Do you want to grill a juicy, tasty, tender cut of meat?

Brining imparts the flavor and moisture you’re aiming for.

This brined pork tenderloin is moist and well-seasoned, thanks to fresh thyme and cracked black peppercorns.

Brined pork tenderloin on a cutting board

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

Brining the pork in a vinegar mixture gently breaks down the proteins for tender meat.

Brining also works with certain vegetables and cheeses.

This recipe was developed by Paige Grandjean.

Raw pork tenderloin on cutting board

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

Ingredients

2cupswater

12cupunseasoned rice vinegar

12cupgranulated sugar

12cupkosher salt

1(1-lb.)

Place pork in a large plastic freezer bag; pour in brining mixture.

Chill for 2 to 3 hours.

Pork tenderloin in a bag

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

Remove pork from brine and season:

Preheat grill to medium-high (about 450F).

Remove pork from brining mixture; discard brining mixture.

Then, pat pork dry with paper towels; rub with oil, thyme, and cracked peppercorns.

Marinating the pork tenderloin

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

When brined, pork tenderloin retains more moisture and flavor, resulting in a tastier dish.

Yes, pork loin can be over-brined and become too mushy and too salty.

Yes, pork should be rinsed after brining to remove the excess salt.

Pork tenderloin cooking in a pan

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Finished pork tenderloin on a cutting board

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali