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    🏠Home » Recipes » Pork Tenderloin Recipes

    Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches - Memphis Style

    Aug 12, 2018 · Modified: Apr 10, 2022 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan · 5 Comments

    Recipe Table of Contents    
    4.77 from 13 votes

    These easy and quick grilled pork tenderloin sandwiches are a great change of pace for a family lunch or dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, you will be the grill hero.

    close up of a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

    Jump To:
    • 🐖Pork Tenderloin is Not Pork Loin
    • 👨‍🍳How to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
    • 🍽️Serving and Storing
    • 📖Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Recipes
    • 🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
    • 📝Recipe

    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    Introduction

    I love pork tenderloin sandwiches. I'm from Iowa, and it is in our blood. But Iowa Pork Tenderloin sandwiches are not grill-friendly due to the breading. Time for a change-up.

    Based on my Memphis pork tenderloin, which has been one of my top recipes for years. This is a quick version of that recipe that will leave them all begging for more.

    Take a pork tenderloin, trim, cut into 1-inch slices, pound into thin pieces, spice, and cook over high heat for 8-10 minutes and serve.

    My Rating

    My rating system. Great 5 out of 5

    An absolute 5.

    🐖Pork Tenderloin is Not Pork Loin

    First, be sure you have pork tenderloin, not pork loin. For some reason, this is a common confusion.

    I have many commenters complain that a pork tenderloin recipe didn't work well on their 5-pound "pork tenderloin." I ignore those comments since it is impossible to have a 5-pound tenderloin, and I'm polite by nature.

    graph showing pork loin vs tenderloin- licensed from Fotolia May 16,2017. Copyright foxysgraphic - Fotolia. Modifed per allow by licensed.
    Showing pork loin vs. tenderloin- licensed from Fotolia May 16, 2017. Copyright foxysgraphic - Fotolia. Modified per allow by licensed.

    Pork tenderloin is a different cut of pork. Frequently sold in two packs in the US but not always. A single tenderloin is usually about 1 ½ pounds. Some are 1 pound, but I don't think I have seen a 2 pound tenderloin.

    👨‍🍳How to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

    Prepare the pork tenderloin filets.

    Trim the tenderloin of any trimmable fat and the silverskin. The remove silverskin, you will need to get underneath it and peel it off. It will come off in pieces.

    Cut into 1-inch slices, and you should have 6-8, depending on the size. The thin tail end should be cut 2 inches, then cut in the middle and folded over before flattening. Try to keep the amount of meat in each piece about equal.

    Flatten with a meat mallet in a thick bag to prevent splatter. I suggest a thickness of ¼ to ½ inch. Thicker may take a bit longer to cook, thinner gives more surface area for seasoning and grilling taste.

    You could easily prep these ahead and cook a large number quickly for a party.

    Preheat and clean the grill.

    This recipe needs a medium grill surface temperature of 450°-500°, which is about medium or a bit more on a gas grill. You also can use a charcoal grill but must control the temperature.

    If you need to know more about grill surface temperature, please check my tutorial. A Beginners Guide to Grill Temperature on a Gas Grill.

    Season the pork tenderloin filets.

    I highly suggest the custom Memphis rub covered in the recipe card, but really any seasoning you want is fine.

    I like to make up a larger amount and store airtight and in a dark place for up to 3 months. Do not refrigerate the stored spice mix.

    Cook the filets on the grill.

    Place over direct heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side to an internal temp of 145°-150°. Always cook to a final temperature and not by time.

    A closed grill lid is preferred but it can be done with an open lid if you know your surface temperature.

    🍽️Serving and Storing

    How to serve grilled pork tenderloin sandwiches?

    Like its breaded cousin, a hamburger bun with some mayonnaise goes well with the spice.

    But I love to match the Memphis taste with thick and sweeter barbecue sauce. Use the BBQ sauce of your choice, but I use my Memphis Barbecue Sauce - A Wonderful Thing.

    What side dishes to serve with pork tenderloin sandwiches?

    Side dishes should be traditional picnic dishes. Here are a few suggestions.

    Baked Beans
    French Fries
    Potato Salad
    Macaroni Salad
    Cole Slaw
    Corn on the Cob
    Mac and Cheese

    How to store pork tenderloin filets.

    You can store uncooked refrigerated for 2 days or frozen for 2-3 months. After cooking, refrigerated for up to 4 days and frozen for 3-4 months.

