What makes a perfect grilled jerk pork tenderloin? Is it the bold marinade, the smoky grill marks, or the juicy center cooked to the right temperature? The answer is all three — and this detailed grilled jerk pork tenderloin recipe shows you exactly how to achieve them.
What Is Grilled Jerk Pork Tenderloin?
Grilled jerk pork tenderloin is a spicy Caribbean-style pork dish. It uses a flavorful jerk marinade made with spices, herbs, peppers, garlic, and citrus. Traditionally, Jamaican jerk cooking uses Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice.
Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat. It cooks quickly and stays juicy when grilled properly. When you combine it with jerk seasoning and cook it over open heat, you get smoky and deeply savory flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Jerk Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This grilled jerk pork tenderloin recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQ parties, and even meal prep. Here’s why:
- It cooks fast (under 30 minutes on the grill).
- The marinade can be prepared in 10 minutes.
- It’s high in protein and naturally gluten-free.
- The flavors are bold, smoky, sweet, and spicy.
- It pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or salad.
Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Key Tips for the Best Grilled Jerk Pork Tenderloin
These tips help you avoid common mistakes:
- Do not skip marination. Jerk flavor needs time to develop.
- Do not cook on very high heat. Medium-high works best.
- Turn the pork regularly to prevent burning.
- Let the pork rest before slicing.
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Additionally, balance the heat if Scotch bonnet feels too spicy, reduce the amount. You can also remove seeds for milder flavor.
Grilled Jerk Pork Tenderloin Recipe
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minutesThis grilled jerk pork tenderloin recipe gives you bold Caribbean flavor with simple steps. It cooks quickly, stays juicy, and tastes impressive. Moreover, it works for weeknight meals or special gatherings.
When you follow proper marination, grilling time, and resting steps, you will achieve perfect results every time. Use fresh spices, monitor temperature, and slice properly.
Ingredients for Grilled Jerk Pork Tenderloin
- For the Pork
2 pork tenderloins (about 2–2.5 pounds total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Jerk Marinade
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or jalapeño for mild heat)
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 green onions, chopped
Directions: How to Make Grilled Jerk Pork Tenderloin
- Prepare the Pork
First, trim any silver skin from the pork tenderloin. This thin white layer can make the meat tough. Use a sharp knife and remove it gently. Then, pat the pork dry with paper towels. Dry meat absorbs marinade better. - Make the Jerk Marinade
Next, place all marinade ingredients into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. You should get a thick, aromatic paste. If you prefer texture, you can leave it slightly chunky. However, smooth marinade coats the pork more evenly. - Marinate the Pork
Now rub the marinade generously over the pork tenderloins. Make sure you coat every side well. Place the pork in a sealed container or zip-top bag. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight. Longer marination gives stronger jerk flavor. However, do not exceed 24 hours. - Preheat the Grill
Before cooking, remove the pork from the fridge 20–30 minutes early. Let it sit at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Clean and oil the grates lightly. This prevents sticking. - Grill the Pork Tenderloin
Place the pork directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 18–22 minutes total. Turn the tenderloin every 4–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and nice grill marks.
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Do not overcook the pork. Overcooked pork becomes dry quickly. - Rest and Slice
After grilling, remove the pork from the grill. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute. If you slice too early, juices will run out. Finally, slice into medallions and serve. This step makes a big difference in tenderness.
How Long to Grill Pork Tenderloin?
Grilled jerk pork tenderloin usually takes 18–22 minutes over medium-high heat. However, cooking time depends on thickness and grill temperature. Always check the internal temperature. Pork is safe at 145°F. After resting, the temperature may rise slightly.
If you grill on charcoal, cooking may take slightly longer. Therefore, monitor heat carefully. Avoid guessing. A thermometer guarantees perfect results.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
Although the classic grilled jerk pork tenderloin recipe tastes amazing, you can adjust it.
1. Honey Jerk Version
Add 1 tablespoon honey to the marinade. This creates caramelization and mild sweetness.
2. Pineapple Jerk Pork
Blend fresh pineapple into the marinade. It adds tropical flavor and natural tenderness.
3. Oven-Baked Option
If you do not have a grill, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Then broil for 3–4 minutes for char.
4. Mild Family-Friendly Version
Replace Scotch bonnet with sweet bell pepper and a pinch of chili powder.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 280–320
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Pork tenderloin is lean and high in protein. Therefore, it fits well into balanced diets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is jerk seasoning made of?
Jerk seasoning combines allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, hot peppers, and spices. It creates a spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor. Traditional Jamaican versions use Scotch bonnet peppers. However, you can adjust heat to your taste. Fresh ingredients improve the flavor dramatically.
2. How long should I marinate grilled jerk pork tenderloin?
Marinate the pork for at least 4 hours. However, overnight marination gives the best flavor. Do not exceed 24 hours because the acid can break down the meat too much. Longer marination builds deeper spice flavor and better tenderness.
3. How do I know when grilled jerk pork tenderloin is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). After cooking, let it rest for 5–10 minutes. The temperature may rise slightly during resting. This method ensures juicy and safe pork every time.
4. Can I make grilled jerk pork tenderloin in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes. Then broil briefly to create a charred effect. Although grilling adds smoky flavor, the oven method still produces excellent results. Always check internal temperature.
5. Is grilled jerk pork tenderloin very spicy?
Traditional jerk recipes are spicy. However, you control the heat level. Reduce the peppers or remove seeds for milder flavor. You can also add a little honey to balance heat. This makes it family-friendly.
