Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2009

Show: Good EatsEpisode: Tender is the Pork

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (48)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(48)

Cook Time:
15 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: 6 hr 0 min
Cook: 15 min
Total:: 6 hr 35 min

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Ingredients

1 whole pork tenderloin, approximately 1 pound
1 lime, zest finely grated
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

Trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat and silver skin.

Place the lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt, and garlic powder in a small, lidded jar and shake to combine. Pour half of the marinade mixture into a 1-gallon resealable bag, add the chipotle pepper, and move around to combine. 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. Place the remaining marinade in a covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Remove the tenderloin from the bag and allow to sit at room temperature while preparing the grill. Remove the reserved marinade from the refrigerator.

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. Place the cooking grate back on the grill and cover with the lid; heat the grate to medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

Brush the grill with vegetable oil. 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.

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. Remove to a cutting board and slice. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Scott Fairhaven, MA 11-14-2009
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Simple and MMmMMMMM
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was simple to make. I made it for my family, and the general rating from all is "mmmmmmm". I was a little concerned... with the char on the outside, because my family dislikes the "burned" flavors. Not to worry with this recipe however. It turns out the char is the best tasting part. I agree with another reviewer; save the drippings as a sauce. Cheap, easy, and delicious....this recipe is now one of my favorites. Thanks Alton!!!!Read more
recipe Grilled Pork Tenderloin
TAMMY Concord, CA 10-17-2009
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Best Pork Tenderloin I've ever eaten
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

We made this recipe a few months ago, and loved it. So much so, that we have saved it and is our #1 Pork Tenderloin recipe.... The tenderloin turns out tender, not dry and stringy. Definitely worth trying!Read more
recipe Grilled Pork Tenderloin
michael klamath falls, OR 10-11-2009
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not at all too limey...
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This marinade recipe was great. I saw a few reviews claiming that it was too strong of lime. I followed the recipe exactly,... then tasted it to determine if I believed it needed adjusting. I was delighted by its flavor, and I am not big on lime. Only recommendation I have would be searing it all the way around on high heat then moving it to low heat for 3 min until the next turn. Continue till done. 15-18 min depending upon thickness of tenderloin. Read more
recipe Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Kendall Woburn, MA 10-10-2009
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Outstanding! Rave review.
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Cook it just like Alton says. I stood there with a stopwatch. Wrapping it in foil with the reserved marinade was key. Best... pork tenderloin we've ever had! Highly recommended.Read more
recipe Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Kate North Attleboro, MA 10-05-2009
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DELICIOUS!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this for my boyfriend's family and it was a HUGE hit with everyone from his grandmother to his 3 year old niece!! The... key to me is letting the pork sit in the extra marinade after grilling - it left the pork moist and made an amazing dipping sauce. I cooked it on a gas grill on Med/High heat and the timing was right on. I also used a meat thermometer as suggested which certainly helped. My boyfriend's sister loved it so much, she left with my printout of the recipe! All in all a wonderful and SIMPLE recipe! Read more
recipe Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Steve Westminster, CO 09-27-2009
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Make this! (but read the comments first)
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I happened to have pork tenderloin in the fridge and thought...let's see what's out there. Well this recipe did not... disappoint. Very tasty, very moist, and I will repeat this cooking method with other marinades. I agree with other reviewers that the lime could be held back just a skosh. Not much though. I actually put in about half the lime juice because my limes were very small (I know, personal problem right?) and it was still just a bit overpowering. Otherwise fantastic, super easy, and creates very few dishes.Read more