Unlock the secret to an unbelievably tender and flavorful Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin with our signature marinade!
This exquisite marinade strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes, enhanced by the subtle tang of Dijon mustard and the fragrant essence of fresh rosemary. It’s truly the ultimate way to elevate your grilled pork, promising a succulent experience every time.
Prepare this show-stopping Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe in advance by marinating overnight, then simply toss it on the grill for an effortless yet impressive dinner that will delight family and guests alike. Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight meal into a gourmet delight with minimal fuss!
Why This Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe is a Must-Try
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of grilling on a beautiful summer day, and while burgers are always a hit, sometimes you crave something a little more refined without sacrificing convenience. This Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe fits the bill perfectly, offering a delicious and impressive meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Guaranteed Moisture and Flavor: Pork tenderloin is a notoriously lean cut, making it prone to dryness if overcooked. Our exceptional marinade acts as a flavor infuser and a tenderizer, ensuring every bite is moist, succulent, and bursting with incredible taste. Say goodbye to bland, dry pork!
- Harmonious Flavor Profile: The magic of this recipe lies in its balanced flavor combination. The rich sweetness of maple syrup perfectly complements the salty notes of soy sauce, the sharp tang of Dijon mustard, and the earthy fragrance of fresh rosemary. This symphony of flavors creates a truly memorable dish that’s complex yet universally appealing.
- Versatile for Any Season: While grilling often signals summer, the addition of maple syrup and a side of sautéed apples makes this dish particularly wonderful for autumn entertaining. The warm, comforting flavors evoke the coziness of the season, making it a fantastic centerpiece for fall gatherings.
- Impressive Yet Easy: You can prepare the marinade and let the pork tenderloin soak up all those delicious flavors overnight, turning dinner into a simple “grill and serve” affair the next day. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: When we served this pork alongside our favorite crispy smashed potatoes and some vibrant green beans, it was an instant hit. The “male carnivores” (as we affectionately call them) were particularly pleased, signaling that this savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly cooked pork tenderloin is a surefire winner for any meat-and-potatoes lover.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin
The success of any great recipe begins with quality ingredients. For this Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin, each component of the marinade plays a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best:
- Pork Tenderloin: This is the star of our dish. Opt for fresh, lean pork tenderloins. It’s highly recommended to ask your butcher to trim off any silverskin – a thin, silvery membrane that doesn’t break down during cooking and can make the meat tough. Trimming it ensures a perfectly tender result.
- Dijon Mustard: Far from just a condiment, Dijon mustard adds a crucial piquant, slightly spicy, and tangy kick to the marinade. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the other ingredients together. We prefer brands like Grey Poupon for its classic, robust flavor, but any good quality Dijon will work.
- Fresh Rosemary: The aromatic, pine-like notes of fresh rosemary are indispensable. Fresh herbs contribute a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried ones, truly elevating the marinade. Finely chop it to ensure its essence is evenly distributed.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This is a non-negotiable! Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice found on store shelves often contains preservatives and lacks the bright, zesty flavor of fresh citrus. The acid in fresh lemon juice not only adds a lovely tang but also helps tenderize the pork.
- Soy Sauce: A touch of soy sauce brings umami and a depth of salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the maple. It also contributes to the beautiful browning of the pork during grilling.
- Maple Syrup: The heart of our “maple” marinade! Insist on real maple syrup for this recipe – preferably Grade A Amber or Dark Robust for its rich, complex flavor. Imitation maple syrup, often made from corn syrup and artificial flavors, simply won’t deliver the same depth or quality.
- Butter & Sugar (for apples): These kitchen staples are used specifically for sautéing the apples, creating a deliciously sweet and slightly caramelized side dish that perfectly complements the savory pork.
- Apples: For the best sautéed apples, choose varieties that hold their shape well and offer a good balance of sweet and tart. Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice, providing a crisp texture and a bright tartness that cuts through the richness of the pork. Remember to peel, core, and slice them uniformly for even cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Maple Pork Tenderloin
Creating this flavorful Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow this guide for a perfectly cooked, juicy result every time:
Mastering Your Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin: Expert Tips & Tricks
From a novice cook’s early experiments with bland, dry pork to perfecting this incredibly flavorful recipe, I’ve learned a few crucial lessons about cooking pork tenderloin. This lean cut demands attention, and these tips will ensure your grilled pork is always tender, juicy, and packed with flavor:
- Marinating is Non-Negotiable: Pork tenderloin is incredibly lean, which means it lacks the internal fat that keeps other cuts moist. For this reason, always marinate this lean cut of pork for at least a few hours, or ideally, up to overnight. The marinade not only infuses flavor deep into the meat but also helps to break down muscle fibers, ensuring a tender result.
- Versatile Marinade: Don’t limit this fabulous, flavorful pork marinade to just tenderloin! It would be equally delicious on a pork loin roast, thick-cut pork chops, or even chicken breasts. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cuts.
- Overnight for Optimal Flavor: While 3 hours of marinating will yield good results, we strongly recommend marinating the pork overnight. This extended time allows the flavors to fully penetrate and be absorbed by the meat, resulting in a more profound and complex taste.
- The Power of Acid: The fresh lemon juice in our marinade is more than just for flavor; its acidity plays a key role in tenderizing the pork. Acid helps to denature proteins in the meat, breaking them down slightly and making the final product more tender and succulent.
- Embrace the Grill for Flavor: Grilling, when possible, adds an unparalleled depth of flavor. The high heat creates a beautiful crust on the exterior of the meat through the Maillard reaction—a chemical process between amino acids and sugars that gives browned food its distinctive, delicious taste. Furthermore, the smokiness imparted from a charcoal grill contributes wonderful nuances and a classic BBQ aroma that enhances the entire dish. If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet on high heat or baking can also work, but grilling truly delivers the best results.
- Temperature Control is Key: Invest in a good instant-read meat thermometer. This is your best friend when cooking lean meats like pork tenderloin. Overcooking is the primary culprit for dry pork.
- The Importance of Resting: Once your pork is cooked, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Allowing the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes under foil is crucial. This resting period allows the juices, which have been pushed to the center by the heat, to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier and more tender bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Keeping pork tenderloin moist requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, the oil and other liquid components in a good marinade, like ours, help to hydrate the meat and prevent moisture loss. More importantly, precise cooking is essential: always use a meat thermometer! Pull the pork off the heat approximately 5-10°F before your desired final temperature, then immediately cover it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting time is critical as it allows the internal temperature to rise slightly (known as carryover cooking) and, crucially, permits the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier outcome. The salt in the marinade also aids in moisture retention.
According to USDA guidelines, pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. As mentioned, since there will be some carryover cooking time while the pork rests, you can pull it off the grill when it reaches about 135-140°F (57-60°C). It is perfectly normal and safe for pork cooked to 145°F to have a slightly pink interior. This isn’t a sign of undercooking, but rather indicates a juicy, tender piece of meat. The key is that it should look pink and cooked, not raw and translucent.
Absolutely! While grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor and char, this maple pork tenderloin can also be cooked beautifully in the oven or pan-seared. To bake, sear the marinated tenderloin on all sides in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 15-25 minutes, or until it reaches the desired internal temperature (140-145°F). For pan-searing, simply cook in a hot skillet over medium-high heat, turning frequently until all sides are nicely browned and the internal temperature is met. Remember to rest the meat afterward!
Leftover grilled pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, slice the pork if it’s not already, and gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, or in the microwave on a low setting, to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions for Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin
This versatile Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining. Beyond the delicious sautéed apples, consider these complementary options:
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes: As mentioned, these are an absolute favorite and provide a fantastic textural contrast to the tender pork.
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: Simple, fresh, and vibrant roasted vegetables offer a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty wild rice pilaf can add another layer of texture and a wholesome carb component.
- Creamy Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: For a more comforting meal, a rich and creamy side like polenta or traditional mashed potatoes would be excellent.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the pork and apples.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
If you loved this Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin, you might also enjoy these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen and beyond:
- Honey Soy Grilled Pork Chops from Diethood – Another incredible grilled pork option with an Asian-inspired twist.
- How to Roast Pork Perfectly from Cook the Story – Master the art of roasting pork with these expert techniques.
- Apple Mustard Pork Tenderloin – If you enjoy the apple and pork pairing, this recipe offers a different take on the classic combination.
- Slow Cooker Asian Pork Tacos with Cabbage Slaw – For a completely different, yet equally delicious, pork experience.
- Discover more of my Best Main Dish Recipes for endless meal inspiration.
Stay in touch through social media @ Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes! And if you love the results, please give it a 5-star rating in the recipe card below.
Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
6 servings
The marinade for this Maple Grilled Pork Tenderloin is outrageously delicious! Prepare this easy recipe for juicy, flavorful pork.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Based on 23 reviews)
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins, trimmed (approx. 1.5-2 lbs total)
- ¼ cup Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (do not use bottled)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons real maple syrup (not imitation)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smiths recommended)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, chopped fresh rosemary, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and real maple syrup until well combined.
- Place the trimmed pork tenderloins into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the pork, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure even marinating.
- When you are ready to cook the pork, prepare your grill for medium-high heat (approx. 375-400°F). While the grill preheats, melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
- Remove the pork tenderloins from the marinade (discarding any excess marinade). Place the pork on the preheated grill. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes, until a beautiful crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F (use an instant-read thermometer).
- Transfer the grilled pork tenderloins to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for juicy pork! The internal temperature will rise to the safe 145°F during this time.
- Slice the rested pork tenderloins into medallions and serve immediately with the warm sautéed apples on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe adapted from Home and Family.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- OXO Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Lemon Squeezer
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 508
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 179mg
Sodium: 527mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 54g
HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest