Name: Tequila Lime Pork Bites over Black Bean Salsa
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. Boneless Center Cut Pork Loin or Chops; Cooking Spray; 1/4 c. Tequila; 1/3 c. Lime Juice; 1 tsp. Cilantro, (chopped); 1 tbsp. Garlic, (minced); 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt; 1- 15(ounce) can Black Beans, (rinsed under cold water); 1 c. Corn Kernels; 1 Scallion, (chopped); 1/4 c. Reserved Marinade

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Center cut boneless pork loin cut into bite sized pieces, marinated in Tequila, fresh lime juice and herbs; then served over a black bean, corn salsa.

When I think of foods that we love to eat during the Summer months, I automatically think of citrusy flavors and grilling. With the weather being so cold outside, I wanted to make a meal that was reminiscent of warm weather; even if that meant grilling inside of the house!

I also wanted something that was a bit lighter, quick, easy to make and on the healthier side and came up these Tequila Lime Pork Bites over Black Bean Salsa. AHHH-MAAAZZZING!

How do you make Tequila Lime Pork Bites?

For this recipe you'll need boneless, center cut pork chops or a small pork loin, Tequila, lime juice, Canola oil, cilantro, garlic, salt, black beans, corn, and scallions. I used Patron Silver Tequila because that's my preferred brand and what I had in the house.

I also like it because it's light and clear in color compared to others with golden hues. Just find one that doesn't have that aloe/woodsy flavor or it may change the flavor of this dish. You only need ¼ cup of it so even a little airline size bottle should be plenty.

Start by cutting your pork into bite sized pieces; then place in a dish or resealable plastic bag. In a small bowl combine the Tequila, lime juice, oil, cilantro, garlic and salt; then whisk together. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade; then pour the remaining liquid in with the pork.

Coat the pork bites with the marinade; then refrigerate for 30 minutes. I wouldn't recommend marinating them for longer than 8 hours. While the pork is marinating, make the salsa.

How do you make Black Bean Salsa?

In a bowl combine the black beans, corn, scallions and reserved ¼ cup of the marinade, mix well; then refrigerate until ready to serve.

When it's time to eat, remove the pork from the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to grilling to get it to room temperature; then preheat a grill pan. I have a nonstick square pan that I love that is super durable.

Plus, clean ups are super easy! Of course grilling outside is optimal, but when it's 20 degrees outside and the wind is whipping, that's the last thing I want to do.

Though having the fire department come to your house because your alarm company couldn't get in touch with you while you were using said grill pan because the smoke alarms were going off...fun times! ?

Anyway, spray your grill pan with cooking spray, then add the pork bites. Grill them on each side until the meat is cooked through with a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Cooking times will vary depending on how thick you cut the pieces and how you prefer the doneness of the pork.

Place some of the salsa on a plate; then top with the hot pork. For us, the entire meal was ready in about 45 minutes; including the time marinating, cooking and prepping.

My family loved these Tequila and Lime Pork Bites and I will definitely be making it again. The flavors were deliciously light and flavorful; not to mention being a filling meal! This recipe is also gluten free for those following this lifestyle.

Serve this with my Patron Margarita, put on some fun music and you'll think you're on a nice beach somewhere instead of in cold, wintery New Jersey. ~Enjoy!

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