Name: Spice-Crusted Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 pounds pork tenderloins (2 loins, 1 1/2 to 2 pounds total weight); 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard seeds , cracked; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds , cracked; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns , cracked; 1 teaspoon sugar Demerara or turbinado (see note); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon cornmeal; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 large egg whites

Why This Recipe Works

To avoid a sandy exterior for our Spice-Crusted Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe, we used cracked mustard seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, sugar, salt, and cornmeal. To help the crust stay put, we first rolled the tenderloin in cornstarch, then dipped it in lightly beaten egg whites before adding the spices to the exterior. Gently pressing the spices onto the pork also prevented the crust from falling off. A spritz of cooking spray right before grilling further ensured the crust adhered to the pork instead of sticking to the grill.

Before You Begin

To crack the spices, place them in two zipper-lock bags, one inside the other, and press or gently pound with a skillet, rolling pin, or meat mallet. We prefer Demerara and turbinado sugar for their crunch, but plain brown sugar works too. If you don't have kosher salt, use 1/2 teaspoon table salt.

Instructions

PREPARE GRILL Heat all burners on high for 15 minutes. Leave primary burner on high and turn other burner(s) off. (For charcoal grill, open bottom vent on grill. Light about 100 coals; when they are covered with fine gray ash, spread over half of grill. Set cooking grate in place and heat covered, with lid vent open completely, for 5 minutes.) Scrape and oil cooking grate.

COAT PORK Meanwhile, pat pork dry with paper towels. Combine mustard seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, sugar, salt, and cornmeal on rimmed baking sheet. Place cornstarch in large bowl. Beat egg whites in second large bowl until foamy. One at a time, coat tenderloins lightly with cornstarch, dip in egg whites, and transfer to rimmed baking sheet to coat with spice mixture.

GRILL PORK Spray tenderloins lightly with cooking spray and grill, covered, over hot side of grill, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 6 to 8 minutes. Slide pork to cooler side of grill and continue to cook, covered, until meat registers 145 degrees, 6 to 12 minutes longer. Transfer pork to carving board, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve.