Kentucky Blackberry Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Introduction

Nothing beats a juicy, smoky pork tenderloin grilled to perfection with a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky blackberry bourbon glaze. By using the Arteflame grill, you’ll achieve a steakhouse-quality sear at over 1,000°F before slow-finishing the meat on the griddle cooktop for an ultra-tender bite. This method locks in all the juices and enhances every flavor in this amazing recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the glaze

1. While the grill heats up, smash the blackberries in a bowl.
2. Mix in the bourbon, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Stir well and set aside.

Step 3: Season the pork tenderloin

1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Sear the tenderloin

1. Place the pork tenderloin on the center grill grate.
2. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.
3. Move the pork to the outer griddle cooktop to continue cooking.

Step 5: Glaze and finish cooking

1. Brush the tenderloin generously with the prepared blackberry bourbon glaze.
2. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.

Step 6: Rest and serve

1. Remove the pork from the grill when it reaches 135°F (it will continue cooking off the grill).
2. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
3. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.

Tips

• Always remove the pork 15°F below your desired doneness, as residual heat continues cooking.
• Use fresh, ripe blackberries for the richest flavor.
• Baste the pork frequently to create a deeper caramelization on the surface.
• Pair with grilled veggies cooked on the Arteflame griddle for a complete meal.

Variations

1. Spicy Bourbon Glaze: Add 1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
2. Maple Mustard Glaze: Replace honey with pure maple syrup and Dijon with whole grain mustard for a robust flavor.
3. Peach Bourbon Glaze: Use mashed peaches instead of blackberries for a summery twist.
4. Apple Cider Glaze: Swap bourbon for apple cider vinegar and add a dash of cinnamon.
5. Garlic Herb Rub: Replace the glaze with a rub made of minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

Conclusion

This Kentucky Blackberry Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin is grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. The intense sear locks in juices, while the gradual cooking on the griddle enhances tenderness. This flavorful, restaurant-quality dish will impress everyone at your next gathering.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Sauteed Brussels sprouts
• Buttery mashed potatoes
• A bold Kentucky bourbon cocktail