A maple-mustard marinade that takes seconds to stir together infuses the pork with robust flavor, tenderizes it, and helps it to maintain juiciness. With a taste that’s tantalizing, it’s worthy of a dinner party (unless it’s raining, and then you can serve this sassy Stuffed Pork Tenderloin instead). Pork tenderloin is also FAST.
Unlike tougher cuts of pork that need low and slow cooking (like this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), pork tenderloin does not become more tender the longer it cooks.Pork tenderloin cooks in 12 to 15 minutes on a gas grill or charcoal grill over medium heat (about 350 degrees F).
That kind of speed—and the fact that you can marinate pork tenderloin up to one day in advance—makes it ideal for quick-and-easy weeknight meals.
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 isn’t just for flavor. The acid in the marinade tenderizes the pork. The salt allows it to retain more moisture. (Check out this post on Grilled Chicken Breast for more information on the importance of salting meat prior to cooking it.)DO NOT OVERCOOK THE PORK. Yep, it’s that bossy all-caps again! Pork loin will not become more tender the longer you cook it. Once you overcook, it’s game over. (This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin has gravy to cover your mistakes, but not every pork recipe will bail you out this way.)Let the Meat Rest. (<—I should all-caps this too, but I’m giving you a break.) 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.
The Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin. If you are new to pork tenderloin, I highly recommend it. It’s an incredibly lean cut and, while I do love my chicken recipes, it’s a refreshing alternative that’s still healthy.
Maple Syrup + Dijon Mustard. These two ingredients star in our grilled pork tenderloin marinade. The mustard is zippy, the maple is sweet, and together they make for a succulent grilled pork tenderloin marinade.
Apple Cider Vinegar. This acidic component does double duty. It balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and works to tenderize the pork.Garlic. Is there any grilled meat garlic doesn’t make better?Salt + Pepper. Season, season, season your meat to ensure the flavor carries all the way through, not just the outside.
The Directions
Serving Grilled Pork Tenderloin
When I’m 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.
What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is lean and versatile! If you can brave the elements, you can grill pork tenderloin year-round. Here are a few ideas of what to serve with it:
Grilled Vegetables. Cook Grilled Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, or Grilled Asparagus right beside the pork.Starches. Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Homemade Scalloped Potatoes, and Oven Roasted Potatoes can all give you restaurant vibes at home.Salad. Brussels Sprouts Slaw is a tasty green salad to serve with pork. For a different route, try Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta Salad or Healthy Potato Salad.Slaw. Pork and coleslaw are besties. This Healthy Coleslaw is fantastic.Creamed Corn. For a true comfort meal, serve your grilled pork tenderloin alongside Crock Pot Creamed Corn.
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate pork in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F. In a pinch, the pork can also be reheated in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze pork in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Tongs. The locking feature is ideal for staying organized in a drawer.Measuring Cups. Very durable and sturdy, and dishwasher-safe.
I challenge you to step out of your weeknight dinner rut and try grilled pork tenderloin!
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