Honey-Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Sweet and savory honey-grilled pork tenderloin features a soy-ginger marinade, ideal for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim fat from the pork tenderloins.
- Butterfly the tenderloins by making a lengthwise cut in each, cutting to within 1/4 inch of the other side. Place in a large Ziploc plastic bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ground ginger, brown sugar, honey, and dark sesame oil to make the marinade.
- Add the tenderloins to the marinade, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the tenderloins from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Grill the tenderloins for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the pork tenderloins overnight to enhance the sweetness and aroma. If you don't have dark sesame oil, you can substitute with regular sesame oil or even olive oil. Adding a splash of rice vinegar can provide extra acidity to balance the sweetness. Make sure to let the meat rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the honey-grilled pork tenderloin with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa to soak up the marinade flavors. Consider complementing this dish with a fruit salsa for an added zing. For more ideas, browse other pork recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey-Grilled Pork Tenderloin contains roughly 193 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2115mg per serving (92% 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 if tenderloin is unavailable. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as other cuts may require longer grilling to reach the appropriate internal temperature.
What can I serve with honey-grilled pork tenderloin?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a light coleslaw, or a creamy potato salad. For a refreshing side, consider a cucumber and tomato salad to balance the sweetness of the pork.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat to the marinade, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the grilled tenderloin with a spicy dipping sauce or a spicy fruit salsa for an exciting kick.
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).