Kansas City-Style Grilled Coffee-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your barbecue experience with this Kansas City-inspired pork tenderloin, marinated to perfection and coated in a rich, spicy dry rub. Infused with the deep flavor of strong brewed coffee and complemented by a tangy apple cider vinegar and dark molasses blend, each bite brings together sweet, smoky, and savory notes reminiscent of the finest slow-smoked ribs. Ideal for summer gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish promises a delightful burst of flavor. Paired with your favorite barbecue sauce, this tenderloin is sure to impress your guests and family alike with its mouthwatering glaze and juicy tenderness.
8
Servings
60
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
strong brewed coffee
1/2 cup (brewed and cooled)
apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons (divided)
spicy brown mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
dark molasses
1 tablespoon (none)
pork tenderloin
2 (1 pound each) (trimmed)
finely ground coffee
1/4 cup (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
paprika
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh coarse ground black pepper
2 tablespoons (none)
sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (or kosher salt)
barbecue sauce
1/4 cup (none)
cooking spray
as needed (for grilling)
Instructions
1
In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine strong brewed coffee, apple cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard, and dark molasses. Add the trimmed pork tenderloins, seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 12 hours, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even marination. After marinating, remove the pork from the bag and discard the marinade.
2
Preheat your grill by heating one side to medium and the other side to high heat.
3
In a small bowl, mix together finely ground coffee, sugar, paprika, fresh ground black pepper, and sea salt to create the dry rub. Coat the marinated pork generously with the rub and let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
4
In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture for later use.
5
Place the pork on the grill rack coated with cooking spray and grill over high heat for 3 minutes, rotating the pork to sear all sides evenly. Then, transfer the pork to the medium heat side of the grill and continue cooking for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure an even cook.
6
During the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste the pork with 3 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce mixture while turning occasionally. Grill until the internal temperature of the pork registers 160°F, which will leave it slightly pink and incredibly juicy.
7
Once done, transfer the pork to a serving platter, brush with the reserved 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce mixture, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kansas City-Style Grilled Coffee-Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
It is a barbecue-inspired dish featuring pork tenderloin marinated in a coffee-based mixture and coated in a spicy dry rub before being grilled and glazed.
How long should the pork tenderloin marinate?
The pork should be marinated in the refrigerator for 2 to 12 hours for the best flavor.
What type of coffee is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee for the marinade and 1/4 cup of finely ground coffee for the dry rub.
What ingredients are in the dry rub?
The dry rub consists of finely ground coffee, sugar, paprika, fresh coarse ground black pepper, and sea salt.
How should I set up my grill for this recipe?
Preheat your grill with a dual-zone setup: one side should be set to high heat for searing and the other side to medium heat for finishing.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the pork?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is juicy and slightly pink.
Can I substitute the sea salt?
Yes, you can use kosher salt as a substitute for sea salt.
How long does the pork need to rest after cooking?
The pork should rest for 5 minutes covered with foil before slicing.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 6 grams of protein.
What type of mustard is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of spicy brown mustard.
Is there any fat in this dish?
Yes, there is 1.5g of fat per serving.
What gives the glaze its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from a combination of dark molasses, sugar in the rub, and the barbecue sauce.
How do I sear the pork?
Place the pork on the high-heat side of the grill for 3 minutes, rotating it to ensure all sides are evenly seared.
What do I do with the marinade after removing the pork?
The marinade should be discarded after the pork is removed.
How many pork tenderloins do I need?
You will need two 1-pound pork tenderloins.
How do I prepare the barbecue sauce glaze?
Combine 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, reserving 2 tablespoons of this mix for after grilling.
What is the purpose of the apple cider vinegar?
It provides a tangy balance to the rich coffee and sweet molasses flavors.
How long does the pork cook on the medium-heat side?
It should cook for about 15 minutes on the medium-heat side after the initial sear.
Can I use a regular black coffee for the marinade?
The recipe specifies strong brewed coffee to ensure the flavor is robust enough to penetrate the meat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.25g per serving.
How do I prevent the pork from sticking to the grill?
Coat the grill rack with cooking spray before placing the pork on the heat.
When should I apply the barbecue sauce glaze?
Baste the pork with the sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling while turning occasionally.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners or summer gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features sweet, smoky, and savory notes with a deep coffee infusion.
How should I prepare the pork before marinating?
The pork tenderloins should be trimmed of excess fat or silver skin.
Can I let the dry rub sit on the meat before grilling?
Yes, after applying the rub, let the pork stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
What is the final step before serving?
Brush the rested pork with the reserved 2 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce mixture before slicing.