chili lime pork loin $8.92 recipe / $1.49 serving

chili lime pork loin

$8.92 recipe / $1.49 serving

This might be a new favorite. It was just SO easy and delicious.

You can make this recipe with a pork tenderloin if desired but the pork loin filet that I bought was almost $2 less per pound than the tenderloins. Tenderloins are leaner and smaller which means you'll get more surface area in contact with the marinade and more flavor. But, the pork loin was excellent all the same. Cooking it on a grill (if you have one available) will add extra smokey yuminess. I don't have one at the moment, so non-grill directions are listed below!

FYI- chili powder isn't all that spicy so don't be too afraid. If you look at the ingredients, it's actually a mix of spices so it's not nearly as hot as, say, cayenne pepper.

Oh, also, you can let this marinate over night or while you're at work for extra flavor. The marinade comes together in just a few minutes so you can easily throw it together and then pick the recipe back up later.




Total Recipe cost: $8.92
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Cost per serving: $1.49
Prep time: 10 min. Marinate time: 1 hr. (or more) Cook time: 40 min. Total: approx. 2 hrs.

INGREDIENTS		COST
2 lb.	pork loin filet	$8.18
1 Tbsp	chili powder	$0.15
1 medium	lime	$0.25
4 Tbsp	vegetable oil, divided	$0.16
1/2 Tbsp	minced garlic	$0.12
1 Tbsp	soy sauce	$0.06
TOTAL		$8.92

STEP 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil with the soy sauce, chili powder, lime juice, and garlic. To get the most juice out of your lime, microwave it for about 20 seconds before cutting it open.

STEP 2: Place the pork loin in a large zip top bag and pour in the marinade. Squish the mixture around to make sure the loin is completely coated and then refrigerate for one hour or more.

STEP 3: When ready to cook, take the pork loin out of the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large skillet with the remaining 2 Tbsp. of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the skillet is very hot and the oil looks wavy on the surface, add the pork loin (do not discard the marinade yet!). Sear both sides of the pork loin until brown and crispy (about 3-5 minutes each side).

STEP 4: After searing both sides of the pork loin, place it on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Baste the loin with the remaining marinade and place it in the oven. Roast for approximately 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step By Step Photos

This is the pork loin that I bought. There is a difference between a pork loin and a tenderloin. Two different cuts of meat. The loin is larger and less expensive. That is whatt I used. You can use either with this recipe!


Whisk together 2 Tbsp of vegetable oil with the soy sauce, chili powder, garlic, and lime juice. You can get more juice out of your lime by microwaving it for about 20-30 seconds before cutting it open.


Place the pork and the marinade in a large zip top bag and refrigerate for at least an hour.


When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and heat a large skillet with the remaining 2 Tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.


When the skillet is very hot and the oil looks wavy, add the pork loin. It will splatter, so be very careful. Sear on both sides until brown and crispy. Don't throw away the used bag of marinade yet.


It will take about 3-5 minutes on each side over very high heat to sear the pork. This step is very important because it adds flavor and visual appeal. Don't skip it.


Place the seared pork loin on a baking sheet or roasting pan (or a make-shift roasting pan made out of cooling racks and a baking sheet). Baste the loin with the leftover marinade from the bag. Get as much on there as possible.


Place the pork in the preheated 400 degree oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. After 20 minutes mine was at 150 so I popped it back in for another ten minutes and that did the trick. A thermometer like mine only costs about $5-$10 and is extremely helpful.


And then it's done! Let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing so that the juices can redistribute within the meat. Slice it up and serve warm!