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    Home » Recipes » Pork

    Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze

    Modified: Aug 2, 2023 · Published: Dec 28, 2022 by Sharon Rigsby · 14 Comments

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    Pinterest pin showing a sliced grilled pork tenderloin topped with an apricot glaze.

    In this recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze, pork tenderloins, one of the most tender cuts of meat, are covered with a luscious homemade dry rub that infuses them with incredible flavor. Then they are grilled and slathered with a unique sweet and savory apricot glaze made with apricot preserves and barbecue sauce.

    Like my recipes for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Dark Cherry Sauce, Grilled Ham Steaks, and Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa, it’s quick, easy, and delicious, and it’s one of those miracle recipes you will want to make time and time again!

    Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze is the perfect answer to the question of what’s for dinner tonight. Pair it with Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes or Baked Cauliflower with Gruyere Cheese, and it’s also perfect for serving guests.

    A grilled pork tenderloin topped with apricot glaze sliced on a white serving platter.

    Pork tenderloin is a relatively inexpensive and versatile cut of meat, and it’s one of our family’s favorites. It’s lean without much fat, so it is lower in calories than pork chops or baby back ribs, but when it’s cooked properly, it’s so tender you can cut it with a fork.

    This dinner entree is excellent for serving at a dinner party because you can make the pork tenderloin rub and add it to the meat up to 24 hours ahead. The apricot glaze can also be made ahead, so all you have to do is pop the tenderloin on the grill before you eat.

    Ingredient notes:

    Two raw pork tenderloins, and bowls of BBQ sauce and Apricot preserves.
    • Pork tenderloin – also called a pork filet, like a beef tenderloin, is a long, thin, boneless, and tender cut of meat that comes from beneath the ribs next to the backbone of a pig.
    • Chili powder, grated ginger, garlic powder, brown sugar, kosher salt, and pepper – are the spices and seasonings that make up the pork tenderloin rub. This rub works like a dry brine, infuses the meat with flavor, tenderizes it, and keeps it moist. (grated ginger not pictured)
    • Apricot preserves – and sauce combine to make an easy homemade glaze that is the crowning glory of this dish. Apricot jam or jelly can be substituted.
    • Barbecue sauce – you can use any tomato-based sauce you prefer. I like to use Sweet Baby Ray’s original or honey BBQ sauce.
    • Limes – lime juice adds a fresh citrusy element to the glaze and helps cut the sweetness.
    • Cilantro – adds a pop of color and freshness. You can substitute parsley.

    How to make Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze:

    1. Remove any silver skin, which is the whiteish thick connective tissue on the pork that is often in a rectangular shape. To do this, use a thin sharp knife (I like to use a fish fillet knife) and slide it under the silver skin. Then, use your other hand to lift it and slice it off as close to the meat as possible.
    2. Combine the chili powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the spice mixture all over the tenderloins. Cover and refrigerate for two to 24 hours.
    Two pork tenderloins on a cutting board, covered in a dry rub.
    1. Melt the preserves in a small saucepan over low heat, and add the barbecue sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and add the ginger, garlic powder, and lime juice. Reserve half of the glaze to serve with the dish later.
    A small sauce pan with apricot preserves, barbecue sauce and  chopped parsley.
    1. To grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or 400 degrees. Grill the pork tenderloins for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135° F when checked with an instant-read meat thermometer.
    Two pork tenderloins cooking on a grill with a thermometer probe in one.
    1. Use a basting brush or mop to coat the pork tenderloins liberally with the glaze. Cook for two minutes and turn and brush the glaze on the other side. Cook for an additional two minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 140° F.
    Using a basting brush to apply apricot glaze to pork tenderloins cooking on a grill.
    1. Remove the tenderloin from the grill, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for about ten minutes. Due to carryover cooking, the internal temperature of the pork will continue to rise to 145° F.
    2. To serve, slice into half-inch to three-quarter-inch slices and serve with the reserved glaze.
    Sliced pork tenderloins on a cutting board with a knife and fork.

