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Flavorful Honey Bourbon Glazed Grilled Pork Tenderloin

honey bourbon glazed grilled pork tenderloin - featured image

A sweet and smoky honey bourbon glazed pork tenderloin grilled to juicy perfection, perfect for summer BBQs and crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/4 cup honey (raw or wildflower preferred)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (mid-range)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Grilled veggies or fresh salad for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim and prepare the pork tenderloin by removing any silver skin or excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels. (About 5 minutes)
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth and pourable. (5 minutes)
  3. Reserve half of the glaze for basting later. Place the tenderloin in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, pour half the glaze over it, and turn to coat evenly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. (10 minutes)
  5. Place the pork on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs. After the first flip, brush the reserved glaze over the tenderloin every 2 minutes to build a sticky, caramelized coating. Total grill time is 15-20 minutes.
  6. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 145°F for medium doneness.
  7. Transfer the pork to a plate, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice the tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Watch the glaze carefully during grilling as honey can burn quickly. Apply glaze in thin layers and move pork to a cooler part of the grill if black spots form. Resting the meat after grilling is crucial for juicy results. Marinate at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours to avoid meat breakdown.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey bourbon glazed pork, grilled pork tenderloin, summer BBQ recipe, sweet and smoky pork, easy pork tenderloin recipe