Garlic-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin Steaks

When grilling delicate pork tenderloin, the best approach is to treat it roughly.

A cookbook recipe exclusively for ATK Essential members from Master of the Grill

YIELD 4 to 6

TIME 1¼ hours, plus 45 minutes marinating

Master of the GrillA cookbook recipe exclusively for ATK Essential members from Master of the Grill

Why This Recipe Works

Gather Your Ingredients

Key Equipment

Key Equipment - All-Purpose Whisks
Key Equipment - The Best Rasp Graters
Key Equipment - The Best Chimney Starters
Key Equipment - The Best Paring Knives
Key Equipment - Chimney Starters
Key Equipment - The Best Chef’s Knives for $75 or Less

Before You Begin

*

Since marinating is a key step in this recipe, we don’t recommend using enhanced pork.

Instructions

1.

Slice each tenderloin in half crosswise to create 4 steaks total. Pound each half to 3/4-inch thickness. Using sharp knife, cut 1/8-inch-deep slits spaced 1/2 inch apart in crosshatch pattern on both sides of steaks.

2.

Whisk lime zest and juice, garlic, honey, fish sauce, salt, and pepper together in large bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle oil into lime mixture until smooth and slightly thickened. Transfer 1/2 cup lime mixture to small bowl and whisk in mayonnaise; set aside sauce. Add steaks to bowl with remaining marinade and toss thoroughly to coat; transfer steaks and marinade to large zipper-lock bag, press out as much air as possible, and seal bag. Let steaks sit at room temperature for 45 minutes.

3.

FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over half of grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.

FOR A GAS GRILL: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Leave primary burner on high and turn off other burner(s).

4.

Clean and oil cooking grate. Remove steaks from marinade (do not pat dry) and place over hotter part of grill. Cook, uncovered, until well browned on first side, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip steaks and cook until well browned on second side, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer steaks to cooler part of grill, with wider end of each steak facing hotter part of grill. Cover and cook until meat registers 140 degrees, 3 to 8 minutes longer (remove steaks as they come to temperature). Transfer steaks to carving board and let rest for 5 minutes.

5.

While steaks rest, microwave reserved sauce until warm, 15 to 30 seconds; stir in cilantro. Slice steaks against grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Drizzle with half of sauce; sprinkle with sea salt, if using; and serve, passing remaining sauce separately.

Test Kitchen Techniques

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