This Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin is the perfect summer dish! Tender pork pairs beautifully with sweet, juicy peaches, creating a tasty and refreshing meal.
Grilling adds a smoky flavor that brings everything together. I love serving it with a simple salad on the side—it’s a hit at every barbecue! Plus, your guests will think you’re a gourmet chef! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and cooks quickly, making it ideal for grilling. If you can’t find pork tenderloin, chicken breast or even pork chops can work as alternatives, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Peaches: Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, apricots or nectarines can be used as a substitute, offering a similar sweetness.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a different flavor, you could use avocado oil or even a flavored oil like garlic oil.
Honey: Sweetens the marinade and balances acidity. Maple syrup or agave nectar make good substitutes if you’re looking for alternatives.
Fresh Thyme: Adds a lovely herbal note. If you don’t have fresh, use only half the amount of dried thyme, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Is Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep the pork tenderloin juicy, marinating is key! Be sure to marinate for at least 1 hour; however, 3-4 hours is better for flavor. When grilling, follow these tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high—this helps to sear the meat quickly and lock in juices.
- After grilling, let the meat rest! This is crucial because resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicy.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part for perfectly cooked pork.
By focusing on these steps, you’ll ensure your pork tenderloin comes out beautifully juicy every time!
Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds pork tenderloin
For the Marinade:
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh peach slices
- Thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour of marinating time. Grilling will take around 10-15 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, especially if you can let it marinate longer for even more flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a blender or food processor, blend together the sliced peaches, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until it’s smooth and creamy—this will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place the pork tenderloin into a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the peach marinade over the pork, making sure it’s well covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, 3-4 hours will give you even better flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Don’t forget to lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking!
4. Prepare the Pork for Grilling:
Take the pork out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Remember to discard the marinade that was in contact with the raw pork. Keep the reserved marinade for basting and serving.
5. Grill the Pork:
Place the pork tenderloin on the grill. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally. During the last few minutes, baste the pork with the reserved marinade to add extra flavor. Keep grilling until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let It Rest:
Once done, carefully remove the pork from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your tenderloin juicy and flavorful!
7. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions. Arrange them on a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining reserved marinade, if you like. It adds a nice touch!
8. Garnish:
For a beautiful presentation, add fresh peach slices and thyme sprigs on top of the pork.
9. Enjoy!
Serve it hot, and enjoy your Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin! It’s perfect alongside a fresh salad or grilled veggies for a delicious summer meal.
This recipe brings together the smoky grill flavor and the sweet, tangy notes of peaches, creating a delightful dish that’s sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Pork Tenderloin?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before marinating. For quicker thawing, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork?
A minimum of 1 hour is required, but for optimal flavor, marinate the pork for 3-4 hours or even overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to penetrate and make the meat more tender.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peaches?
No worries! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches in syrup (drained) or substitute with ripe nectarines or apricots. Just keep in mind that the sweetness may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to avoid drying them out.
These FAQs should help clear up any common concerns you might have while preparing the Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin!
