Fig and Balsamic Marinated Pork Tenderloin Recipe

"A simple, yet easy way to prepare pork tenderloin. This is really best prepared on an outside grill; but, an inside grill pan will work too. An oven just doesn't do this justice. It is delicious!! Grill the figs and onion slices as the pork rests, and serve along side the pork. Risotto or grilled potato wedges are fantastic side dishes to serve with this. Add a salad for a great summer night on the grill."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Marinade ... I like to use a ziploc bag for the marinade - easy, and NO clean up. But, you can also do this in a glass dish. Add all the ingredients and, whisk to combine. If using a ziploc bag, just close and shake; then, add the pork making sure that the pork is completely covered with the marinade. Then, seal the bag, or cover your dish with plastic wrap. Marinate a good 8 hours, up to 24 hours (over night), which is what I do. If you can, turn the bag over; or, flip the pork over in the dish as it marinates.

Step 2

Pork ... Remove the pork from the marinade and let it come to room temperature before cooking. Season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 3

Grill ... On medium to medium high heat, grill the pork on each side to get a nice char; then, transfer to a more 'indirect' heat to finish cooking. Remove the pork when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, it will continue to cook a bit as it rests. Transfer to a serving platter and cover with foil to rest before slicing. On an outside grill which I use, it will take about 15-20 minutes. Realize, that all tenderloins are a bit different, thicker or thinner; so, cooking times can vary. This is the time to definitely use a meat thermometer.

Step 4

Figs and Onions ... As the pork rests, it's time to grill your figs and onions. Now, I use a grill basket so they don't fall through the grates; but, if using an inside grill pan, this isn't an issue. You just have to be careful if you don't have a grill basket. Lightly brush the onions and figs with a mix of the honey and olive oil; and, season with salt and pepper. Grill about 5 minutes, turning often. You want them to have a light char and be tender.

Step 5

Serve ... Slice the pork and serve with a couple of grilled onion slices and figs. If you want to keep it all on the grill; serve with potato wedges. For me, I love a creamy risotto with this dish - it happens to be my favorite. ENJOY!