Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons Ancho Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Guajillo Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Mexican Oregano (crumbled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Coarse Sea Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (light)
  • 1 to 1.5 lbs Pork Tenderloin (trimmed of silver skin)
  • 1 whole Lime (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all the dry rub ingredients (chili powders, sugar, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper) in a medium bowl and whisk well.
  2. Pat the pork tenderloin dry and carefully trim off the silver skin. Drizzle the pork evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, rubbing it in.
  3. Liberally coat the tenderloin on all sides with the Adobo rub mixture, pressing the spices firmly into the meat.
  4. Place the rubbed pork on a plate, cover loosely, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 12 hours). Remove the pork from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Establish a two-zone cooking area: one for direct, high heat (searing) and one for indirect, lower heat (finishing). Clean and oil the grates.
  6. Place the tenderloin directly over the high heat zone. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust has formed on all four sides.
  7. Move the tenderloin immediately to the indirect heat zone. Close the lid and continue cooking, flipping every 4–5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Remove the pork from the grill and place it on a clean cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for a crucial 5–10 minutes before slicing. The temperature will climb to 150–155°F (65–68°C) during this time.
  9. Slice the rested tenderloin against the grain into 1/2-inch thick medallions. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the sliced pork immediately before serving.