How to Create Smoky Paprika Grilled Pork Tenderloin: A Step-by-Step Guide
Grilled pork tenderloin is one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can make, especially when flavored with smoky paprika. Smoky, spicy, and juicy all at the same time, this dish is perfect for summer cookouts, casual family dinners, or even special occasions. The best part? It’s simple enough for anyone to make, even if you’re new to grilling. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to create smoky paprika grilled pork tenderloin that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
What Makes Pork Tenderloin So Great?
Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that cooks quickly and tastes amazing when properly seasoned. It’s versatile and easy to prepare, whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Because it doesn’t have a lot of fat, tenderloin benefits from marinades or rubs to pack in extra flavor, which makes paprika the perfect spice pairing.
Smoky paprika, with its bold and slightly sweet taste, adds depth to the pork, while grilling brings a hint of char to the outside of the meat. Together, they create magic on the plate!
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients and tools. This helps streamline the cooking process.
Ingredients:
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1–1.5 pounds)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (you can find this at most grocery stores—it’s different from regular paprika!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, adds extra smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional, helps tenderize and brighten the flavor)
Tools:
- Grill or grill pan
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Small bowl for mixing spices
- Knife for trimming the tenderloin
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your smoky paprika grilled pork tenderloin:
Step 1: Prep the Pork Tenderloin
Start by trimming any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin with a sharp knife. Silver skin is the thin, white connective tissue that can be tough to chew when cooked. Removing it will help keep your pork nice and tender.
Once trimmed, pat the tenderloin dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices stick better and ensures crisp grilling.
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Add olive oil to the spice blend to create a paste-like consistency. You can also squeeze in a bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for extra flavor.
Step 3: Season the Pork
Rub the spice mixture over the entire pork tenderloin, making sure to coat it evenly. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor comes from! Let the tenderloin sit for about 15–20 minutes to absorb the spices. You can also refrigerate it for up to an hour for even deeper flavor.
Step 4: Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. For gas grills, aim for a temperature of around 375–400°F (190–200°C). If you’re using charcoal, let the coals burn until they’re covered with white ash and evenly hot.
Step 5: Grill the Pork Tenderloin
Place the pork tenderloin on the grill and cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning every 4–5 minutes so it cooks evenly. Use tongs to flip the meat rather than a fork, as piercing it can make the pork lose its juices.
Keep an eye on the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once it hits this mark, remove it from the grill right away.
Step 6: Rest the Meat
This step is crucial for juicy pork! Let the grilled tenderloin rest on a plate or cutting board for 5–10 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut the pork into thin slices and serve with your favorite sides. Smoky paprika grilled pork tenderloin pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad. For extra flavor, drizzle any juices from the cutting board over the slices before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the thermometer: Pork can dry out if overcooked, so a meat thermometer ensures you don’t accidentally overdo it.
- Experiment with sides: Try serving this tenderloin with a zesty BBQ sauce or chimichurri for added zing.
- Swap spices: If you don’t love paprika, mix it up! Chili powder, cayenne, or even a savory Italian seasoning make great alternatives.
Conclusion
Smoky paprika grilled pork tenderloin is a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic grilling know-how, you can whip up a flavorful dish that works for any occasion. Follow the steps above, and you’ll be ready to savor tender, smoky pork that’s cooked to perfection. Happy grilling!
