Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Want to impress your guests with a delicious and juicy pork tenderloin? Look no further than the grill!
Grilling pork tenderloin is not only fast and easy, but it also infuses the meat with robust flavor and maintains its juiciness. With a variety of marinades and seasonings to choose from, you can customize your pork tenderloin to your liking.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grilling pork tenderloin, from cooking times to marinade recipes. So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your taste buds!
How To Barbecue Pork Tenderloin?
Before you start grilling, it’s important to prepare your pork tenderloin properly. Trim any excess fat and silver skin, and consider brining the meat for added flavor and tenderness. Once your pork tenderloin is prepped, it’s time to fire up the grill.
First, heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350 degrees F). Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil and season with your desired seasonings. Place the pork on the grill over direct heat and grill for 1-1/2 minutes on all four sides, for a total of 6 minutes, keeping the lid closed between flipping.
Next, move the pork tenderloin to the side of the grill with low heat and grill for an additional 4 minutes on each of the two larger sides, for a total of 8 more minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 140 degrees F. Keep the lid closed between flipping and avoid overcooking the meat.
Once your pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
Choosing The Right Pork Tenderloin
When choosing the right pork tenderloin for your barbecue, there are a few key factors to consider. First, look for a tenderloin that is pinkish-red in color with some marbling in the meat. The marbling will make the meat juicy and tender if cooked properly. Avoid meat that is pale in color or has dark spots on the fat, as this could indicate that the meat is past its best.
It’s important to note that pork tenderloin and pork loin are two different cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is a slender cut that’s about 10 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, while pork loin looks more like a roast and is about 5 inches in diameter. Make sure you choose the right cut of meat for your recipe.
When examining the pork tenderloin, be sure to remove and discard the silver skin. The silver skin is the shiny white connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the tenderloin, and it doesn’t dissolve during cooking. It’s tough, chewy, and not fun to eat. Additionally, trim excess fat from the tenderloin as it won’t have time to fully render or melt during quick grilling.
Lastly, when shopping for pork tenderloin, take it out of the meat case to examine it properly. Sometimes lighting can make the meat look more pink than it really is. The color of pork indicates the water holding capacity of the meat – darker pork has more liquid and will have more moisture and flavor once cooked.
By taking these factors into consideration when choosing your pork tenderloin, you’ll be on your way to a delicious and successful barbecue.
Preparing The Pork Tenderloin For The Grill
Before you begin grilling your pork tenderloin, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Start by trimming any excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin. This will not only make the meat look more appealing, but it will also allow the seasonings to better penetrate the meat.
Consider brining your pork tenderloin for added flavor and tenderness. To make a simple brine, mix 4 cups of water with 4 tablespoons of salt in a food-storage plastic bag. You can also add 2-4 tablespoons of sugar if desired. Place the pork tenderloin in the brine and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. When done with the brine, remove the meat from the brine, rinse under running water, and pat dry.
Once your pork tenderloin is trimmed and/or brined, it’s time to season it before grilling. Salt and black pepper are great options for seasoning, but feel free to use any other seasonings you prefer. Just be sure not to add salt if you have already brined your meat.
When your grill is heated to medium-high heat (around 350 degrees F), rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil and season it with your desired seasonings. Place the meat on the grill over direct heat and grill for 1-1/2 minutes on all four sides, for a total of 6 minutes, keeping the lid closed between flipping.
After grilling on direct heat, move the pork tenderloin to the side of the grill with low heat and grill for an additional 4 minutes on each of the two larger sides, for a total of 8 more minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 140 degrees F. Keep the lid closed between flipping and avoid overcooking the meat.
Finally, once your pork tenderloin is fully cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious and perfectly grilled pork tenderloin every time.
Tips For Grilling Pork Tenderloin Perfectly
Grilling pork tenderloin can be a bit tricky, but with the right tips, you can achieve a perfectly juicy and flavorful result every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind when grilling pork tenderloin:
1. Don’t overcook the meat: Overcooking pork tenderloin can easily dry it out, so it’s important to cook it to the right temperature without going over. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Use indirect heat: Pork tenderloin should be cooked over indirect heat to prevent burning or charring. This means that you should place the meat on a part of the grill that is not directly over the heat source.
3. Let it rest: After grilling, let your pork tenderloin rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
4. Season well: Pork tenderloin can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices depending on your taste preferences. Consider using a dry rub or marinade to infuse the meat with flavor before grilling.
5. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your pork tenderloin is cooked to the right temperature, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat to check for doneness.
By following these tips, you can grill a perfect pork tenderloin every time. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your favorite way to prepare this delicious cut of meat.
Delicious Marinade Recipes For Pork Tenderloin
If you want to add even more flavor to your pork tenderloin, try marinating it before grilling. Here are two delicious marinade recipes to try:
1. Sweet and Savory Marinade
This marinade combines sweet and savory flavors to create a delicious and tender pork tenderloin.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, rosemary, and thyme in a bowl.
2. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. Place the pork in a large Ziploc freezer bag or dish and pour half of the marinade over it. Reserve the other half for later use.
4. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Grill or bake the marinated pork tenderloin until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F.
6. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with the reserved marinade.
2. Lemon Herb Marinade
This marinade adds a bright and fresh flavor to your pork tenderloin.
Ingredients:
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 teaspoons salt
– Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a sturdy 1-gallon resealable plastic bag.
2. Add the pork tenderloins to the bag and turn to coat with the marinade.
3. Squeeze out the air and seal the bag.
4. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
6. Remove the tenderloins from the marinade and discard the marinade but leave the herbs that cling to the meat.
7. Sprinkle the tenderloins generously with salt and pepper.
8. Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof saute pan over medium-high heat.
9. Sear the pork tenderloins on all sides until golden brown.
10. Place the saute pan in the oven and roast the tenderloins for 10 to 15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 137 degrees F at the thickest part.
11. Transfer the tenderloins to a platter and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
12. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving into slices.
With these delicious marinade recipes and grilling tips, you’ll be able to create a perfectly cooked and flavorful pork tenderloin every time you barbecue!
Serving Suggestions And Side Dishes For Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Grilled pork tenderloin is a delicious and versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions and side dishes to try:
1. Roasted Vegetables: Grilled pork tenderloin goes well with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
2. Heirloom Tomato Salad: A refreshing heirloom tomato salad is the perfect summer side dish for grilled pork tenderloin. The juicy tomatoes and crisp green beans provide a nice contrast to the tender meat.
3. Fingerling Potatoes: Roasted garlic-parmesan fingerling potatoes are a great side dish to serve with grilled pork tenderloin. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the potatoes complement the tender meat perfectly.
4. Cauliflower Rice: A simple cauliflower rice can be transformed into a flavorful side dish with the addition of spices and herbs. It’s a great low-carb option that pairs well with grilled pork tenderloin.
5. Applesauce: A classic side dish for pork, applesauce is a sweet and tangy accompaniment that complements the mild flavor of grilled pork tenderloin.
6. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter side dish, try serving grilled pork tenderloin with zucchini noodles. They’re a great low-carb alternative to pasta and add a fresh crunch to the meal.
7. Stuffed Shells: If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, try serving grilled pork tenderloin with stuffed shells. The creamy ricotta filling pairs well with the tender meat.
With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect side dish to serve with your grilled pork tenderloin. Experiment with different flavors and textures to create a meal that your family will love!
