Cuban pork fillet with citrus marinade and spices

Cuban-style pork fillet with a citrus marinade is a flavorful and vibrant dish. The marinade typically features a blend of citrus juices, garlic, and spices that infuse the pork with a deliciously tangy and aromatic flavor. Here’s a recipe for making this dish:

Ingredients:

For the Citrus Marinade:

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried oregano)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
• 1 tsp salt

For the Pork Fillet:

• 1.5 lbs pork fillet (also known as pork tenderloin)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a bowl, mix together the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.

2. Marinate the Pork:

   • Place the pork fillet in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
   • Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is well coated.
   • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Cook the Pork Fillet:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Sear the Pork (Optional but recommended for extra flavor):

   • Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Remove the pork from the marinade (discard the marinade) and pat it dry with paper towels.
   • Add a bit of oil to the skillet and sear the pork fillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, until it develops a nice brown crust.

3. Roast the Pork:

   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
   • Roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
   • If you didn’t sear the pork, you can roast it directly in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

4. Rest the Pork:

   • Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Serve:

1. Slice and Garnish:

   • Slice the pork fillet into medallions.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

2. Accompaniments:

   • This Cuban pork fillet pairs wonderfully with rice and beans, plantains, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Cuban pork fillet!