Louisiana Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin

Introduction

This Louisiana-style grilled Cajun-spiced pork tenderloin is bursting with bold flavors. The Arteflame grill gives this tenderloin a perfect sear, locking in all the juices for an incredibly moist and flavorful bite. We use a reverse-sear technique to achieve the ideal doneness, cooking everything on the flat griddle cooktop for a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin (1.5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the paper and wait about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready.

Step 2: Season the Pork Tenderloin

1. Mix the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Rub the pork tenderloin with melted butter.
3. Coat the tenderloin evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 3: Sear the Pork on the Center Grill Grate

1. Place the pork directly on the center grill grate, where the temperature is over 1,000°F.
2. Sear for about 2 minutes per side to create a beautiful crust.

Step 4: Move to the Flat Cooktop to Finish Cooking

1. Transfer the seared pork to a medium-heat zone on the flat cooktop.
2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (for medium doneness), about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the pork from the grill when it reaches 15°F below your desired doneness, as it will continue cooking.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check for accurate doneness.
• For extra juiciness, baste the tenderloin with melted butter while cooking.
• Slice the pork thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Variations

1. Honey Glaze: Add a honey-butter glaze for a sweet contrast to the Cajun spices.
2. Garlic Herb: Use a mix of rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic instead of Cajun seasoning.
3. Whiskey Marinated: Marinate the pork in bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce for a smoky-sweet infusion.
4. Spicy Chipotle: Substitute Cajun seasoning with chipotle powder and cumin for a deeper smokiness.
5. Citrus Zest: Add lemon and orange zest to the seasoning blend for a refreshing citrus kick.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus for a smoky, crunchy side.
• Roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness.
• A bold Louisiana-style hot sauce for an extra kick.
• A chilled glass of Riesling or a full-bodied Zinfandel for a perfect pairing.

Conclusion

Grilling pork tenderloin on the Arteflame guarantees a succulent, flavorful meal with a perfect sear. The unique heat zones ensure even cooking while locking in all the delicious juices.