Pork Tenderloin: What Youll Love
Here are just a few reasons why youll absolutely fall in love with marinated pork tenderloin:
- Irresistibly delicious, the combination of fresh peaches and grilled meat screams summer.
- The peach sauce is crazy simple to make yet tastes gourmet.
- Pork tenderloin cooks quickly on the grill, taking only 12 minutes.
- An easy way to impress your guests, this recipe is a nice change from your typical burgers and hot dogs.
Is There A Difference Between Pork Loin And Tenderloin
Yes! Theres definitely a big difference in these two cuts of meat, so unfortunately you cant swap one for the other. A pork loin is much larger and takes longer to cook, so its better for oven roasting or cutting into chops. A tenderloin is small, thin, and has a more delicate texture thats perfect for grilling.
How To Grill Pork Tenderloin
This grilled pork tenderloin is one of those fairytale recipes in which incredibly simple prep yields gloriously tasty results.
The three most important factors to ensure you cook perfect, juicy grilled pork tenderloin are:
- DO NOT SKIP THE MARINADE. Yes, all caps, bold font. Marinade isnt just for flavor. The acid in the marinade tenderizes the pork. The salt allows it to retain more moisture.
- DO NOT OVERCOOK THE PORK. Yep, its that bossy all-caps again! Pork loin will not become more tender the longer you cook it. Once you overcook, its game over.
- Let the Meat Rest. Resting gives the juices time to reincorporate into the meat. If you cut the pork right away, all of those yummy, critical juices will run all over the plate, instead of back into your pork.
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Prepare The Grill For Indirect Grilling
Because tenderloin is a lean cut, grilled pork tenderloin can dry out if cooked too quickly over a very hot fire. For the perfect grilled pork tenderloin, the indirect-grilling route is the way to go. This method entails cooking meat in a covered grill away from the heat source. Indirect cooking works whether you’re making pork tenderloin on a charcoal grill or a gas grill.
How Long To Grill Pork Tenderloin
Are you ready to try your hand at grilling pork tenderloin? Get your ingredients in order first. Youll need some olive oil, a good dry rub , and your favorite BBQ sauce plus, of course, your pork tenderloins. Seriously, thats it!
Give your pork tenderloins a drizzle of olive oil, rubbing it on all sides. Sprinkle each with about two tablespoons of the pork rub, and work it in all over. Ive heard others say that, at this point, you should let your tenderloins sit for about 30 minutes before grilling, but honestly, Ive tried it both ways and havent found it to make a difference. So why wait? Just go ahead and plop them on your grill over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes per side.
Now is the time to whip out your digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tenderloins. This is the key to a perfectly grilled pork tenderloin internal temperature trumps cook time. Our goal is to cook them to as close to 145 degrees as possible, which keeps the tenderloin super tender and juicy, with just a blush of pink inside.
Whoa, dont panic its absolutely OKAY for your pork to be a little pink after cooking! The guidelines for cooking pork were revised several years ago, and my friends at OhioPork.org have assured me that 145 degrees is more than sufficient for safe consumption. Now more dry, overcooked pork sounds good to me!
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Cast Iron Roast Chicken
Grilled pork tenderloin is also a favorite of mine because its an extremely affordable cut of meat. In my area, it usually sells for $3.99/lb and a 1-1/2lb cut generously feeds Ben, Lincoln, and myself. Pair with grilled vegetables and a baked potato or rice, and you have an extremely wallet-friendly meal.
I hope you give this grilled pork tenderloin a try I can almost guarantee it will become a new summer favorite!
How To Serve Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Quite honestly, this grilled pork tenderloin is so amazingly good, youll want to just pick up the slices and eat them like candy. They will be loaded with juices, and the outside with the brown sugar and seasonings will be nicely caramelized, creating a BBQ crust that is to die for. This is the caveman approach and is perfectly acceptable. You can, however, plate the slices and serve with your favorite side-dish. You can also add some of your favorite BBQ sauce if desired.
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin Is Simple To Make Quick To Cook And Tantalizingly Juicy And Flavorful
This Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is buttery tender with a caramelized smoky brown sugar, paprika, garlic rub kissed with a hint of lime. Its then smothered in a vibrant, tangy, fresh Cilantro Jalapeno Chimichurri Sauce that is the perfect complement to the earthy, smoky pork. This Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe is deceptively easy to make with a grill time of less than 15 minutes! Ive included detailed instructions, tips, tricks and everything you need to know to make the BEST Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe!
Grill Pork Tenderloin On Gas Grill
- Sear pork. Add pork and sear for 1 ½ minutes onall four sides, keeping the lid closed between rotating. Searing the pork at high heat is essential to cutthrough the wet rub and create a caramelized crust which locks in the juices and creates complex flavors due to the Maillardreaction.
