This Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin is a tasty treat! The sweetness of fresh peaches pairs perfectly with the tender pork, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s great for summer BBQs.
Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds! I love serving it with a simple side salad—makes dinner easy and delicious. Who knew grilling could be this fun? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This is the star of the dish. Look for a cut that is nice and pink with little fat. If you can’t find pork tenderloin, you could use chicken breasts or thighs as a tasty alternative.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add a sweet flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, frozen sliced peaches work well too. You could also use nectarines for a similar fruitiness.
Olive Oil: It’s great for marinades and grilling. If you need a substitute, you can use avocado oil or vegetable oil, but olive oil adds a nice flavor!
Honey: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze. You can swap it for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. For a sugar-free option, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
How Do I Make the Perfect Marinade?
Creating the marinade is simple but essential for flavor. Start by blending the ingredients until smooth. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Use ripe peaches for the best taste.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender to create an even mixture.
- Reserve half for glazing the meat later. This prevents any cross-contamination!
- Marinate the pork for at least an hour, but longer (up to 4 hours) really lets those flavors soak in.
Remember, marinating not only adds flavor but keeps the meat moist while grilling! Take your time with this step for delicious results.
Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (reserve 1 peach for glaze)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour for marinating the pork (you can marinate it for up to 4 hours for more flavor). Grill time is approximately 20 minutes. Overall, expect to spend around 1 hour and 35 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade and Glaze:
Start by putting 1 sliced peach, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the marinade for the pork as well as the glaze for grilling later.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Take the pork tenderloin and place it in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the peach marinade over it, making sure to reserve the other half for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour—if you can wait 3-4 hours, even better!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, fire up your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). Make sure to oil the grill grates so nothing sticks!
4. Grill the Pork:
Now, take the pork out of the marinade and toss the used marinade away. Place the pork directly on the grill. Cook it for about 15-20 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
5. Glaze While Grilling:
In the last 5 minutes of grilling, take the reserved peach glaze and brush it over the pork. Keep turning and brushing it on to create a lovely, caramelized coating.
6. Check Doneness:
To make sure your pork is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). When it’s done, take it off the grill and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is important as it helps the juices redistribute, keeping the pork tender and juicy!
7. Serve:
Slice up the pork tenderloin and serve it with the extra peach slices if you’d like. You can also add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a lovely garnish. Dig in and enjoy your juicy, flavorful peach-infused grilled pork tenderloin!
FAQ for Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before blending. This will help avoid excess moisture in your marinade and glaze.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. You could serve it with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or even rice or quinoa. The sweetness of the peaches complements a simple green salad or roasted asparagus well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying it out. You can also slice the pork cold for use in salads or sandwiches!
Can I Marinate the Pork Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the pork overnight will enhance the flavor even more. Just ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent any leaks and keep it fresh.
