Smoky Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Tangy Mustard Sauce
This smoky and savory pork tenderloin, seasoned with a flavorful spice rub, is paired with a tangy mustard barbecue sauce, making it a perfect choice for any festive occasion or casual gathering. This dish, which you can easily prepare on the grill, brings together the smoky flavor of bacon, the sweetness of honey, and the tang of mustard to create a versatile sauce. Leftover sauce pairs excellently with grilled sausages. Delightfully balanced in taste and texture, this dish is simple to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
2 slices (finely chopped)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
yellow mustard
1/2 cup (none)
honey
5 tablespoons (none)
ketchup
3 tablespoons (none)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (for sauce)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (for sauce)
light brown sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (for rub)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for rub)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground red pepper (Cayenne)
1/8 teaspoon (none)
pork tenderloin
2 (none)
Instructions
1
To make the mustard barbecue sauce, start by heating a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped bacon and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon turns almost crisp.
2
Add the chopped onion to the saucepan with the bacon. Cook together for another 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the yellow mustard, honey, ketchup, cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
4
While the sauce simmers, prepare the spice rub for the pork. In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons chili powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, pepper, and ground red pepper.
5
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork tenderloins, ensuring they are well-coated in the seasoning.
6
Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly coat the grill grates with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
7
Place the seasoned pork tenderloins on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the pork is lightly charred on the outside.
8
Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices.
9
Serve the sliced pork tenderloin with the prepared mustard barbecue sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two pork tenderloins.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary flavors of the dish?
The dish is characterized by smoky, savory, and tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness.
How do you prepare the bacon for the sauce?
The bacon should be finely chopped and cooked for about 4 minutes until almost crisp.
When should the onions be added to the sauce?
Add the chopped onion to the saucepan after the bacon has cooked for about 4 minutes.
What ingredients make up the mustard barbecue sauce?
The sauce includes bacon, onion, yellow mustard, honey, ketchup, cider vinegar, chili powder, and ground cumin.
How long should the mustard sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What spices are used in the pork dry rub?
The rub consists of light brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and ground red pepper.
How is the spice rub applied?
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork tenderloins until they are well-coated.
What grill temperature is required?
Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting.
How do you prevent the pork from sticking to the grill?
Lightly coat the grill grates with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
What is the total grilling time for the pork?
Cook the pork for approximately 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork tenderloin?
The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
Should the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing to ensure it remains juicy.
How should the pork be sliced?
Slice the pork crosswise into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
How is the dish served?
Serve the sliced tenderloin with the prepared mustard barbecue sauce on the side.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for yellow mustard.
Can the sauce be used for other dishes?
Yes, the leftover sauce pairs excellently with grilled sausages.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe and is perfect for grilling outdoors.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar.
What provides the sweetness in the barbecue sauce?
The sweetness comes from 5 tablespoons of honey.
What type of paprika is used in the rub?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika.
Is the pork spicy?
The rub contains chili powder and a small amount of ground red pepper, providing a mild kick.
What type of sugar is in the spice rub?
The rub uses 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar.
How much garlic powder is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can this be served at a Memorial Day gathering?
Yes, it is explicitly noted as a great option for Memorial Day.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped, yielding about 1 cup.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe requires 2 slices of bacon.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as simple to make yet impressive enough for guests.
What equipment is needed for the pork?
You will need a grill and a medium saucepan for the sauce.