How To Store And Reheat Your Leftovers
- Leftovers should be stored in the fridge within an hour or so of cooking, for best results. Wrap your leftover pork tightly in plastic wrap, or stick it in a zip-top bag. It should keep for up to four days.
- To reheat, place in a covered skillet over low heat. Allow the tenderloin to cook until just heated through. If you overdo it, the meat will dry out, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
How To Know When Pork Is Done
- The best way to know if meat is cooked properly is to use an instant read thermometer.
- The FDA considers pork safe to eat at 145 degrees F. That said, the porks temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
- I typically pull my pork tenderloin off of the heat once it reaches 135 degrees F. After 10 minutes of resting, it gives me perfect, juicy pork every time. Ive never had it come out underdone.
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.
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How To Cook Juicy Pork Tenderloin
As weve discussed, for juicy pork tenderloin, you need to use a high temperaturebut thats not all!
The most important aspects of making juicy, not dry pork are: 1. Avoid overcooking the meatand 2. Let the meat rest.
Pork tenderloin only needs 11 to 14 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400 degrees F.
- Most pork tenderloin weighs between 1 and 1 ½-pounds. It is often sold in packs of two.
- If youd like to cook a larger amount of pork, you can use kitchen twine to tie two tenderloins together to make a thicker meat log.
- If your pork tenderloin is larger than 1 ½ pounds, youll need to add time to the recipe. Estimate between 18 and 22 minutes to air fry a 2-pound pork tenderloin.
Resting is mandatory.
- Resting meat is critical for it to taste moist.
- While the meat rests, the juices reincorporate.
- If you cut meat right after cooking, all of those yummy juices will escape onto the plate and your pork will taste dry.
The best way to know if pork is cooked is to use an instant read digital thermometer.
- Per the FDA, pork is considered cooked at 145 degrees F. HOWEVER, its temperature will rise as it rests.
- I recommend removing pork at 135 degrees F, then letting it rest for 10 minutes. Youll have perfect, juicy pork every time!
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.
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Tips For Prepping Your Grill
Theres a lot more to grilling then fire. When grilling pork tenderloin youll want to grill with a combination of both direct and indirect heat. Direct heat will be used first to give the pork a nice char that locks in flavor and moisture. Then, the meat will be moved to an area of your grill with indirect heat. The pork will roast slowly, covered, in the grills circulating heat until it reaches the proper internal temperature. Learn more about direct and indirect heat.
- Charcoal Grill: To prep your charcoal grill for indirect and direct heat, youll want to pile your charcoal to one side of the grill and leave one side of your grill bare without any charcoal below it.
- Gas Grill: To prepare your gas grill, turn one side of your grill up to medium-high heat and then leave another half off your grill off, or set to its lowest heat setting.
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Pork Tenderloin :
Were here for you, pork recipe newbies! Something about cooking with pork is really intimidating to even the most experienced home cooks, so if the thought of cooking a pork tenderloin makes you nervous, dont worryyoure in good company! Grilled steak? No prob! Perfectly crisp chicken thighs? Sure thing! But cooking a piece of pork is a kitchen project that makes so many people go all jelly-legged. This is our best pork tenderloin recipe for newbies, because weve kept it really simple. Just a perfectly grilled pork tenderloin with chimichurri sauceso much flavor, so little effort. Heres a little pork tenderloin 101 to get you started:
- What is pork tenderloin? A pork tenderloin is cut of pork that is pretty much exactly what it sounds likea very tender cut of the larger pork loin. A whole pork tenderloin is actually an entire, single muscle .
- OK, so then whats the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin? Youre probably guessing the answer to this one, but the term pork loin refers to a much larger cut of pork, whereas the tenderloin is a small, very specific, very tender part of the larger loin.
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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!
