Grilled Pork Loin with Bourbon Cherry Compote

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and I am already planning on what to grill. This Grilled Pork Loin with Bourbon Cherry Compote is as festive as it is easy.

Whether you're looking for the star of your backyard barbecue table, or just want to shake up a weeknight dinner with an elegant dish, this quick cooking pork tenderloin is ideal. I love using pork loin in recipes such as my Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Raspberry Jalapeno Sauce. The lean meat allows it to cook quickly making it ideal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

With just a handful of fresh ingredients this dish comes together effortlessly in less than 45 minutes.

• Pork tenderloin - These are often sold in a two pack, and also go on sale often. Stock up because they're a great freezer option.
• Dijon mustard - This will both help the seasoning stick and also add a tangy layer of flavor.
• Salt and pepper
• Cherries - Fresh is best, but frozen will also work in this recipe.
• Brown sugar - This will balance the tartness of the cherries.
• Bourbon - Pick something that you like to drink.
• Mint leaves - these prove a fresh and herbaceous pop to balance the sweet and tart.

How to Make Grilled Pork Loin with Bourbon Cherry Compote

You can make this entire dish on the grill, or inside on a grill pan making this a versatile and elegant meal.

Substitutions

If you don't have a pork tenderloin or are just making this for a couple of people, you can replace the pork tenderloin with pork chops. You will just need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Variations on Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Cherry Compote

Spicy - To add a spicy element to this dish you can add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh jalapenos to your cherry mixture when it is simmering. This will infuse a layer of heat into the cherries and bourbon.

Equipment for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Cherry Compote

This recipe works on either an outdoor grill including gas grills, charcoal grills, and pellet grills, but also works on an indoor cast iron grill pan. Prepare your grill to preheat accordingly.

A meat thermometer is helpful for both preventing overcooking your pork tenderloin, and also making sure you pull it off at a safe temperature to eat. There are many great instant read digital thermometers on the market.

Top Tip

Temperature matters. This holds true both to the beginning of the cook and also at what temperature you pull your pork tenderloin.

Allowing your pork tenderloin to rest at room temperature prior to cooking it gives the seasoning time to marinate. It also helps keep the meat more tender and juicier. Cold meat that hits the hot grill has a tendency to seize up resulting in a less juicy bite.

No one wants to eat dry, gray pork. However, you don't want to serve raw pork either. Using a digital thermometer makes it easy to reach that ideal temperature of 145-150 degrees.