Mastering the Art of Cooking Pork Tenderloin on a Pellet Grill
If you’re a barbecue enthusiast, you know that cooking on a pellet grill adds a smoky and delicious flavor to your meats. Pork tenderloin, with its tender and juicy texture, is a perfect candidate for grilling. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of cooking the perfect pork tenderloin on your pellet grill. Let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients and Prep the Pork Tenderloin
Before you start grilling, it’s important to gather all your ingredients and prepare the pork tenderloin properly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1-2 pounds of pork tenderloin
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- Your favorite dry rub or marinade (optional)
To prepare the pork tenderloin:
- Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat it evenly.
- If desired, you can also use your favorite dry rub to add extra flavor. Apply the rub generously to the tenderloin.
- Cover the tenderloin and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for even more flavor).
Preheat and Set Up Your Pellet Grill
While your pork tenderloin is marinating, it’s time to preheat and set up your pellet grill. Follow these steps:
- Fill your pellet grill with your preferred wood pellets. Popular choices for pork include hickory, apple, or cherry.
- Preheat your pellet grill to a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
- Once the grill reaches the desired temperature, give it a good 15-20 minutes to stabilize.
Grilling the Pork Tenderloin
Now comes the exciting part – grilling the pork tenderloin to perfection.
- Place the marinated pork tenderloin directly on the grill grates.
- Cook the tenderloin for about 20-25 minutes, flipping it once halfway through the cooking time.
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork tenderloin is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- If you prefer your pork more well-done, you can continue grilling until it reaches your desired temperature.
Resting and Slicing the Pork Tenderloin
Once the pork tenderloin is perfectly cooked, it’s essential to let it rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Remove the tenderloin from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Cover the tenderloin loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes.
- After resting, it’s time to slice the tenderloin. Cut it into medallions or slices, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Serve your deliciously grilled pork tenderloin immediately and enjoy!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of cooking pork tenderloin on a pellet grill, you can impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish. Experiment with different marinades or dry rubs to create your unique flavor combinations. Grilling pork tenderloin on a pellet grill will surely become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Happy grilling!
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