Honey Bourbon Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Honey bourbon grilled pork tenderloin offers a flavorful, sweet, and tangy glaze with smoky grilled notes, perfect for summer barbecues and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lean pork tenderloins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced peeled ginger root ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups water ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim fat from pork tenderloins.
- Combine diced onion, lemon juice, bourbon whiskey, honey, soy sauce, minced ginger, olive oil, and minced garlic in a large zip-top bag.
- Add pork tenderloins to the bag, seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Remove pork from marinade, reserving the marinade.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the pork tenderloins.
- Preheat grill and coat grill rack with vegetable cooking spray.
- Place pork on the grill rack and cover.
- Cook for 30 minutes, turning and basting with 1/2 cup of the reserved marinade during grilling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork tenderloins for a few hours or overnight if time allows. If you don’t have bourbon, substitute with apple juice or a mix of vinegar and water for a tangy twist. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the marinade's kick. Always let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Honey Bourbon Grilled Pork Tenderloin with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with chips and dip for a casual gathering. Consider adding a grain like quinoa or rice on the side to soak up the delicious marinade.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Bourbon Grilled Pork Tenderloin contains roughly 1178 calories, with 20g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2589mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork loin or pork chops instead of tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time as these cuts may vary in thickness. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for best results.
What can I do with the leftover marinade?
The leftover marinade can be simmered in a saucepan for a few minutes to kill any bacteria, then used as a sauce. Alternatively, you can reduce it further for a thicker glaze to drizzle over the grilled pork. Just ensure it reaches a rolling boil first.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the flour, are labeled gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).