
Brazilian Pork Tenderloin with Brazil Nut Crust and Spicy Guava Sauce
An original Brazilian-inspired dish featuring juicy pork tenderloin coated in a crunchy Brazil nut crust, served with a glossy guava, lime, and chili sauce. Inspired by Brazil’s tropical flavors, it is aromatic, balanced, and perfect for a special main course.
Ingredients
- 700 g pork tenderloin (limpio and without exceso of grasa)
- 100 g Brazil nuts (chopped finely)
- 40 g cassava flour (for the crust)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated or chopped finely)
- 2 units lime (zest and juice separados)
- 15 ml honey (for equilibrar the sauce)
- 180 g guava paste (cut diced small)
- 120 ml water (for the sauce)
- 1 unit red chili (without semillas and chopped fino)
- 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 3 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a baking tray or oven-safe dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little olive oil.
- 2
2. Season the pork tenderloin with the salt, black pepper, half of the garlic, and the zest of 1 lime. Rub well to coat the entire surface and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 3
3. In a bowl, mix the chopped Brazil nuts, cassava flour, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the remaining garlic, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice until you get a moist, crumbly mixture.
- 4
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for 4 to 5 minutes total, just until browned.
- 5
5. Transfer the pork tenderloin to the prepared tray and press the Brazil nut and cassava flour mixture onto the top and sides to form a crust.
- 6
6. Roast the pork tenderloin at 400°F / 200°C for 18 to 22 minutes, or until cooked through but still juicy. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 8 minutes before slicing.
- 7
7. While the pork cooks, make the sauce. Place the guava paste, water, juice from the remaining lime, honey, and red chili in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, until the guava paste dissolves and the sauce becomes glossy.
- 8
8. Turn off the heat and stir the chopped fresh cilantro into the sauce. Taste and adjust with an extra pinch of salt if needed.
- 9
9. Slice the pork tenderloin into thick medallions and serve hot with the spicy guava sauce spooned over the top or on the side.
Chef tips
For a crunchier crust, you can turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so the nuts do not burn. Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Substitutions
You can replace Brazil nuts with cashews if needed, though the flavor will be different. Cassava flour can be swapped for gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred. Guava paste can be replaced with thick guava jam, using slightly less water.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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