Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Easy Herb Sauce Recipe
This Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Easy Herb Sauce recipe delivers juicy, tender pork with a flavorful smoky spice rub, paired perfectly with a fresh, tangy herb sauce made from cilantro, parsley, and garlic. Ideal for summer grilling, this quick and simple recipe elevates the classic pork tenderloin with bold spices and a vibrant sauce for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pork Tenderloins:
- 2 pork tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons oil, for drizzling on pork
For the Quick Herb Sauce:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Trim and dry the pork tenderloins: Pat the pork dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim away the silver skin (connective tissue) by sliding the blade under it and slicing it off. This ensures the meat cooks evenly and remains tender.
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ground coriander, freshly ground black pepper, and ground cumin. Mix thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend.
- Oil and season the pork: Drizzle both tenderloins evenly with oil, then rub it in to coat all sides. Sprinkle the prepared spice rub thoroughly over the tenderloins, patting it gently so it adheres well to the meat for full flavor coverage.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F to 400°F, using direct heat. For gas grills, light all burners on high and close the lid for 5-10 minutes. For charcoal, arrange coals for a medium-heat zone and let the grill reach the target temperature.
- Grill the pork tenderloins: Place the tenderloins on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side with the lid closed, adjusting time depending on thickness. Aim for a final internal temperature of 145°F, which ensures the pork is safe and juicy.
- Rest the meat: Transfer the grilled tenderloins to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
- Slice and serve: Cut the rested tenderloins into ½-inch thick slices. Serve the slices plain or drizzled generously with the prepared quick herb sauce.
- Prepare the quick herb sauce: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chopped cilantro, parsley, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir well until combined. Drizzle this vibrant sauce over the sliced pork just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the pork tenderloin is trimmed well to remove silver skin to prevent toughness.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking—pork is perfectly cooked at 145°F internal temperature.
- Letting the pork rest after grilling is crucial to retain moisture and flavor.
- The herb sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days for convenience.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be done under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Keywords: grilled pork tenderloin, herb sauce, barbecue pork, grilled meat, easy pork recipe, summer grilling, smoky pork, quick herb sauce