Grilled Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

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(from Bethany’s recipe box)

SERVES 4 TO 6

Source: Published July 1, 2011. From Cook's Illustrated.

Categories: Meat

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons pepper
  • 2 (1 1/4 to 1 1/2-pound) pork tenderloins, trimmed
  • 1 recipe stuffing (see related recipes)
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

  1. Combine sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in bowl. Cut each tenderloin in half horizontally, stopping 1/2 inch away from edge so halves remain attached. Open up tenderloins, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to 1/4-inch thickness (Pounded and Rolled: Pounding the butterflied roast before stuffing allows the meat to be tightly rolled, not folded around the filling.). Trim any ragged edges to create rough rectangle about 10 inches by 6 inches. Sprinkle interior of each tenderloin with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

  2. With long side of pork facing you, spread half of stuffing mixture over bottom half of one tenderloin followed by 1/2 cup spinach. Roll away from you into tight cylinder, taking care not to squeeze stuffing out ends. Position tenderloin seam side down, evenly space 5 pieces twine underneath, and tie. Repeat with remaining tenderloin, stuffing, and spinach.

  3. 3a. FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL: 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 heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.

  4. 3b. 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).

  5. Clean and oil cooking grate. Coat pork with oil, then rub entire surface with brown sugar mixture. Place pork on cooler side of grill, cover, and cook until center of stuffing registers 140 degrees, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating pork once halfway through cooking.

  6. Transfer pork to carving board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove twine, slice pork into 1/2-inch-thick slices, and serve.

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