salt, Neutral cooking oil, Ripe peaches, Jalapeño, Red onion, Fresh lime juice, Fresh cilantro, Queso fresco or cotija.

What type of meal is 15-Minute Guajillo-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Warm Peach Salsa?

15-Minute Guajillo-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Warm Peach Salsa is categorized as: lunch.