Southern Style Pork Tenderloin is one of our all time grilling favorites. This delectable dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of bourbon and soy sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. This is the perfect summer grilling recipe the whole family will love and couldn’t be easier to make!
Why I Love This Recipe
Growing up in Kentucky this Southern Style Pork Tenderloin was a Sunday night family favorite and a featured entree at many of the parties my parents threw when I was a child. Now, whenever I make this succulent, juicy dish people ask me for the recipe without fail — it’s really that good. In fact, my husband had to remove himself from the table when I made it last week because he said if he didn’t physically leave the kitchen he was going to eat the entire pork loin!
I seriously want to grill anything and everything in sight, especially during summer. From steak to asparagus to mixed veggies to halibut pesto kabobs, I’m at my absolute happiest when smoke is billowing in my face and permeating my hair. Eau de BBQ would be my dream fragrance if I ever got to design one. Anyway…. with that said, there are so many great backyard BBQ get togethers during the summer like Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day that this pork tenderloin is perfect for!
Southern Style Pork Tenderloin Ingredients
- Bourbon: Adding bourbon to this marinade adds an incredible flavor but most importantly helps to tenderize the pork tenderloin.
- Soy Sauce: Again another flavor booster!
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds just a touch of sweetness and boosts browning to form a nice crispy exterior.
- Dijon Mustard: For a bit of zip and tang!
- Olive Oil: This ingredient helps to infuse all of the delicious the flavors into the meat.
- Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a zesty and slightly spicy flavor to the marinade that is just irresistible.
- Garlic Cloves: Because garlic is always welcome in any recipe!
- Pork Tenderloins: The star of the show! The longer you let the pork marinate in all of these flavors the better!
How to Make Juicy Southern Style Pork Tenderloin
- Whisking the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, chopped fresh ginger, and minced garlic cloves. Give it a good whisk until all the ingredients are well blended, creating a harmonious marinade that will infuse the pork with delightful flavors.
- Marinating the Pork Tenderloins: Place the trimmed pork tenderloins in a large zipper bag or a glass container. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate overnight or up to 2 days.
- Preparing the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat, creating the perfect environment for a mouthwatering char. Make sure to oil the grates to prevent the pork from sticking and ensure those beautiful grill marks.
- Grilling the Pork Tenderloins: Remove the pork tenderloins from the marinade, reserving the remaining liquid. Place the pork on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 14-15 minutes, turning halfway through. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for a reading of 140°F. This ensures a juicy and perfectly cooked pork tenderloin.
- Resting and Glazing: Once the pork is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, transfer the reserved marinade into a small pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, creating a delectable glaze that will enhance the flavors of the pork.
- Slicing and Serving: After the resting period, slice the pork tenderloin on a bias. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the glaze over the pork or serve it on the side as a delightful dipping sauce. Pair this mouthwatering dish with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Tips for The Best Pork Tenderloin
- Let it marinate. For optimal flavor, let the pork marinate in the refrigerator overnight or for up to 2 days. This extended marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a succulent and tender outcome.
- Preheat the grill. Ensure your grill is preheated to the appropriate temperature before placing the pork tenderloin on it. Preheating allows for even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks, while also helping lock in the juices by creating a caramelized crust.
- Let it rest. It’s important to let the tenderloins rest after you take them off the grill. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.
Delicious Sides for This Dish
- Summer Pasta Salad
- Heirloom Tomato Salad
- Summer Fruit and Mozzarella Salad
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Tomato Bread Salad
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Southern Style Pork Tenderloin is ideal for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any occasion that calls for a remarkable meal. So, fire up the grill, savor every tender bite, and delight your loved ones with this irresistible recipe!
Southern Style Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 whole pork tenderloins, approximately 2 pounds total, trimmed
Instructions
- Place the first seven ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Pour into a large zipper bag or glass container large enough to hold the pork tenderloins and marinate overnight or up to 2 days.
- Preheat a grill to high heat, and oil the grates.
- Remove tenderloins from the bag, reserving the marinade, and grill for 14-15 minutes, turning halfway through or until the internal temperature is 140°F. Remove from heat and set meat aside to rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to rest and redistribute.
- While the meat is resting, place the marinade in a small pan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Slice the tenderloin on a bias and serve with the sauce if desired.
Notes
- Let it marinate. For optimal flavor, let the pork marinate in the refrigerator overnight or for up to 2 days. This extended marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a succulent and tender outcome.
- Preheat the grill. Ensure your grill is preheated to the appropriate temperature before placing the pork tenderloin on it. Preheating allows for even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks, while also helping lock in the juices by creating a caramelized crust.
- Let it rest. It’s important to let the tenderloins rest after you take them off the grill. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.
We were in the mood for a Southern-style dinner, so I made this delicious pork to go with corn chowder and collard greens. The pork was tasty, and we really enjoyed the flavors from the marinade. I seriously don’t understand why there aren’t more 5-star ratings!
Wow! Thanks so much! Happy you loved this one. It’s one of my all time favorite recipes on Weelicious!
Omg! so easy to make and it turned out delicious. We ate it on tacos, added fresh cilantro and salsa, the perfect family dinner.and please visit us: https://www.beckandbulow.com
Hello Catherine, I will be trying the pork tenderloin this weekend. Do you also have a recipe for the fruit salad that you are pairing with it? It also looks delicious! Thank you.
Recipe calls for pork Tenderloin not pork loin
Would it be ok to use ground ginger?
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