Grilled Honey Lime Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa

Juicy, tender pork tenderloin gets kicked up a notch with a sweet and tangy honey lime glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Paired with a fresh pineapple salsa, it delivers a perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors in every bite. Taking only 30 minutes from start to finish, it makes for an easy, impressive weeknight dinner. The pineapple salsa's bright acidity cuts through the richness of the pork for an amazing combination.

Ingredients

To make this grilled pork tenderloin recipe for 4 servings, you will need:

• 1 pound pork tenderloin
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1⁄2 cup diced red onion
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps for grilling succulent pork tenderloin:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, chili powder and black pepper. Reserve a 1⁄3 of the glaze in a separate bowl.
2. Add pork tenderloin to the bowl with the glaze and turn to coat. Let marinate 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the salsa. Mix together the pineapple, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill tenderloin for 12-15 minutes, brushing with reserved glaze occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice. Serve topped with pineapple salsa.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

To make this grilled pork tenderloin really shine, choose high-quality ingredients:

Pork Tenderloin

• Select uniform, 1-1.5 pound pieces for even cooking.
• Choose pork labeled "organic" or "pasture-raised."
• Opt for the butcher counter vs. pre-packaged.
• Look for solid white color without bruising.

Pineapple

• Pick ripe, golden pineapples that feel heavy.
• Avoid pieces with dark spots or musty smells.
• Use fresh instead of canned for superior texture.
• Dice into 1⁄2 inch cubes for the salsa.

Herbs and Spices

• Use fresh garlic, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
• Dried chili powder provides a touch of heat.
• Lime juice brightens up the glaze and salsa.
• Salt enhances flavors without overpowering.

Quality ingredients make all the difference in producing deep, complex flavors.

Marinating the Pork Tenderloin

Marinating is key for moist, flavored pork. Best practices include:

• Mix together soy sauce, lime, garlic, honey, spices for marinade.
• Use at least 1⁄4 cup liquid per 1 pound meat.
• Pour marinade into bag or dish with pork.
• Flip bag or turn meat periodically.
• Let sit at least 15 minutes, up to overnight.
• Reserve some marinade to brush while grilling.

The acidic lime juice tenderizes the pork while the honey adds caramelized char.

Grilling the Tenderloin

Grill the pork using these guidelines:

• Get grill grates very clean and well oiled.
• Preheat grill to medium high heat, around 400°F.
• Place tenderloin on hottest part of grill.
• Cook approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
• Brush with reserved marinade frequently.
• Get crispy grill marks without burning.
• Check temperature to avoid overcooking.

Proper grilling ensures a juicy interior and caramelized, slightly charred exterior.

Making the Pineapple Salsa

Chopping the ingredients finely makes for the best texture:

• Small 1⁄2 inch diced pineapple.
• Minced onions, jalapeno, cilantro.
• The finer the pieces, the more cohesive.
• Let sit 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
• Add lime juice and salt to brighten.
• Can use mango or peach instead of pineapple.

The fresh, vibrant salsa balances the rich pork beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Ideas for serving include:

• Slices of grilled pork topped with salsa.
• Warmed corn tortillas on the side.
• Over fresh spinach or mixed greens.
• With roasted or grilled vegetables.
• In tacos, rice bowls, sandwiches.
• Garnish with lime wedges, cilantro.

Let the bright pineapple salsa shine by pairing with simple sides and garnishes.

Storage and Leftovers

Stored properly, leftovers will last:

• Refrigerate pork and salsa separately.
• Pork keeps 3-4 days, salsa keeps 2-3 days.
• Reheat pork in a skillet with salsa on top.
• Microwave pork until heated through, about 2 minutes.
• Stir salsa before serving to redistribute juices.
• Freeze sliced pork up to 2-3 months for later use.

The vibrant salsa loses its freshness after a couple days, so enjoy any leftovers quickly.

Nutrition Facts

This grilled pork tenderloin recipe provides:

• High-quality protein to support muscles.
• Immune-boosting vitamin C from pineapple.
• Blood pressure-improving potassium from pineapple and lime.
• Iron, B vitamins, and magnesium from pork.
• Anti-inflammatory benefits from ginger and chili.

Serve with roasted vegetables or a salad for additional vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

With its sweet and tangy marinade that caramelizes beautifully and fresh tropical salsa, this easy grilled pork tenderloin recipe is bursting with flavor. The quick active time makes it doable any night of the week, while its blend of savory and fruity tastes keeps things interesting. Impress guests or family with your grilling skills by serving up these restaurant-worthy honey lime glazed pork tenderloins. Dinner doesn't get much quicker, easier, or more delicious!

5 Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Pork Tenderloin

1. What's the best cut of pork for grilling?

Pork tenderloin is perfect for grilling. It's lean, tender, cooks quickly, and soaks up marinades beautifully.

2. What temperature should I cook pork tenderloin to?

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for juicy, safe pork. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Can I grill pork from frozen?

No, pork should always be fully thawed before grilling for food safety and even cooking. Defrost in the fridge 1-2 days.

4. What sides go well with grilled pork tenderloin?

Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or onions make great pairings. Rice dishes and salads work well too.

5. How long does cooked pork tenderloin last?

Leftover cooked pork should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 4 days for best quality and safety.