Chef John's Yucatan-Style Grilled Pork

Recipe View 5 mins In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, annatto powder, chipotle powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly blended into a smooth marinade. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Cut each pork tenderloin in half crosswise. Then, slice each of these pieces in half lengthwise, creating smaller, more manageable portions. Place the pork pieces into the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the meat and marinade to minimize air exposure. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out any excess air. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably 6 hours, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the pork. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Remove the marinated pork pieces from the refrigerator. Transfer them to a bowl lined with paper towels, allowing the excess marinade to drain away. Pat the pork dry with additional paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Discard the used paper towels. Lightly drizzle the pork with vegetable oil, then sprinkle a bit more annatto powder evenly over the surface of the pork. This will enhance the color and flavor during grilling. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent the pork from sticking. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Carefully place the pork pieces evenly spaced on the hot grill grates. Allow the meat to sear undisturbed until it releases easily from the grate, about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the pork and grill on the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest piece registers 135 to 140°F (63°C). (10 minutes)

Recipe View Once the pork is cooked to your desired doneness, transfer it to a clean serving platter. Allow the meat to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.