    Top tip:

    Don’t skip the step of rubbing your pork with the grilled pork tenderloin rub before grilling it. Of course, the longer it sits, the better your meat will taste, but it is still really good, even after marinating for less than an hour. If you don’t have 24 hours, don’t let this deter you. Make this dish anyway, and leave the rub on as long as possible. I promise it will still be delicious.

    Frequently asked questions:

    What is the safe internal temperature of pork?

    According to the USDA, the safe internal temperature of pork is 145° F as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone or fat.

    What’s the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?

    While both of these cuts are boneless, and the names sound similar, they are very different and come from different parts of a pig. Tenderloins are long thin cylindrical pieces of meat that are very tender and can be cooked over high heat for a short time.

    Pork loins, on the other hand, are thicker, not as juicy or tender, and require cooking at low temperatures for longer. In general, because they require very different cooking methods and cooking times, they cannot be substituted for each other in recipes.

    Is it safe to eat pink pork?

    According to Consumer Reports, the USDA recently reversed its decades-old guidelines that whole pork cuts be cooked to 160° F, resulting in the meat’s grayish color. The new recommended internal temperature of 145° F may result in meat with a pinkish tinge, and as long as it rests a minimum of three minutes at this temperature, it is safe to eat.

    How to keep pork tenderloin from drying out on the grill?

    The grilled pork tenderloin rub acts like a brine, tenderizes the meat, and keeps it moist while grilling. If you don’t overcook the tenderloin and let it rest for the recommended amount of time, you won’t have any issues with it drying out.

    How to store and reheat leftovers?

    Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months without any loss in quality.

    To reheat, wrap in foil and reheat in a 350° F oven for ten minutes or in the microwave uncovered on a microwave-safe plate for a minute or so. If frozen, allow the meat to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

    Sharon’s tips:

    • For the best results with this recipe, do not overcook your pork. Use an instant-read meat thermometer and insert it in the thickest part of the tenderloin. Cook to the temperatures indicated, and only use the times listed as a guide.
    • If you have leftovers, they make fantastic sliders. Mix about a tablespoon of leftover glaze with mayonnaise to make an apricot aioli. Spread the aioli on a slider roll and top with a slice of pork tenderloin. Delicious!
    • I made this recipe using a Big Green Egg, but any grill works. This recipe can also be cooked in a 400° F oven if you don’t have a grill or the weather is bad.
    • The dry rub is delicious on chicken, seafood, and beef, too, so you might want to double or triple the recipe so that you will have it on hand to use in other recipes. I use it on all sorts of recipes, and I love how it flavors my Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs. 

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    A sliced pork tenderloin covered with apricot glaze.

    Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    In this recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze, pork tenderloin, one of the most tender cuts of pork, is covered with a luscious homemade dry rub that infuses it with incredible flavor. Then it is grilled and slathered with an amazing sweet and savory apricot glaze.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Dry rub 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 245 kcal

    Equipment

    • Grill
    • Basting brush or mop

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pork tenderloins, approximately 2.5 to 3 pounds total

    Dry Rub

    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Apricot Glaze

    • 1 ½ cups apricot preserves, may substitute jam or jelly
    • ½ cup barbecue sauce, I like and use Sweet Baby Rays original
    • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, may substitute ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, may substitute parsley
    • 2 limes, juiced

    Instructions
     

    • Remove any silver skin, which is the whiteish thick connective tissue on the pork that is often in a rectangular shape. To do this, use a thin sharp knife (I like to use a fish fillet knife) and slide it under the silver skin. Then, use your other hand to lift it and slice it off as close to the meat as possible.
    • Combine the chili powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloins. Cover and refrigerate for two to 24 hours.
    • Melt the preserves in a small saucepan over low heat, and add the barbecue sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and add the ginger, garlic powder, and lime juice. Reserve half of the glaze to serve with the pork later.
    • To grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or 400 degrees. Grill the pork tenderloins for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 135° F when checked with an instant-read meat thermometer.
    • Use a basting brush or mop to coat the pork tenderloins liberally with the glaze. Cook for two minutes and turn and brush the glaze on the other side. Cook for an additional two minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 140° F.
    • Remove the tenderloins from the grill, tent them loosely with foil, and let them rest for about ten minutes. Due to carryover cooking, the internal temperature of the pork will continue to rise to 145° F.
    • To serve, slice into half-inch to three-quarter-inch slices and serve with the reserved glaze.

