Sweet & Smoky Georgia Molasses Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Introduction

There is something undeniably comforting about the sticky, caramelized sweetness of molasses pairing with the savory richness of pork. This Georgia Molasses Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe captures the true essence of Southern barbecue, blending deep, earthy flavors with a tangy kick that dances on the palate. Whether you are cooking on a Sunday afternoon for family or hosting a backyard gathering, this dish serves as a stunning centerpiece that looks far more complicated than it actually is. The key lies in the high-heat sear provided by the grill, which locks in the juices while caramelizing the sugars in the glaze. By using a flat-top grill like an Arteflame, you achieve a crust that is impossible to replicate in a standard oven. Prepare yourself for a meal that balances the nostalgia of traditional Georgia cooking with the excitement of open-fire grilling.

Ingredients

To recreate this Southern classic, you will need fresh cuts of meat and a few pantry staples to create that signature sticky glaze. Ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor profile.

The Meat

• 2 pork tenderloins (approx. 1 lb each), trimmed of silver skin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

The Georgia Molasses Glaze

• 1/2 cup mild molasses (Georgia cane syrup works well too)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 sprig fresh thyme, leaves stripped

Instructions

Follow these steps to ensure your pork remains tender on the inside while developing a beautiful, dark mahogany crust on the outside.

Step 1: Prepare the Tenderloin

1. Remove the pork tenderloins from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling to let them come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
2. Pat the meat dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
3. Rub the tenderloins with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides. Set aside.

Step 2: Create the Glaze

1. In a small bowl or a saucepan safe for the grill, whisk together the molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme leaves.
2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified. Divide the sauce in half: reserve one half for serving and use the other half for basting during the cook.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your grill. If you are using an Arteflame, build a medium-hot fire in the center. You want the flat cooktop to reach a high searing temperature (around 400°F to 450°F).
2. Wipe the cooktop with a little oil to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 4: Sear and Grill

1. Place the pork tenderloins directly on the hot surface. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Rotate the meat to ensure all sides are seared.
2. Once seared, move the pork to a slightly cooler zone of the cooktop to finish cooking through.
3. Begin brushing the meat with the basting portion of the molasses glaze. Turn the pork frequently, glazing every 2 minutes, allowing the sugars to caramelize without burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
2. Remove the pork from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
3. Slice into medallions and serve with the reserved fresh glaze on the side.

Tips

Mastering pork tenderloin requires attention to temperature and timing. The most common mistake home cooks make is overcooking this lean cut, which results in dry, tough meat. Always trust your meat thermometer rather than cooking by time alone; pull the pork off the grill exactly when it hits 145°F, as the temperature will rise slightly while resting. Regarding the molasses glaze, the high sugar content means it can burn quickly if exposed to direct, intense flame for too long. Apply the glaze only during the last few minutes of cooking or while the meat is on the cooler zone of the plancha. If you are using a traditional grate, keep the meat over indirect heat once you start glazing. Finally, do not skip the resting phase—cutting into the meat too early causes all those precious juices to run out onto the board rather than staying in the pork.

Variations

While the classic Georgia molasses profile is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit different palate preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few creative twists to keep your grilling menu exciting:

• The Spicy Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of Sriracha or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the glaze for a smoky, spicy finish that cuts through the sugar.
• The Bourbon Glaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons of your favorite Kentucky bourbon into the molasses mixture. The alcohol cooks off, leaving deep oak and vanilla notes.
• Herb Crusted: Before grilling, roll the marinated pork in a mixture of chopped fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley for an aromatic, savory crust.
• Ginger infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger to the glaze for a zesty, Asian-inspired fusion that pairs wonderfully with the molasses.
• Maple Substitute: If molasses is too strong for your taste, swap it for Grade A dark maple syrup for a lighter, woodsy sweetness.

Best pairings

A dish this rich and flavorful deserves sides that can stand up to the bold taste of molasses without overpowering the main event. Southern comfort food is the natural direction for pairings. Think about textures and acidity to balance the sticky sweetness of the pork.

• Grilled Peaches: Halve fresh peaches and grill them cut-side down until caramelized. The fruitiness compliments the pork perfectly.
• Braised Collard Greens: The bitterness of the greens with a splash of vinegar cuts right through the richness of the molasses glaze.
• Sweet Potato Wedges: Toss wedges in oil and paprika and roast them on the flat top grill alongside the pork.
• Creamy Grits: A bed of buttery, cheese grits serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra sauce.
• Cornbread: A skillet of jalapeño cornbread adds a nice savory crunch to the meal.

Conclusion

This Georgia Molasses Grilled Pork Tenderloin is more than just a dinner recipe; it is a celebration of Southern flavors and the art of outdoor cooking. The transformation of simple ingredients—molasses, mustard, and pork—into a dish this complex and satisfying is a testament to the power of the grill. By searing the meat to perfection and layering on that sticky, savory glaze, you create a texture and flavor profile that feels restaurant-quality but is easily achieved in your own backyard. We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your rotation. Fire up the grill, gather your friends, and enjoy the sweet, smoky taste of Georgia on a plate.