New Mexico Adobe Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Introduction

Bring the bold flavors of New Mexico to your backyard with this Adobe Grilled Pork Tenderloin prepared to perfection on the Arteflame grill. Marinated in a spicy red chile adobo sauce, this tenderloin gets a steakhouse-quality sear on the 1,000°F center grill grate, basting in its own juices as it reverse-sears on the solid steel flat cooktop. With no lid or oven needed, you’ll be amazed how Artflame's unique design delivers flawless results every time. Juicy, smoky, and loaded with flavor—this is outdoor cooking at its finest.

Ingredients

• 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
• 1/4 cup New Mexico red chile powder
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for grilling)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk together New Mexico red chile powder, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, water, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a smooth adobo paste.

Step 3: Marinate the pork

1. Trim the silver skin off the pork tenderloins if needed.
2. Place the pork in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
3. Coat the pork well, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Sear the pork

1. Once the Arteflame grill center grate reaches 1,000°F, place the pork tenderloins on the center grate.
2. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes to develop a beautiful crust and lock in the juices.

Step 5: Reverse sear on the flat top

1. Move the seared pork onto the flat griddle cooktop closer to the outer edge to continue cooking at a lower temperature.
2. Brush lightly with butter as it cooks to keep it juicy and flavorful.
3. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F, then remove from the grill. The meat will continue to cook while resting and reach the ideal 145°F.

Step 6: Rest and serve

1. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Slice and serve with your favorite grilled veggies from the Arteflame flat top.

Tips

• Use butter instead of olive oil for richer, more flavorful results while grilling on the flat top.
• Grill vegetables like squash, peppers, and onions on the outer zones of the Arteflame while the pork cooks.
• Because of Arteflame’s different heat zones, you can cook everything simultaneously with precise control.
• For extra smokiness, use mesquite or hickory firewood in your grill.
• Always remove meat when it’s 15°F below target, as it continues to cook after grilling.

Variations

1. Honey Chipotle Pork Tenderloin: Replace red chile powder with chipotle powder and add 2 tbsp honey for a smoky-sweet twist.
2. Green Chile & Cilantro Tenderloin: Blend roasted Hatch green chiles with cilantro and lime for a flavorful green marinade.
3. Cocoa-Chile Crusted Pork: Add 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder to the adobo mix for deep, rich earthiness.
4. Smoky Maple Adobo Pork: Add 2 tbsp maple syrup and a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade for a sweet-smoky flavor balance.
5. Citrus Mojito Pork: Replace lime juice with orange juice and add fresh mint for a zesty Caribbean version with a twist.

Best pairings

• Grilled sweet corn with chipotle butter
• Wood-fired grilled pineapple slices
• Charred poblano and red onion salsa
• Roasted fingerling potatoes seasoned with cumin and garlic
• A crisp New Mexico white wine like Riesling or a cold craft lager

Conclusion

This New Mexico Adobe Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe showcases how easy and flavorful grilling can be on the Arteflame. With the right marinade, proper searing technique, and that beautiful flat top heat control, you get perfect results every time without lids, pans, or ovens. Bring flavor and fun back to your outdoor cooking!