The summer is officially here, which means it's a great time to start the grill and enjoy the delicious flavors of pork tenderloin with your friends and family. This lean meat provides all the flavors you could ask for from a classic barbecue, with a healthier and lighter touch — perfect for parents and kids alike.
We're looking at how you can choose and prepare pork tenderloin for succulent results every time. And, with five different recipes for every family's preference, get ready to elevate your summer grilling and dinner experience.
The art of picking and preparing pork tenderloin for grilling
How to choose pork tenderloin
Before you can start grilling pork tenderloin, choosing the perfect pork for the most mouthwatering outcome is essential. Consider the following tips when selecting a tenderloin:
- Look for a pinkish-red color, and avoid pale and grayish meat, as it indicates freshness and tenderness.
- If you and your loved ones are interested in a leaner option, choose a tenderloin with minimal visible fat.
- Meat should be firm to the touch: Steer clear of slimy or sticky options, which can be signs of spoilage.
- Opt for fresh, not frozen, pork whenever possible because this will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Novice grillers might select smaller-sized tenderloins, which promotes more even cooking on the grill and helps ensure every bite is perfectly cooked.
Preparing the meat
When preparing pork tenderloin before grilling, start by trimming any excess fat from the meat. This will ultimately lead to a cleaner presentation, not to mention reducing the possibility of flare-ups on the grill. Also, you'll want to remove the silver skin from the tenderloin because it can become tough when cooked. To do this, use a sharp knife to carefully slide it under the silver skin and then peel it off by pulling it back.
Most importantly, you should marinate pork tenderloin before throwing it on the grill. This is a fantastic way to infuse it with flavor and juiciness. And, there's no shortage of marinade options, so you can always suit it to your loved ones' taste preferences. Giving the tenderloin at least 30 minutes to marinate — or even better, overnight — is the best way to ensure peak flavor.
Other tips to keep in mind
Before placing your marinated meat on the grill, allow it to rest at room temperature for about half an hour. This will promote more even cooking. During the grilling process, it's critical that you use a meat thermometer to make sure your pork is fully cooked and safe to eat. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, and once it reaches 145, you can be sure it's safe to consume.
Simplify your grilling process with pre-marinated pork
While preparing an appetizing marinade at home is easy, you don't always have enough time for this process — especially during the hectic summer season. Choosing a pre-seasoned and marinated pork tenderloin option, like Hatfield® Tuscan Herb Pork Tenderloin or Hatfield® Honey Garlic Pork Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin, make cooking more convenient and delicious.
Save time and effort in preparing the tenderloin and explore a wide variety of flavors that suit every taste profile. These options are also ideal for novice grillers with little experience in seasoning and marinating techniques. With flavored tenderloin options, you can rely on consistent results that will make mealtime easy — and give you extra time to spend with your friends and family.
Ready to start grilling this summer with pre-marinated pork tenderloin? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® products today!
5 flavorful grilled pork tenderloin recipes to try this summer
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and savor a little extra time with the people you love most. From fresh and zesty marinades to smoky chipotle flavors, here are five of our favorite pork tenderloin recipes to elevate your outdoor cooking game and make a lasting impression on your family:
Recipe 1: Grilled Lemon Garlic Pork Tenderloin
If you have any picky eaters in the family, you can't go wrong with a simple and flavorful lemon garlic marinade for grilled pork tenderloin. With just a handful of ingredients, including fresh rosemary and lemon juice, it's effortless to prepare. Whether planning a special occasion or a casual family dinner, this tender and juicy pork is a versatile dish perfect for any evening. This low-carb meal is packed with protein, making for a healthy summertime meal everyone will love. Simply fire up the grill and get ready to savor the mouthwatering goodness of this recipe.
Recipe 2: BBQ Pork Tenderloin
For something a little bit more flavorful, and perfect for a summer occasion with friends and loved ones, try this recipe for BBQ pork tenderloin. The marinade combines BBQ sauce, grape jelly, Sriracha sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and black pepper to create a perfect balance of tanginess and spice. After marinating the meat, throw the pork on the grill and prepare for a sweet and smoky flavor that will satisfy all of your barbecue cravings. For the juiciest results, be sure to let the tenderloin marinate for at least one hour before grilling.
Recipe 3: Honey Garlic Dijon Pork Tenderloin
Indulge in something slightly sweeter with a honey garlic dijon pork tenderloin recipe. This tender cut of meat is only elevated with a delicious and uncomplicated marinade of honey, garlic and Dijon mustard. And, with the addition of soy sauce, minced garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme, you and your loved ones can expect a well-balanced, sweet and tangy flavor. For the most delectable outcome, don't forget to set aside a portion of the marinade for serving.
Recipe 4: Grilled Cilantro Lime Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Cream
Give a simple cilantro lime pork tenderloin a twist with this delicious recipe that adds chipotle cream. Marinated in a mixture of fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and olive oil, the pork absorbs every vibrant taste. Once you grill it to succulent perfection, top it off with a quick and creamy chipotle sauce made from just two ingredients: heavy cream and adobo sauce. The combination of tangy lime, fresh herbs and smoky chipotle creates an appetizing result that will leave your family's taste buds clamoring for more.
Recipe 5: Grilled Chipotle Tenderloin
Opt for fiery flavors with this grilled chipotle pork recipe. The spicy Mexican-inspired marinade features chopped fresh cilantro, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, soy sauce and ground cumin to infuse the tenderloins with a bold and zesty taste. For the best results, let the meat marinate for six hours and give all of the flavors a chance to meld together. If your family isn't afraid of a little spice this summer, this recipe is sure to heat up and satisfy everyone's taste buds.
Elevating your grilling journey with premium pork selections
You can create memorable meals with ease by grilling pork tenderloin this summer. And, with high-quality pork tenderloin options from Hatfield®, like Hatfield® Lemon Garlic Pork Tenderloin and Hatfield® Savory Mushroom Marsala Pork Tenderloin, you can enhance your dinner experience. Our expertly dry-rubbed and pre-seasoned products make for a simple grilling experience and tasty results. Embrace the flavors and convenience of our premium pork products and make your sunny season grilling adventures a time to cherish with the people you love most.
When you're ready for an unforgettable mealtime, you can use our store locator to find your favorite Hatfield® products in a supermarket or grocery store near you.