- Cook pork. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue to grill 1-3 minutes per side oruntil a meat thermometer reads 145-degrees F in the thickest part of thetenderloin. Pork Tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat so it requiresa high grilling temperature in order for the meat to cook before it has time todry out.
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Best Damn Grilled Pork Tenderloin
One of the best recipes Ive ever made or enjoyed, this grilled pork tenderloin is remarkably tender, juicy and mouthwateringly divine. With the perfect combination of simple ingredients to make a dry rub, it grills to perfection in only about 10-12 minutes. It will have everyone in awe at your grilling skills.
Pork tenderloin is one of the most delicious cuts of meat available. Its lean, tender, and can be prepared with any number of flavor combinations. For this recipe, well use a simple BBQ rub thats both sweet and savory, which accentuates the natural flavors of the pork. You wont be disappointed!
Grilled Cumin Spiced Pork Tenderloin
Summer and warmer weather means grilling more and dining al fresco. Some of my favorite pork recipes are Quick Garlic and Lime Marinated Pork Chops and .
Summer nights I want to stay out of the kitchen, and enjoy the great weather. With meals like this, its easy to do! I like to serve this with salad, but some grilled corn or pasta salad also makes a great side! You can easily double the recipe to serve more.
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How To Cook Pork Tenderloin
This is where the nerves kick in, right? But, trust us, you can do this! The secret to succulent, juicy tenderloin is this: pork loin meat is considered done when it reaches an internal temp of 145°F. For years, the USDA demanded a pork internal temp of 160°F. Finally, in 2011, the guidelines were adjusted to reflect more recent research. At 160°F, that beautiful tenderloin will start to dry out, so your memories of botched pork experiences may stem from the olden days when people were essentially told by the USDA to overcook their pork. Now, we know better!
The bottom line: whether youre cooking your pork tenderloin on the grill, or in the ovenour easy pork tenderloin recipe includes instructions for both methodsjust remember that a 145°F pork tenderloin temp means DONE, so pull it off the heat! The USDA says you should let it rest for at least three minutes after you remove it from the heat . After thatdig in!
The Best Lemony Garlic Herb Marinade For Pork Tenderloin
What makes this recipe really special is the bright & flavorful marinade. Based on my favorite Simple Lemon Herb Marinade, its made with 6 simple ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry!
Note: Full Ingredients List, including measurements, is included in the Recipe Card, below.
Heres what you need:
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinade Tips & Tricks.
Suggested Marinating Time. Given the amount of acidity in this lemon garlic marinade, avoid marinating too, too long. Aim for at least 1 hour & no longer than 12 hours.
Meal Prep Tip! Despite the relatively short marinating period, you can prep the marinade well in advance to make your grilled pork tenderloin dinner even more effortless. Simply mix up the marinade & store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The day youd like to make grilled pork tenderloin, simply give it a shake, pour it over the pork, & let it do its thing until dinnertime. Pretty easy! Check the Recipe Notes, below, for more meal prep tips.
Alternate Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinades. The bright, bold, & herbaceous notes of this lemon herb marinade pair beautifully with pork. If youd like to try a different flavor profile, check out these 7 Go-To Grilling Marinades my All-Purpose Marinade& Bourbon Balsamic Marinade are both excellent for pork tenderloin, as well.
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What Is The Difference Between Pork Tenderloin And Pork Loin
Pork loin is a large, lean piece of meat cut from the back area. It is commonly sold boneless, but can also be purchased bone in. It is best suited for cooking over a medium heat, or slow roasted in the oven.
Pork tenderloin is a small, thin strip of meat that comes from the backbone area. It is always sold boneless and only weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds. Pork tenderloin is the most tender cut of pork. It is best suited for quick cooking using high heat.
Pork tenderloin and pork loin cannot be used interchangeably.
Tips For Making This Recipe
- Start by trimming the pork tenderloin. Remove the silver skin using a sharp knife. Next, pat the meat dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick to the pork.
- Place the tenderloin in a zip-top plastic bag, pour the marinade over and place it in the fridge so that the flavors will incorporate. You can marinate the meat for up to 2 hours or as little as 15 minutes if thats all the time you have.
- Since pork tenderloin is such a thin cut of meat, I recommend cooking it over high heat. It will cook in less than 30 minutes and youll have an amazing, flavorful crust on the outside.
- While cooking, baste the pork tenderloin with the marinade to impart even more flavor. The pork tenderloin will be ready to take off the grill when the internal temperature reads 145 degrees.
- Make sure to let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, slice and serve!
