This juicy peach grilled pork tenderloin is a summer delight! It combines the tenderness of pork with sweet, grilled peaches for a tasty twist. The flavors come together beautifully on the grill.
Honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of grilled peaches? They add a yummy sweetness that makes this dish extra special. I like to serve it with a fresh salad for a perfect meal! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and tender, making it perfect for grilling. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use chicken breasts or boneless pork chops, but cooking times may vary.
Peaches: Choose ripe peaches for the best sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can substitute with nectarines or even canned peaches (rinse and drain first).
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with the marinade. You could use avocado oil or any neutral oil like canola if preferred.
Honey: For sweetness, honey works well. Maple syrup or agave syrup are good substitutes if you want to avoid honey.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is lovely in this recipe, but dried thyme can work too. If you like a different herbal flavor, try rosemary instead!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks on Peaches and Pork?
Grilling is all about timing. Here are some tips to get those appealing grill marks and juicy results:
- Preheat the grill well; a hot grill helps sear meats and fruits quickly.
- For the pork, turn it every few minutes to cook evenly and get nice marks.
- Grill peaches cut-side down to get beautiful caramelization; check them often to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F; this guarantees it’s juicy and safe to eat.
- Let the pork rest after grilling. This keeps it moist while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds pork tenderloin
For the Peaches:
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the pork. You’ll need around 12-15 minutes for grilling. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to create this delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, honey, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the pork and reserve the other half for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—if you have time, letting it sit for 1-2 hours will enhance the flavor.
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Heat your grill to medium-high. This ensures that the pork gets a nice sear while keeping it juicy and tender.
4. Prepare the Peaches:
Brush the peach halves with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will help them caramelize beautifully on the grill.
5. Grill the Pork Tenderloin:
Place the marinated pork tenderloin on the grill, searing it while turning occasionally. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). It’s essential for both flavor and safety!
6. Grill the Peaches:
While the pork is grilling, place the peach halves cut side down on the grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches become slightly softened.
7. Brush the Marinade:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved marinade over the pork tenderloin. This adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
8. Rest and Slice:
Once grilled, remove the pork and peaches from the grill. Allow the pork to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this helps keep all those juices inside!
9. Arrange and Serve:
Slice the pork tenderloin and the grilled peach halves. Arrange them on a platter beautifully.
10. Garnish:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!
Enjoy this juicy, flavorful grilled pork tenderloin with the natural sweetness of grilled peaches! It’s a wonderful dish for summer gatherings or a family dinner. Happy grilling!
FAQ for Juicy Peach Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Can I Use a Different Meat Instead of Pork Tenderloin?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts or even boneless pork chops can be used as alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary—chicken may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peaches?
No worries! You can substitute fresh peaches with ripe nectarines or canned peaches (just make sure to rinse and drain them first). While the texture may differ slightly, they’ll still add a lovely sweetness to the dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork and peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep the pork moist.
Can I Marinate the Pork Overnight?
Yes, marinating the pork overnight is a great idea! It allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious. Just ensure the pork is kept in the refrigerator while marinating.
