Let’s get one thing straight.  I love my gas grill.  I use it all the time, no matter what the weather or what month the calendar says.  One of the meats I prepare that seems to be indicative of the fall season is pork tenderloin.  Not only is tenderloin a very lean cut of meat, but you can also marinade it or cover it with almost any flavor of rub.  Whatever your taste buds are in the mood for, the tenderloin can deliver.  I also find them very easy to prepare and hard to screw up (another advantage in the kitchen, especially for the novice cook).

Here’s my recipe for a quick and easy pork tenderloin meal, done on a gas grill.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

• 1 package of pork tenderloins (either pre-flavored or plain. FYI – there are usually two tenderloins in a pack of “unseasoned” pork tenderloin, so be aware.  Use them both or save one for another meal).
• Seasoning of choice (For tenderloins that are unseasoned, any rub will do – or you can simply use salt and pepper.  You can also marinade the pork for a few hours before using).  Sprinkle the seasoning liberally all over the meat prior to cooking.

Heat the grill and settle in on a medium temperature (around 400 degrees).  Place the tenderloin(s) on the grill, cooking on indirect heat on one side for about 10-12 minutes.  Then, turn the meat for another 10-12 minutes, until the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 140-150 degrees (I generally key in on around 25 minutes total cooking time).  Remove the meat and let it rest five to ten minutes on a cutting board before slicing.

You’ll be rewarded with a pork tenderloin that has a nice crust on the outside, but is still juicy and flavorful on the inside.

Serve your pork tenderloin with a combination of roasted fall root vegetables (like sweet potatoes, onions, butternut squash, or parsnips).  For another side dish, try baked apples, as they are a fantastic companion to pork dishes.

Just because the weather has turned colder doesn’t mean you can’t still get some use out of that grill.  Give it a try!