Dinner: Pork Tenderloin with Date and Cilantro Relish

Recipe by /contributors/dawn-perry This cut of pork can be very lean, so take care not to overcook it or it will be dry. Ideally, it should still be a little pink in the center.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2/3 cup Medjool dates (about 4 ounces), cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro plus leaves for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 °F. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper and cook, turning, until browned on all sides, 6 –8 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven and cook pork until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 140 °F, 10 –15 minutes. Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing; set aside pan drippings.
Toss dates, orange juice, reserved pan drippings, 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Spoon relish over pork and top with cilantro leaves.
DO AHEAD: Relish (without pan drippings) can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Add pan drippings just before serving.

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