Smoky Grilled Pork Tenderloin
User Reviews
4.8
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
6 Servings (2 pork tenderloins)
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Smoky Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Description
This recipe coats pork tenderloin with a thick spice rub featuring smoked paprika for distinct smoky flavor complemented by brown sugar's sweetness and lime juice's brightness. The pork is then grilled over medium-high heat, allowing the exterior to caramelize while keeping the center juicy. Finishing with a rest under foil preserves tenderness and unlocks flavors.
The texture combines a lightly crisp, seasoned crust with a tender, juicy interior typical of pork tenderloin cooked properly. The method provides balanced smoky, sweet, and mildly tart notes from the rub ingredients without overpowering the natural pork flavor.
This smoked grilled pork tenderloin suits dinner plates alongside vegetables or grains. Alternative cooking can be achieved by roasting at 400°F for 20-30 minutes if grilling is not available, with cooking time adjusted based on pork thickness.
The recipe highlights the importance of smoked paprika for authentic flavor and notes that timing should be modified if pork thickness differs from around 2 inches at its thickest part.
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloin 3-5 pounds total, trimmed of excess fat or silver skin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt coarse
- Pinch black pepper coarsely ground
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The mixture will be thick and pasty.
- Rub the mixture over the pork and place the meat in a shallow dish. You can grill right away, but for more flavor, cover the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- Preheat an outdoor grill (see note for alternate cooking methods) to medium-high heat (I use 375 degrees F on my pellet grill).
- Grill the pork tenderloin for 10 minutes, flip and continue to cook until an internal temperature at the thickest part of the meat registers 145 degrees F on an instant read thermometer, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the grill and tent with aluminum foil for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Smoked paprika is essential for the characteristic smoky flavor and worth obtaining if unavailable at home.
- If an outdoor grill is unavailable, roasting the pork at 400°F for 20-30 minutes on a greased, foil-lined pan is a good alternative.
- Adjust cooking times if pork tenderloin thickness varies significantly from 2 inches for even doneness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings (2 pork tenderloins)
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 424kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 63g | 126% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 197mg | 66% |
| Sodium | 548mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
