Thursday, December 11, 2008

Chili-Garlic Pork Tenderloin


Back story: We are moving out of our apartment on Friday. We will be driving to Oregon, spending the holidays with my family, and moving to Thailand on January 6. We've been gradually packing, but I had two pork tenderloins in the freezer I couldn't bear to toss (or give away before we moved). So, with the kitchen completely empty except for a skillet and some bare cooking essentials, I created this - our last dinner in our beloved San Luis Obispo apartment.

2 pork tenderloins (1 1/2 - 2 lbs)
2 tsp chili powder
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
salt
pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Sprinkle pork with a little salt and pepper.
Mix together the chili and garlic.  Rub all over the pork, then rub in the olive oil.  Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.  
Preheat the oven to 450.
Heat a skillet over high, then add the tenderloins and brown on all sides (about 4 minutes each side)

Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 155 or 160 F (depending on how paranoid you are!).
Slice and enjoy!
If you are like us, and all your utensils are packed, it's perfectly acceptable to use your fingers.



12 comments:

Amy said...

What a nice dinner to have on your last night there. It looks wonderful. Stay safe on your big move and check into WC!

What's Cookin Chicago said...

I love pork tenderloin... probably one of my fave cuts of pork. This looks excellent and so tender too. Here's wishing you a happy holiday as you head to Oregon and safe travels on your move to Thailand. I'm so super excited for you and look forward to your blog posts on your experiences there!

Macaroni and Cheesecake said...

This looks so delcious! Good luck on the move!

Anonymous said...

Thailand?? I must have missed something! What brings you to Thailand? Good luck with your move, and have a very safe trip. We were sad leaving SLO too... drive safe!

Payal said...

Good luck on the move! We may get a bit of snow this weekend in Oregon (at least in Portland).

Maria said...

Good luck on the move! How exciting!! The dinner looks nice too!

Lisa said...

Wow! That's a pretty big move - Oregon to Thailand. How exciting for you! I also can't wait to read your food experiences from Thailand. You've already been so adventurous with Asian cuisine it can only get better. Good luck with the move!!

That Girl said...

I'm impressed you haven't packed away all your cookwear yet! Have a safe drive!

Court Cooks said...

I am so jealous that you are moving to Thailand!!! We have good friends that moved there and love it!!!

Colleen said...

Good luck with your move! (I definitely missed that on the boards too!) This is a great last meal!

Steph said...

I love pork tenderloin, if only the rest of my family did as well! I hope you have a safe flight. I think it's cool you're moving to Thailand, I can't wait to hear all about it.

Jaime said...

wow, how cool that you are moving to thailand!! you will LOVE the food there! can't beat pad thai or drunken noodles for less than $1