How To Make The Juicest Grilled Pork Tenderloin
The JUICIEST pork tenderloin comes from briningyour pork. If youve never brined yourpork before, it will change your culinary life! Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat so itcan easily dry out unless you brine it first. In all of my pork recipes,readers have commented that brining is a MUST and are converted as well evenovercooked brined pork emerges juicy soPLEASE brine your pork for melt-in-your-mouth pork without having to plan ahead with anovernight marinade.
What is brining?
You are probably familiar with brining a turkey, and the same concept holds true to create moist pork. Brining actually changes the molecular structure of the pork and increases the moisture capacity of the meat. First, the salt brine hydrates the muscle tissues via osmosis second, it changes the cells structure so that they can no longer contract when cooking. This means less water will be squeezed out and lost, resulting in juicier pork.
How long does brining take?
Brining pork literallytakes 20 minutes you actually cant brine it longer than that or it willbecome mealy. It also uses just a fewpantry friendly ingredients so its quick and easy.
More perks to brining:
Brining also brings the pork to roomtemperature so it: 1) cooks more evenly instead of drying out the outside whilewaiting for the inside to cook and 2) allows the pork musclefibers to better re-absorb juices for maximum flavor.
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Simple Bbq Seasoning Rub
Dont you just love recipes where you have the ingredients already on hand? For this recipe, you likely already have the ingredients in your pantry and spice rack. They are:
- Brown Sugar
- Cayenne
- Vegetable Oil
The preparation is as simple as mixing all the dry ingredients, coating the pork with vegetable oil, the rubbing in all the seasoning mix.
What Is Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is similar to pork loin in that it is a very lean cut of meat. Pork tenderloin is cut from the rear end of the loin making it super tender.
Did you know: Most of the time pork tenderloin is sold as 2 1-lb. tenderloins? That is perfect for this recipe because it calls for 2 tenderloins!
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Pork Is Protein Packed
Pork is a great way to get protein into your diet, and its a delicious lean meat. Today, pork has a lot less saturated fat than it did a few short decades ago.
A three-ounce serving of pork loin has 24 grams of protein, plenty of iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, B12, zinc, and more. Its a great way to eat, stay full, and get the nutrients you need for a healthy heart and body.
This Pork Is Raised In The United States
One of the great things about pork is that its raised right here in Wisconsin and other places in the United States. So, when you buy pork, you are supporting local farmers and their families.
Those families add so much to the community in a variety of ways. Many of the kids are in the 4-H club, help on the farm, and give back to their community. So, buying and eating pork is more than just a meal.
And pork farmers care about the environment for our sake and their families. Porkcares.org said, We are committed to protecting our planets natural resources water, soil and air and realize the impact of GHGs on the environment.
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipes
I am loving pork tenderloin lately. From my Baked Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter,Sheet Pan Chili Dijon Pork Tenderloin, oldie but goodie Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry Hoisin Glaze to my Tacos Al Pastor I just cant get enough! And now I give you one more reason to love pork tenderloin this GRILLED Pork Tenderloin recipe with Chimichurri!
I knew I wanted to share a grilled pork tenderloin recipe withyou because pork tenderloin is FABULOUS for grilling and entertaining. Its quick, easy and mixes up the usual hot dog/hamburger/chickenroutine with impressive results. Grilledpork tenderloin also chars beautifully and loves to soak up that smoky grillflavor.
So, when I asked my readers on which grilled pork tenderloin recipe they wanted me to make out of seven options, Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri was the landslide winner which I am ecstatic about!
In this pork tenderloin recipe, the pork is brined for maximum juiciness, enveloped in a wet rub, then grilled to buttery, flavorful perfection all in about 45 minutes! It is then topped with vibrant chimichurri that just requires a few pulses in your food processor. It is one of the simplest, tastiest, impressive meals you will ever make.
Now, Im going to getinto all the details of this recipe and how to grill pork tenderloin, so if youwant to skip straight to the recipe, you can use the jump to recipe at thetop of the page or join me for the delicious ride. Enjoy!