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Meat Fire Flavor Do We Have Your Attention Were Talking All About The Art Of Grilling Perfectly Juicy Pork Tenderloin
Fire up your grills and grab a beerbecause its time to grill up some juicy pork tenderloin. Wait. You say youve never grilled pork tenderloin before? Well, youre in for a treat! Not only is this pork tenderloin ultra-tender, but its also full of flavor thanks to an Asian-infused sweet and spicy marinade. Intrigued? Drooling? Us too.
Keep reading to learn how to grill pork tenderloin step-by-step.
Sweet & Spicy Bbq Grilled Pork Tenderloin
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This BBQ grilled pork tenderloin recipe is equally perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or weekend cookout! A simple combination of olive oil, pork rub, and your favorite BBQ sauce results in a sweet and spicy grilled tenderloin thats amazingly succulent and juicy
This recipe was created in partnership with the Ohio Pork Council all opinions and text are my own. Thanks for supporting me and the brands I love!
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More Pork Recipes With Different Cuts Of Meat
- Slow cooker ranch pork chops this is some of the best pork out there, and your taste buds will thank you for this easy and delicious recipe.
- Ham and potato casserole this is a great meal for the family. Its hearty, filling, and has incredible flavor.
- Slow cooker pork chops and gravy is a wonderfully delicious meal that is tender, falls apart easily, is rich with flavor, and comes out perfect every single time.
Why Youll Love Grilled Pork Tenderloin
To sum it up, this method for grilling yields juicy and tender pork tenderloin heaven. But heres more reasons why youll love it if I havent convinced you yet!
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Serving Grilled Pork Tenderloin
When Im hosting a party, I like to cut the meat into thick slices, then arrange the grilled pork tenderloin medallions on a serving platter and sprinkle on fresh herbs.
It looks gorgeous and you can bring it right to the table and let guests help themselves.
For simple weeknight meals, we let the pork rest on a cutting board, slice it up, then serve ourselves directly from there.
Can I Make Pork Tenderloin Ahead Of Time
You can prep the grilledpork tenderloin up to different stages instead of making all at once:
- Brine: you can brine the pork, rinse and pat dry, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 24 hours ahead of time.
- Rub: you can brine, rinse, dry then cover the pork tenderloin with the wet rub and tightly wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 12 hours.
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Best Ever Healthy Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Im not lying when I say this is the easiest, Best, Healthiest Grilled Pork Tenderloin youll ever make. The 30-minute marinade consists of pantry staples and the grilling process ensures a moist, tasty, hearty pork tenderloin every time!
- 1 ½-2poundspork tenderloin-see note
- 2teaspoonsminced garlic
- 1 teaspoonItalian herb seasoning blend-or ¼ teaspoon each dried basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley or rosemary
- teaspooncracked black pepper-or a pinch of finely ground black pepper
- Pat pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel.
- Stir together lemon juice, garlic, dried herbs, oil, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Pour half of the mixture into a large Ziploc bag along with the tenderloin. Press out excess air, seal the bag, and chill for 30 minutes.
Grill the pork
- Preheat grill to medium and oil the grates.
- Using tongs, transfer pork to the grill. Close the grill and cook 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and brushing reserved marinade over all sides of the pork half way through grilling.
- Transfer to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Have You Tried This Recipe
Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Tag it @unsophisticook and hashtag it #unsophisticook!
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Id love to see how your grilled pork tenderloins turn out Tag me @Unsophisticook and @OhioPork on or use the hashtags #ohpork and #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
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How To Keep Grilled Pork Tenderloin Juicy
Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat. If fact, its considered to be just as lean as a chicken breast. Its lack of fat makes it a smart choice for meat lovers looking to be more health-conscious. However, its lean nature also raises concerns about dryness. This is how to keep pork tenderloin nice and moist:
Use a Marinade
A marinade is a great way to add flavor and moisture to lean cuts of meat like pork tenderloin. Marinades work by breaking down the muscle fibers and connective tissue in meat which tenderizes is and also allows it to better retain moisture. For pork tenderloin, mix up your favorite and pour it over the meat and then let it hang out, covered, in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
Let the Tenderloin Rest Before Slicing
This trick isnt just for pork tenderloin. Resting the meat is a practice you should follow for just about any cut. As meat cooks, its juices are pushed out towards the surface of the meat, and some even seep out. When you remove the meat from the grill or oven, you want to give those juices a moment to sink back into the meat and redistribute. If you cut into the meat right away, theyll leak out and youll be left with a tough, dry tragedy on your plate.
For the juiciest meat youll ever cut into, let the pork rest on a platter covered with foil for at least 10 minutes.
