Spicy Pepper Jelly–Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin
I often serve this dish when I have guests because it makes for such easy entertaining—something you’d never know from the complex combination of flavors that emerges as the red wine and orange-spiked pepper jelly melt into a sweet and spicy glaze over the heat of the grill. Don’t forget to budget at least two hours of marinating time before firing up the grill.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4 to 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Rinse the pork, pat dry, remove the silver skin (see Know-how, page 81), and trim any excess fat. Place in a shallow container or large resealable bag.
Step 2
Whisk together the pepper jelly, wine, orange zest and juice, vinegar, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste in a small bowl. Pour the marinade over the pork and turn to coat evenly. (Or, if using a bag, pour the marinade into the bag, seal, and shake to coat the pork.) Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Turn the pork several times to distribute the marinade evenly.
Step 3
When ready to cook the pork, prepare a hot fire in a charcoal or gas grill and let the coals burn to gray ash with a slight red glow. Keep the coals on one side of the grill to create areas of direct and indirect heat (see Know-how, page 151); if using a gas grill, heat just one side on medium.
Step 4
Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and season with salt and pepper. Place the pork on the hot grill directly over the coals and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning three times and basting often with the reserved marinade. Move the pork away from the coals, close the grill or cover the pork with foil, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until an internal thermometer inserted in the tenderloin reads 145°F for medium (this is what I prefer) or 160°F for medium-well.
Step 5
Remove the pork from the grill and transfer to a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices and serve warm with additional pepper jelly on the side.
