Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Introduction

Grilled pork tenderloin is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to summer barbecues. With its juicy and tender meat, it’s easy to see why this recipe is a favorite among many. This recipe packs a punch with great flavors and is sure to please your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making grilled pork tenderloin is a great choice because it is quick to prepare and cooks fairly fast. The blend of spices gives it a smoky and sweet flavor that is hard to resist. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also a healthy option, as pork tenderloin is lean meat. It’s perfect for those who want to eat well without spending too much time in the kitchen.

How to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:

1 1/4 – 1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon honey
2/3 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Directions:

In a Ziploc bag, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cayenne pepper. These spices will add a lot of flavor to the pork.
Use a paper towel to dry the pork tenderloin. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork. Make sure it’s well coated. Then, place it in the refrigerator. You can let it sit for 2 hours, or if you have time, overnight for even more flavor.
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, BBQ sauce, and Dijon mustard. This will be your tasty glaze for later.
Preheat your grill to 425-450 degrees. Light only half of the burners. Place the pork tenderloin on the side of the grill that is lit. Close the lid and cook for about 5-6 minutes.
After 5-6 minutes, roll the tenderloin to cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes.
Move the tenderloin to the side of the grill that is not lit. Baste it with the BBQ sauce mixture every 2-3 minutes. Keep cooking until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Once done, remove the tenderloin from the grill and place it on a plate. Loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and tender.

How to Serve Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve it warm. It goes well with sides like grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top for added flavor.

How to Store Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sliced pork tenderloin for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s properly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Always dry the pork well before adding the spice rub. This helps the spices stick better.
If you like a stronger flavor, let the pork marinate overnight.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
Plan to let the pork rest before slicing for a juicier bite.

Variation (If Any)

You can change up the spices based on your taste. Try adding garlic powder or swapping out the honey for maple syrup for a different flavor. You can also use different sauces for basting, like sweet and spicy or teriyaki.

FAQs

Can I cook pork tenderloin in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and cook it for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches the right temperature.

What should I do if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can use regular paprika and add a little extra cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for smokiness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the pork the night before and grill it the next day for a quick meal.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe