Grilled Brined Pork Tenderloin

Grilled brined pork tenderloin is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a special dinner. The tenderloin is first soaked in a brine solution, which infuses it with moisture and flavor, before being grilled to perfection. This cooking method ensures that the pork remains juicy and tender, making it a hit with family and guests alike.

Grilled Brined Pork Tenderloin
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Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

1 hr 5 mins

Additional Time:

6 hrs 35 mins

Total Time:

8 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

6

Yield:

6 servings

Ingredients

½ gallon water
½ cup salt
½ cup dark brown sugar
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 lime, zested and juiced
½ bunch cilantro, chopped
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
2 sprigs thyme
4 bay leaves
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 tablespoon coriander seed
1 ½ teaspoons whole cloves
2 (1 1/4 pound) pork tenderloins, trimmed and halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Warm water in a large pot over high heat. Add salt and stir to dissolve. Stir in brown sugar, orange, lemon, lime, cilantro, garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, fennel, coriander, and cloves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let brine simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 2

Fill a sink with ice water. Remove brine from heat and place pot into the sink. Cool, stirring, until brine reaches room temperature. Pour into a large plastic or glass vessel such as a 12-quart Cambro®. Add pork tenderloin pieces. Cover and let soak 6 hours to overnight.

Step 3

Remove loins from brine and rinse. Let rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes while you prep the grill. Preheat the grill for indirect heat at 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).

Step 4

Place loins on cooler side of the grill and cook, rotating every 20 to 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centers read 130 to 135 degrees F (54 to 57 degrees C), 35 to 40 minutes.

Step 5

Paint loins with vegetable oil and move over the direct heat side of the grill. Sear until golden brown all over and internal temperature just reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), about 2 minutes per side.

Step 6

Remove loins from heat, place on a serving dish, and tent with foil. Let rest for about 5 minutes. Slice into 1/2- to 1-inch-thick medallions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

342

Calories

9g

Fat

25g

Carbs

40g

Protein

Complement

The brine solution typically consists of water, salt, sugar, and various spices and herbs, which work together to enhance the natural flavors of the pork and keep it from drying out during the grilling process. The result is a succulent and savory pork tenderloin that is bursting with flavor. Grilled brined pork tenderloin can be served on its own as a main dish or sliced and added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a delicious and versatile meal option. Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a delicious and satisfying dish, grilled brined pork tenderloin is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.