or Gas or Both and Why?

Recently I was asked by a good friend for a recipe and tips on grilling pork tenderloin. Inspiration for sharing this post and I thought it was a good time to share options for cooking on fire!

I received my first ‘know your fire’ lesson when I was about five years old. My Dad taught me there are three kinds of wood you needed to build a fire: twigs for kindling, branches for getting the fire going, and heavier logs that become charcoal. So much has changed, but the essence of outdoor cooking is still the same whether using a charcoal or gas grill.

Charcoal Grilling Tips:- Use fresh charcoal, stored in a tightly sealed container, like a small garbage can- Use natural lump charcoal for a best heat source and even cooking- Light charcoal safely with a chimney and never use lighting fuels unless you want your burger flavored with petroleum- To avoid flare-ups; grill with indirect heat by banking coals on one side of the grill

Gas Grilling Tips:- Keep an extra propane tank handy, for the unexpected "gas outage"- Safety First; store propane and grill outdoors only—never in a garage or shed- Always shut-off gas supply after each and every use- To clean grates, turn up heat to high, close cover for 4-5 minutes, then brush well with a wire grill brush and turn off heat- Before lighting grill, lightly brush grates with cooking oil to ‘season’ the metal; which may require more than one application- To avoid flair-ups, grill with an indirect heat (one burner on / one burner off when cooking fattier foods- Try something new; use a smoker box with a few hickory wood chips on the grill for a charcoal like smoke flavor.

Pork tenderloin is an inexpensive and very widely available cut of meat ideal to grill on either charcoal or gas grill. Enjoy served as is or sliced into Pork Sliders as I prepared on George Hirsch Lifestyle.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Makes 6 servings

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

1/2 cup Pork Dry Rub (below)

Two 1 1/4 –pound pork tenderloins, unseasoned and not marinated

1 cup Honey Pork Sauce (below)

Cut off any excess fat from the pork and remove any sinew (the tough fibrous tissue). Cover the pork on all sides with dry rub and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Charcoal

Light charcoal in a chimney 45 minutes before grilling pork. When coals become white, dump coals on one side of grill. Place grid on grill. Place pork tenderloins on grill. Cover and grill the pork for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with Honey Pork Sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling.Remove meat and allow the pork to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Gas

Pre heat gas grill 5 minutes before cooking. Place pork tenderloins on hot grill. Close lid and grill the pork for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with Honey Pork Sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Remove meat and allow the pork to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

For the Pork Rub

1/4 cup sweet paprika

2 Tablespoons dried thyme

2 Tablespoons dried rosemary

2 Tablespoons garlic powder (not garlic salt)

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cayenne In a small bowl mix all ingredients.

Can be made ahead and stored in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Never add salt to a rub because it will draw out the meat juices.

For the Honey Pork Sauce

1 cup catsup or ketchup

1/3 cup honey