If you’re on the lookout for a delicious and easy-to-make dish to impress your guests at your next barbecue, look no further than Grilled Pork Tenderloin. This recipe combines tender pork with a flavorful rub and a mouthwatering sauce, resulting in a dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even provide keto and low-carb versions of this delectable dish. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!
Ingredients:
Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 1/4 –1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed
Rub:
- 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
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2/3 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Tenderloin: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the surface.
- Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the rub.
- Season the Pork: Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. Allow the seasoned pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C).
- Grill the Pork: Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on the preheated grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Make the Sauce: While the pork is grilling, prepare the sauce by mixing together the honey, BBQ sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Glaze the Pork: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the pork tenderloin with the prepared sauce, allowing it to caramelize and form a flavorful glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Once the pork reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender result. Slice the pork into thick slices and serve with any remaining sauce on the side.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Temperature Check: To ensure that the pork is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C), with a slight blush of pink in the center.
- Grilling Tips: For best results, sear the pork tenderloin over direct heat for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking. This helps prevent the exterior from burning while ensuring that the interior cooks evenly.
- Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to customize the rub and sauce according to your taste preferences. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra flavor complexity.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Sugar-Free Sauce: For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own using low-carb sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia.
- Skip the Brown Sugar: Omit the brown sugar from the rub or substitute it with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe? A: While pork tenderloin is ideal for grilling due to its tenderness, you can also use pork loin or pork chops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker cuts may require longer grilling.
Q: Can I prepare the pork tenderloin in advance? A: Yes, you can season the pork tenderloin with the rub and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Q: What side dishes pair well with grilled pork tenderloin? A: Grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad make excellent accompaniments to grilled pork tenderloin. The versatile flavor profile of the pork pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin is a fantastic choice for any outdoor gathering or barbecue, offering a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. With its tender texture, flavorful rub, and mouthwatering sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a delicious meal from the grill, this recipe is a winner every time. So fire up the grill, grab your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible taste of Grilled Pork Tenderloin!
