Smoky Carolina Pulled Pork Tenderloin with Tangy Mop Sauce
Experience the rich and zesty flavors of the South with this Smoky Carolina Pulled Pork Tenderloin. Based on a beloved Weight Watchers recipe, this dish marries tender pork with a delectable homemade mop sauce that is perfect for enhancing its smoky goodness. Each serving is a mere 4 points, making it a delicious guilt-free option for your next meal. Serve this dish as the main attraction and don’t forget to save any leftovers for pulled pork sandwiches—just mix the sliced pork with the leftover sauce and serve on soft rolls with sweet gherkin pickles. This versatile spice rub isn’t just limited to pork; it also works wonders on chicken, beef, and even catfish, making it a must-have in your culinary arsenal.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dark Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Paprika
1 tablespoon
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon
Ground Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons
Salt
1 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Ground Pepper
to taste
Ketchup
1/3 cup
Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup
Molasses
2 tablespoons
Worcestershire Sauce
2 teaspoons
Pork Tenderloin
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed of all visible fat)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing your grill for indirect heat. Lightly spray the grill rack with nonstick spray.
2
2. In a medium bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and fresh ground pepper to create the spice rub.
3
3. Take half of the spice rub mixture and generously coat the pork tenderloin, making sure to cover all surfaces. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4
4. While the pork is resting, prepare the Mop Sauce by mixing ketchup, cider vinegar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl until well combined.
5
5. After 15 minutes, rub the remaining spice mixture onto the pork for an added flavor boost.
6
6. Place the seasoned pork tenderloin over the indirect heat section of the grill. Grill for about 15 minutes.
7
7. Carefully turn the pork over and continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which should take an additional 12 to 15 minutes.
8
8. Once cooked, remove the pork from the grill and cover it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing.
9
9. Serve the sliced pork with the homemade Mop Sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
3.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Carolina Pulled Pork Tenderloin?
This is a rich and zesty Southern-style pork dish that features a tender pork tenderloin coated in a homemade spice rub and served with a tangy mop sauce.
Is this recipe Weight Watchers friendly?
Yes, this recipe is based on a beloved Weight Watchers recipe and is a great guilt-free option for those tracking their points.
How many Weight Watchers points is one serving?
Each serving of this Smoky Carolina Pulled Pork Tenderloin is approximately 4 points.
What are the primary flavors of the mop sauce?
The mop sauce is tangy and savory, made from a combination of ketchup, cider vinegar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce.
Can I use the spice rub for other meats?
Absolutely. This versatile spice rub works wonders on chicken, beef, and even catfish.
What ingredients make up the spice rub?
The rub consists of dark brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and fresh ground pepper.
How should I prepare the grill for this recipe?
Prepare your grill for indirect heat and lightly spray the grill rack with nonstick spray before cooking.
How long should I let the spice rub sit on the pork?
Apply half of the spice rub and let it sit for about 15 minutes before applying the remaining mixture for maximum flavor absorption.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the pork?
The pork tenderloin should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Should the pork rest after grilling?
Yes, cover the pork loosely with foil and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
How do I make pulled pork sandwiches with leftovers?
Mix the sliced leftover pork with the remaining mop sauce and serve on soft rolls with sweet gherkin pickles.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields 1.5 lbs of pork tenderloin, which serves several people depending on the desired portion size.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 40 calories per serving of this recipe.
Is the pork tenderloin trimmed before cooking?
Yes, the pork tenderloin should be trimmed of all visible fat before applying the spice rub.
What type of vinegar is used in the mop sauce?
The recipe calls specifically for cider vinegar to provide that classic Carolina tang.
Does this recipe contain molasses?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of molasses are used in the mop sauce to add depth and sweetness.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
There is approximately 3.8g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 4.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of heat is used on the grill?
The pork should be cooked using indirect heat on the grill.
Is the spice rub spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili powder and cayenne pepper, but it is balanced by the brown sugar.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients required for both the pork rub and the mop sauce.
How long is the total grilling time?
Total grilling time is roughly 27 to 30 minutes (15 minutes on one side and 12-15 minutes on the other).
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, though dark brown sugar provides a deeper molasses flavor that complements the smoky profile.
What is the primary protein used?
The primary protein is a 1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin.
Is the mop sauce cooked on the grill?
The mop sauce is mixed in a bowl and drizzled over the cooked pork or served on the side; it is not cooked on the grill.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with BBQ, pork, tenderloin, Weight Watchers, mop sauce, grilling, Southern, low points, and pulled pork.
How do you apply the spice rub?
The rub is applied in two stages: half is applied first for 15 minutes, then the remaining half is rubbed on just before grilling.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is designed to be the main attraction of a meal, served sliced with sauce.
What makes the sauce a 'mop' sauce?
In Southern BBQ, a mop sauce is a thin, vinegar-based liquid used to keep meat moist and add layers of flavor, traditionally 'mopped' onto the meat during or after cooking.