Grilling pork tenderloin is one of my favorite ways to cook this incredibly tender and flavorful cut of meat. Not only is it quick and easy, but when done right, it develops a beautifully caramelized crust while staying juicy on the inside. The key to making a great pork tenderloin on the grill is to balance heat and flavor. That’s where this Hoisin Honey Grilled Pork Tenderloin comes in. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with depth from garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil.
I’ve always loved the combination of hoisin and honey. Hoisin sauce has that deep, umami-rich flavor, while honey adds a perfect amount of sweetness to balance things out. When you mix in fresh garlic, grated ginger, and soy sauce, you get a sauce that’s bold yet well-rounded. But the real magic happens when the sauce meets the heat of the grill. Brushing it onto the pork tenderloin in the final minutes allows it to caramelize beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that makes every bite irresistible.
Pork tenderloin makes a great choice for weeknight grilling or weekend gatherings. It cooks quickly, usually in under 30 minutes, making it a great option when you want something delicious without spending hours at the grill. Plus, it pairs well with simple sides like steamed rice and my Cast Iron Sugar Snap Peas, creating a well-balanced meal that feels both satisfying and fresh.
The grilling process itself is simple. We start by preheating the grill for direct heat cooking. Once the pork is trimmed and seasoned, it goes directly over the flames, where it develops a nice char. While it’s grilling, we whisk together the sauce. Just a few pantry staples that come together into something truly special. During the last few minutes of cooking, we brush the sauce onto the pork, flipping frequently to build up that signature sticky glaze. After a short rest, we slice it up, drizzle on a little extra sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a final pop of flavor.
If you’re looking for a new way to cook pork tenderloin, this Hoisin Honey Grilled Pork Tenderloin is a must-try. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookout. Give it a try and let me know how you use it. Tag @thatgrillerguy on social media and show off your creations!
Make it with these side dishes:
Hoisin Honey Grilled Pork Tenderloin: An Asian Twist on a Classic
Course: Pork, Recipes6
servings10
minutes30
minutesFire up the grill for this Hoisin Honey Grilled Pork Tenderloin! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend tailgate!
Ingredients
2–3 lbs pork tenderloin
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, grated
2 tsp ginger, grated
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp mirin
Sliced green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the grill for direct cooking at medium-high heat.
- Prepare the pork by trimming any excess fat and removing the silver skin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the pork over direct heat, turning often to develop an even char and crust.
- Make the sauce by combining hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and mirin in a bowl. Stir well.
- Glaze the pork during the last 5 minutes of cooking, brushing on the sauce and turning frequently to caramelize. Reserve some sauce for serving.
- Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice and serve with the reserved sauce, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds. Pair with rice and cast iron sugar snap peas for a complete meal.
