Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

When you are searching for a delicious and low cost recipe to feed the family, this Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is the answer. Moist and juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce and then grilled to perfection.

It is an easy recipe that even the novice cook can master. But best of all it is a budget friendly meal that won’t break the bank when you are trying to feed your family.

However, before we get started on the actual recipe, it is important to make sure that you purchase a pork tenderloin and not a pork loin. Although they sound similar, these two cuts of meat are very different and require different cooking techniques.

Pork Tenderloin vs. Pork Loin

A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of pork. It is typically sold in 1-2 pound sections and is rarely above 2 1/2 inches thick.

It is a very lean cut of meat that is cut from the muscle that runs along the backbone. Because of how lean it is, it cooks very quickly and can often be overcooked if the proper cooking method isn’t used.

On the contrary, a pork loin is wider and flatter. It can be purchased as bone-in or boneless. Pork loin is cut from the back of a pig, between the back fat and the ribs.

Although it is also considered a lean cut of meat, pork loin commonly has a thin layer of fat running along its top, called the fat cap. It is often sold in 2-3 pound sections that resembles a roast.

Cooking Methods

Not only does the two different types of pork come from different sections of a pig, the preferred cooking methods are much different as well. Because pork tenderloin is extremely lean it is best to use a quick cooking method such as broiling, grilling or sautéing.

It is also best to marinate pork tenderloin to ensure that the meat doesn’t dry out during the cooking process. However, because of its naturally mild flavor, it is easy to customize a pork tenderloin to take on the taste of whatever marinade, sauce, or dry rub that you prefer.

A pork loin, on the other hand, is best when it cooks low and slow in a slow cooker or in a smoker. You can also use a pressure cooker to turn this lean cut of meat into something tender and delicious.

I use this Instant Pot Pork Loin & Sauerkraut recipe on January 1st every year as my family’s traditional good luck meal.

So now that you know the difference between the two cuts of meat, you know how important it is to pick out a pork tenderloin for this recipe.

Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½-2 pounds pork tenderloin, less than 2 1/2 inches thick
• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making a grilled pork tenderloin is to pat the tenderloin dry with a paper towel. Then set the meat aside while you prepare the marinade.

In a small bowl add the lemon juice, minced garlic, oil, salt, pepper, dried Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk the ingredients until they are well incorporated.

Pour half of the marinade mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Place the other half of the liquid marinade in a covered container and place it in the refrigerator for later use.

Add the pork tenderloin to the bag with the marinade and seal after removing any excess air. Squeeze the marinade all over the tenderloin, coating all sides.

Then place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.

Grilling Instructions

When you are ready to grill the pork, remove the tenderloin from the refrigerator so that it can come to room temperature.

It will typically take 30-45 minutes for the meat to come to room temperature indoors. If you are taking the meat outside, plan on 20-25 minutes, depending on the outdoor temperature.

Heat the grill on medium heat and oil the grill grates or a grill pan if using. Place the pork tenderloin on the grates that are positioned over the direct heat source.

Close the grill and cook 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. After the pork has been cooking for 10 minutes, brush the reserved marinade (not from the bag) over all sides of the tenderloin.

Continue to grill the pork tenderloin until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at the center of the thickest section when checked with an Instant Read Digital Thermometer.

Transfer the tenderloin to a serving platter and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My pork tenderloin came with 2 tenderloins, what can I do with the other one?

Often times you will purchase pork tenderloin and it will have two tenderloins per package. If you aren’t going to use the second one right away, place it in an air tight container or seal it in a Food Saver bag.

Then place it in the freezer for up to 1 year. However, you can also go ahead and make double the amount of marinade and freeze it in the marinade itself.

Be sure to also freeze the remaining marinade that is used for basting the pork tenderloin during the grilling process. Simply thaw and cook as instructed.

However you can also make these delicious pork tenderloin recipes as well:

• Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
• Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
• Sweet & Sour Pork over Rice
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

2. What can I serve with Grilled Pork Tenderloin?

Just about any side dish can be served with pork tenderloin. Green beans, asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a simple garden salad all pair perfectly with pork.

However, if you want to keep things out on the grill, be sure to try Grilled Smashed Potatoes. It has become one of my favorite summertime side dish recipes!

3. Can I make this with a store bought marinated tenderloin?

If you have purchased a store bought marinated pork tenderloin, skip the marinating steps in this recipe. Instead, grill as instructed.

Although, do not use the juices from the marinade in the pork tenderloin package. It is not safe to use on cooked meat.

Just be aware that the meat won’t be as juicy as if you followed this recipe. However, you can serve it with your favorite barbecue or condiment sauce and it will still be delicious.

Enjoy! Mary

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