Grilled Fourth Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

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

Juicy pork tenderloin grilled with a bold blend of four spices for a smoky, aromatic finish perfect for summer grilling. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, ground cumin, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp kosher salt to create the fourth spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and rub all over with 2 tbsp olive oil. Then evenly coat the pork with the spice blend, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the pork tenderloin on the grill and cook for 15-18 minutes total, turning every 4-5 minutes to develop an even crust.
  4. Step 4: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness. Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch medallions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Fourth Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Fourth Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin?

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 pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Fourth Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin?

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 Fourth Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin 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 Fourth Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin?

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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