Florida Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin on the Grill
Introduction
Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors of Florida with this citrus-marinated pork tenderloin. Marinated in fresh citrus and herbs, then seared to perfection on the Arteflame grill, this recipe locks in juices and develops an incredible char. The reverse-searing method ensures a perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful pork dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1.5 lbs each)
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 2 limes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
- In a large bowl, combine the orange, lime, and lemon juice along with the zest.
- Add garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and melted butter.
- Mix well to blend all flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the pork
- Place the pork tenderloins in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight.
Step 3: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
- Stack firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
- Light the paper and allow the fire to establish.
- Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F.
Step 4: Sear the pork
- Remove the pork from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the tenderloins on the center grill grate and sear each side for about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Reverse-sear on the flat cooktop
- Move the seared pork to the flat cooktop griddle.
- Position it in a medium-heat zone to slowly bring it up to the desired doneness.
- Cook, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
Step 6: Rest and serve
- Remove the pork from the grill when it reaches 135°F.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes as it continues to cook to a perfect 145°F.
- Slice and serve warm.
Tips
- For deeper flavor, marinate the pork overnight.
- Use fresh citrus juices to maximize the zesty flavor.
- Ensure the grill is fully preheated before searing.
- Always remove the pork 15°F below the target temperature to prevent overcooking.
- Use melted butter instead of oil to enhance the richness of the sear.
Variations
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Spicy Citrus Pork: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 1 chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
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Honey-Balsamic Pork: Replace orange juice with balsamic vinegar and increase honey to 3 tbsp.
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Garlic Herb Delight: Double the garlic and add 1 tbsp Italian seasoning.
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Asian-Inspired Pork: Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and replace soy sauce with hoisin sauce.
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Tropical Pineapple Pork: Swap orange juice for pineapple juice and add 2 tbsp coconut aminos.
Conclusion
Grilling this Florida-inspired citrus-marinated pork tenderloin on an Arteflame grill delivers an unmatched depth of flavor with a perfect sear. With the combination of fresh citrus, herbs, and a juicy texture, this pork tenderloin will become a favorite in your grilling repertoire. Enjoy it at your next outdoor gathering!
Best pairings
- Grilled asparagus with melted butter
- Roasted sweet potatoes caramelized on the cooktop
- Grilled pineapple slices for a tropical contrast
- A crisp Florida orange salad
- A refreshing glass of citrus-infused iced tea