Smoky Herb-Crusted Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your dinner with this Smoky Herb-Crusted Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this dish features tender pork coated in a flavorful spice rub that infuses every bite with an aromatic blend of Italian herbs, subtle sweetness, and a kick of heat from cayenne pepper. While it can certainly be baked in the oven for a quicker meal, grilling truly elevates the flavors and creates a deliciously charred crust. Serve it with your favorite sides for a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress.
6
Servings
70
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (freshly ground)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pork tenderloin
2 (1 lb each) (trimmed and patted dry)
Instructions
1
Preheat one side of your gas grill to medium heat, ensuring the other side remains cool for indirect grilling.
2
In a bowl, combine Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create an even spice rub.
3
Trim any excess fat from pork tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the spice rub adhere better.
4
Generously coat the pork tenderloins with the spice rub, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
5
Place the seasoned pork on the cool side of the grill. Close the lid to maintain an even cooking temperature.
6
Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) on a meat thermometer.
7
Remove the pork from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
8
Slice into medallions and serve warm with your choice of sides.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
0.8g
Carbs
9.3g
Protein
0.2g
Fiber
0.2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Herb-Crusted Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender pork coated in a spice rub of Italian herbs, sugar, and cayenne pepper, grilled to create a delicious charred crust.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 70 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for the spice rub?
The rub consists of Italian seasoning, salt, freshly ground black pepper, sugar, and cayenne pepper.
How should I set up my gas grill for this recipe?
Preheat one side of the grill to medium heat and leave the other side cool to facilitate indirect grilling.
Why should I trim the fat and pat the pork dry?
Trimming excess fat improves texture, and patting the meat dry helps the spice rub adhere better to the surface.
Can I cook this pork tenderloin in the oven?
Yes, while grilling is recommended for flavor and crust, it can be baked in the oven for a quicker meal.
Where on the grill should the seasoned pork be placed?
Place the seasoned pork on the cool side of the grill for indirect cooking.
How long does the grilling process take?
The pork typically takes between 30 to 40 minutes to cook.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
Close the grill lid while cooking to maintain an even temperature.
Do I need to flip the pork tenderloin?
Yes, you should flip the pork halfway through the cooking time for even heat distribution.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The internal temperature should reach 155°F (68°C) on a meat thermometer.
Why is it necessary to let the pork rest?
Resting the pork allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful when sliced.
How long should the pork rest after grilling?
Cover the pork loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
How should the pork be sliced for serving?
The tenderloin should be sliced into medallions.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a subtle kick of heat from 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, balanced by a small amount of sugar.
What are the nutritional details for fat and protein?
Each serving contains 3g of fat and 9.3g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate and sugar content?
There are 0.8g of carbohydrates and 0.2g of sugar per serving.
How many pork tenderloins are required?
You will need two 1-lb pork tenderloins for this recipe.
What type of black pepper is best?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is there fiber in this dish?
Each serving provides about 0.2g of fiber.
What are the recommended sides?
This dish can be served with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy dinner?
Yes, it is low-calorie and high-protein, making it a healthy dinner choice.
Can I make this on a charcoal grill?
Yes, simply set up a two-zone fire for indirect grilling to achieve similar results.
What makes this recipe smoky?
The grilling process combined with the charred crust creates a smoky flavor profile.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer barbecues.
What is the preparation for the Italian seasoning?
No specific preparation is needed for the Italian seasoning; it can be used directly from the container.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt in the spice rub.
What category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Pork.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.