Best Grilled Pork Tenderloin On The Internet
This is truly the best grilled pork tenderloin recipe out there. We did a two-step flavor process of both dry rubbing and marinating so that it comes out extra flavorful, but still super juicy and tender on the inside.
We love that pork tenderloin on the grill is such an easy and inexpensive dinner idea. Not to mention, the entire family will absolutely adore this.
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Make Sure Its Pork Tenderloin Not Pork Loin
Pork tenderloin and pork loin are two different cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is very lean, long and narrow usually about 1.25 1.75lbs each. Pork loin is shorter, has a larger diameter and is from a different part of the pig, it also requires different cooking times. So for this recipe, make sure the package clearls says pork tenderloin.
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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Is Pork Tenderloin Healthy
Yes! Pork tenderloin is exceptionally good source of lean proteinin fact, it has fewer calories per ounce than skinless chicken breast. Simply grilled and served with Chimichurria perfect, zero-carb sauce for pork tenderlointhis easy pork tenderloin recipe is just about as healthy as they come. Add a salad and youve got yourself a meal that is not only keto and Whole30 approved, its also friendly to just about any dietary restrictions you can think of. Dairy free? Check! Gluten free? Check! Soy free? Check! This means its a great one for a dinner partyas long as there arent any vegetarians in the crowd, you should be golden.
How To Cook Smoked Pork Tenderloin On Pellet Grill
Preheat your smoker. Set the temperature to 225 degrees F. Make sure you top up the pellet grill with wood pellets.
First thing, remove the pork tenderloin from the package. Next, rinse the pork with cold water and dry it with a paper towel.
Pour olive oil on the pork tenderloin, coating the top, bottom, and sides. Sprinkle spice rub evenly on the pork tenderloin. Make sure you cover all sides of the pork.
Place tenderloins on the preheated smoker. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
If desired, apply your favorite BBQ sauce 30 minutes before they are done.
When the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, remove the pork tenderloin from the smoker. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Slice into smoked pork tenderloin medallions and serve. Enjoy!
Hint: For even cooking, flip halfway for even smoking.
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Perfect Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Servings: 4-5
This master grilling recipe works perfectly, no matter how you flavor the pork. Choose one of the glazes I suggest for a beautiful crust, or use your own favorite dry rub, as long as its low in salt. Be sure to buy pork tenderloins that havent been treated or soaked in any kind of solution by the producer.
How Long To Grill Pork Loin
A 4-pound pork loin takes me 1 hour and 45 minutes to grill with a grilling temperature around 325 degrees. However, this isn’t an exact science since the size of your pork loin and grill temperature fluctuations will cause your grill time to vary.
Grilling Hack: My secret weapon when grilling roasts is this double probe digital thermometer. Seriously the best thing ever. I stick one probe into the thickest part of the pork loin to monitor the internal temperature and rest the second probe on the grill grate next to the roast to monitor the grilling temperature.
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How Long To Smoke Pork Tenderloin On Charcoal Grill
Smoking meat is a great way to add flavor and juiciness to your favorite cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is an excellent choice for smoking, as it is relatively lean and cooks quickly. In this article, we will teach you how to smoke pork tenderloin on a charcoal grill. We will also discuss some tips for timing and preparing the meat.
When smoking pork tenderloin on a charcoal grill, it is important to time it correctly so that the meat is cooked through but not overcooked. The general rule of thumb is to smoke the pork for about 1-1/2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you prefer a slightly more charred or crispy texture, you can smoke the pork for up to 2 hours. However, be sure not to cook it for too long or the pork will become dry and tough.
- Start smoking the pork tenderloin on a charcoal grill by lighting the charcoal and letting it heat up for about 30 minutes.
- Once the coal is hot, place them in the smoker box or in a pile on one side of the grill. Place the pork tenderloin on the other side of the grill and close the lid.
- Smoke the pork for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.