Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Health score
42%
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
395 min.
4
638kcal

Suggestions

Grilled Pork Tenderloin transforms a lean, budget-friendly cut of meat into a restaurant-quality feast that bursts with smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. This gluten-free and dairy-free masterpiece is perfect for those seeking a vibrant main course that doesn't compromise on dietary restrictions. The secret lies in the marinade, a harmonious blend of fresh lime juice, tangy zest, and the smoky depth of a chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce. Sweetened just enough with honey and elevated with garlic powder and kosher salt, this zesty mixture penetrates the pork, ensuring every bite is juicy and aromatic. Despite the impressive 395-minute total time, which includes a generous marinating window, the actual grilling process is surprisingly quick and straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners.

As a cooking enthusiast, I love how this recipe balances technique with bold flavor profiles. The pork tenderloin is first marinated for up to 24 hours, allowing the spices to infuse deeply while the meat rests in the refrigerator. Once ready, the tenderloin is grilled over medium heat until it reaches a perfect internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, preserving its natural tenderness. The highlight, however, is the finishing touch: wrapping the hot meat in aluminum foil with the reserved marinade to create a steaming basket. This step locks in the juices and intensifies the smoky-sweet notes, resulting in incredibly moist slices that fall apart easily. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish serves four people and offers a delightful 638 calories per serving, with a satisfying macronutrient balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a show-stopping dinner, this grilled pork tenderloin is a must-try addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

  •  chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce 
  • tablespoon cilantro leaves fresh chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder 
  • 0.3 cup honey 
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt 
  • 0.5 cup juice of lime freshly squeezed
  •  lime zest finely grated
  •  pork tenderloin whole
  • teaspoon vegetable oil 

Equipment

  • grill
  • aluminum foil
  • tongs
  • cutting board

Directions

  1. Watch how to make this recipe.
  2. Trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat and silver skin.
  3. Place the lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt, and garlic powder in a small, lidded jar and shake to combine.
  4. Pour half of the marinade mixture into a 1-gallon resealable bag, add the chipotle pepper, and move around to combine.
  5. Add the pork tenderloin to the bag and seal, removing as much air as possible and place in a container to catch any leaks. Marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 24 hours, rotating the bag halfway through the time.
  6. Place the remaining marinade in a covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.
  7. Remove the tenderloin from the bag and allow to sit at room temperature while preparing the grill.
  8. Remove the reserved marinade from the refrigerator.
  9. Fill a large chimney starter with natural lump charcoal and light. Once the charcoal is ashy and white, approximately 30 minutes, dump the hot charcoal onto the lowest grate of the grill and spread into an even layer using extra-long tongs.
  10. Place the cooking grate back on the grill and cover with the lid; heat the grate to medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
  11. Brush the grill with vegetable oil.
  12. Remove the tenderloin from the bag and place in the center of grate. Discard bag with marinade. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
  13. Remove the tenderloin from the grill and place on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil folded at the edges to create a basket, and pour on the reserved marinade. Wrap tightly and rest for 10 minutes.
  14. Remove to a cutting board and slice.
  15. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories638kcal
Protein60.26%
Fat24.85%
Carbs14.89%

Properties

Glycemic Index
30.32
Glycemic Load
9.53
Inflammation Score
-5
Nutrition Score
39.576956336913%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.66mg
Hesperetin
9.92mg
Naringenin
0.68mg
Quercetin
0.27mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:638.16kcal
31.91%
Fat:17.27g
26.56%
Saturated Fat:5.56g
34.75%
Carbohydrates:23.27g
7.76%
Net Carbohydrates:22.1g
8.04%
Sugar:18.92g
21.03%
Cholesterol:294.77mg
98.26%
Sodium:1111.44mg
48.32%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:94.19g
188.39%
Vitamin B1:4.47mg
297.84%
Selenium:137.77µg
196.81%
Vitamin B6:3.5mg
174.97%
Vitamin B3:30.08mg
150.41%
Phosphorus:1111.7mg
111.17%
Vitamin B2:1.54mg
90.88%
Zinc:8.58mg
57.22%
Potassium:1850.92mg
52.88%
Vitamin B12:2.36µg
39.3%
Vitamin B5:3.89mg
38.87%
Magnesium:126.63mg
31.66%
Iron:4.65mg
25.81%
Copper:0.43mg
21.66%
Vitamin C:14.09mg
17.07%
Vitamin D:1.36µg
9.07%
Vitamin E:1.2mg
7.99%
Fiber:1.17g
4.68%
Manganese:0.09mg
4.68%
Calcium:39.15mg
3.91%
Vitamin K:2.66µg
2.54%
Folate:5.03µg
1.26%