Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky grilled pork tenderloin rubbed with bold Cajun spices paired with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin evenly with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, coating all sides.
  2. Step 2: Toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in a 425°F oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway until caramelized and tender.
  3. Step 3: Grill the pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the exterior shows grill marks. Rest the pork for 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. Step 4: Serve sliced pork tenderloin alongside the roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced plate.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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