Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Garlic-Yogurt Sauce
Pork tenderloin coated in a fragrant spice blend, grilled for a smoky crust and served alongside a cooling garlicky yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes blends pork tenderloin, ground cumin, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove, minced fresh garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped (optional) fresh mint
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and rub evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat all sides with the spice mixture.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Grill the pork tenderloin for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 4-5 minutes, until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
- Step 4: While pork rests for 5 minutes, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 clove minced fresh garlic, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions and serve with the garlic-yogurt sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Garlic-Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Garlic-Yogurt Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Garlic-Yogurt Sauce?
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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Garlic-Yogurt Sauce 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 Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Garlic-Yogurt Sauce?
Middle Eastern grilling 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.