    Notes

    For the best results with this recipe, do not overcook your pork. Use an instant-read meat thermometer and insert it in the thickest part of the tenderloin. Cook to the temperatures indicated, and only use the times listed as a guide.
    If you have leftovers, they make fantastic sliders. Mix about a tablespoon of leftover glaze with mayonnaise to make an apricot aioli. Spread the aioli on a slider roll and top with a slice of pork tenderloin. Delicious!
    I made this recipe using a Big Green Egg, but any grill works. This recipe can also be cooked in a 400° F oven if you don’t have a grill or the weather is bad.
    Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months without any loss in quality.
    To reheat leftovers, wrap in foil and reheat in a 350° F oven for ten minutes or in the microwave uncovered on a microwave-safe plate for a minute or so. If frozen, allow the meat to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
    The dry rub is delicious on chicken, seafood, and beef, too, so you might want to double or triple the recipe so that you will have it on hand to use in other recipes. I use it on all sorts of recipes, and I love how it flavors my Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs. 
    Don’t skip rubbing your meat with the grilled pork tenderloin rub before grilling it. Of course, the longer it sits, the better your meat will taste, but it is still really good, even after marinating for less than an hour. If you don’t have 24 hours, don’t let this deter you. Just leave the rub on as long as possible. I promise it will still be delicious.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 30gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 788mgPotassium: 677mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 656IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jim Richards

      November 10, 2020 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      Had this last Friday night. Score another win for Grits and Pinecones! Gonna have your Bourbon sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving-can’t wait!

      Reply
    2. Lorrie Howell DaVega

      June 30, 2020 at 6:30 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for this recipe. My twists are that I used orange marmalade in the glaze and half the garlic in the rub. My husband seared the meat on high on the grill then cooked it for 30 minutes on medium, as per our grill instructions.

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        June 30, 2020 at 2:19 pm

        Hi Lorrie,
        I’m so glad you enjoyed the tenderloin. The orange marmalade glaze does sound delicious and I’ll have to try that next time I make it. Thanks so much for letting me know.
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    3. KATHERINE THORNTON

      April 05, 2020 at 6:02 pm

      Can sear in a cast iron skillet then roast in a 375 oven for 20-25 minutes

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        April 06, 2020 at 12:48 am

        Hi Katherine, I’ve never tried cooking it this way, but I don’t see any reason it wouldn’t work. I would definitely use a meat thermometer though to make sure it doesn’t overcook. If you decide to try it this way, please let me know how it works out.
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    4. courtney

      December 12, 2015 at 2:13 pm

      Made 4 of these to go on our graduation party buffet this evening, so far it is a home run!

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        December 12, 2015 at 2:22 pm

        I’m so glad you liked them. As you know they make great sliders. Just mix a tablespoon or so of your leftover Apricot Glaze with some mayonnaise and you have a wonderful Apricot Aioli to spread on your bread!

        Reply
    5. nancy lewis

      November 11, 2015 at 9:25 pm

      5 stars
      The Lewis clan enjoyed this delectable meal this evening. I put more lime juice than the recipe called for by accident but it still was great. Thanks for giving us new recipes to try. This is a keeper!

      Reply
    6. Courtney Glazer

      November 01, 2015 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      I made it last night…..: DELICIOUS!!
      Great job Sharon?

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        November 02, 2015 at 9:24 am

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    7. Carol

      October 31, 2015 at 12:16 am

      5 stars
      Ed and I love pork tenderloin so I’m looking forward to trying your recipe soon!

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        November 02, 2015 at 9:34 am

        Thanks Carol! I know you will love it. You can also try different types of jams or preserves. I have some Raspberry Cranberry Preserves I am going to try next time.

        Reply
    8. Paul Brawner

      October 30, 2015 at 9:41 am

      Awesome looking dish! What time is dinner? 🙂 🙂

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        November 02, 2015 at 9:24 am

        Come on over anytime!!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, content creator, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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