    📖Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Recipes

    Iowa Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

    Oven Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

    This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

    Easy Dinner Recipes, Grill Recipes, Pork Recipes, Pork Tenderloin Recipes
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    🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

    clean and oil grill crates

    Preheat grill to 450°, which is medium to medium-high on most grills. Clean and oil grill.

    trimmed pork tenderloin on a black board

    Trim any fat and silver skin from the tenderloin. Cut into 6 to 8 slices of 1 to 1 ¼ inch, except the thin tail should be about twice as long and the thick end a little less.

    flattening pork tenderloin with a meat mallet

    Place pieces one at a time into a thick plastic freezer bag, place on a solid surface with the cut edge facing up/down. Pound into flat fillets about ¼ inch thick or a bit more. With the thin end, place the cut edge down and hand press down on the piece to flatten and then pound into shape.

    ingredients for Memphis rub

    Mix the Memphis Dry Rub: 2 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon dry mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and½ teaspoon onion powder.

    sprinkling seasoning on the pork slices

    Apply the spice mix (or seasoning of your choice) liberally to both sides of the filets. You will have some seasoning leftover and it can be saved for later stored airtight.

    flattened pork tenderloin on a gas grill

    Place over direct heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side to an internal temp of 145°-150°. Always cook to a final temperature and not by time. A closed grill lid is preferred but it can be done with an open lid if you know your surface temperature.

    grilled pork tenderloin filets on a white plate
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    📝Recipe

    Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches - Memphis Style from 101 Cooking for Two

    Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches - Memphis Style

    From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
    These easy and quick grilled pork tenderloin sandwiches are a great change of pace for a family lunch or dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, you will be the grill hero.
    Tap to leave a Rating
    4.77 from 13 votes
    Print Email CollectionCollected
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings #/Adjust if desired 6

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Convert to Metric
    • 1 pork tenderloin - trimmed

    Memphis Dry Rub-you may have leftover

    • 2 tablespoons paprika
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat grill to 450° which is medium to medium-high on most grills. Clean and oil grill.
      clean and oil grill crates
    • Trim any fat and silver skin from the tenderloin. Cut into 6 to 8 slices of 1 to 1 ¼ inch, except the thin tail should be about twice as long and the thick end a little less.
      trimmed pork tenderloin on a black board
    • Place pieces one at a time into a thick plastic freezer bag, place on a solid surface with the cut edge facing up/down. Pound into flat fillets about ¼ inch thick. With the thin end, place the cut edge down and hand press down on the piece to flatten and then pound into shape.
      flattening pork tenderloin with a meat mallet
    • Mix the Memphis Dry Rub: 2 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon dry mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and½ teaspoon onion powder.
      ingredients for Memphis rub
    • Apply the spice mix (or seasoning of your choice) liberally to both sides of the filets. You will have some seasoning leftover, and it can be saved for later stored airtight.
      sprinkling seasoning on the pork slices
    • Place over direct heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side to an internal temp of 145°-150°. Always cook to a final temperature and not by time.
      flattened pork tenderloin on a gas grill
    See the step-by-step photos in the post. Some recipes have an option to display the photos here with a switch above these instructions but the photos DO NOT print.

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    Recipe Notes

    Pro Tips:

    1. This recipe uses a medium grill with a surface temperature of 450°. It still cooks fast, so watch closely.
    2. Be sure you are using pork tenderloin and not pork loin. It will be very tough with pork loin.
    3. When cutting the pieces of pork, try to keep the amount of meat about equal.
    4. Flatten with a meat mallet in a thick bag to prevent splatter. I suggest a thickness of ¼ to ½ inch. Thicker may take a bit longer to cook, thinner gives more surface area for seasoning and grilling taste.
    5. Use the seasoning you want.
    6. Cook to 145° to 150°. Over that will dry and under does not meet FDA safety standards.
    7. Store uncooked leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for 2-3 months. After cooking, refrigerated for 3-4 days or 3-4 months cooked.

    To adjust the recipe size:

    You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Nutrition Facts
    Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches - Memphis Style
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 167 Calories from Fat 27
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 3g5%
    Saturated Fat 1g5%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2g
    Cholesterol 63mg21%
    Sodium 896mg37%
    Potassium 372mg11%
    Carbohydrates 2g1%
    Fiber 0.2g1%
    Sugar 2g2%
    Protein 20g40%
    Vitamin A 4200IU84%
    Vitamin C 1.7mg2%
    Calcium 10mg1%
    Iron 1.3mg7%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Serving size is my estimate of a normal size unless stated otherwise. The number of servings per recipe is stated above. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.
    Course : Main Course
    Cuisine : American

    © 101 Cooking for Two, LLC. All content and photographs are copyright protected by us or our vendors. While we appreciate your sharing our recipes, please realize copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights.

    Originally Published March 25, 2011. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

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    More Pork Tenderloin Recipes

    • Pork Tenderloin Carnitas
    • Oven Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
    • How to Grill a Pork Tenderloin on a Gas Grill
    • Pan Seared Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin

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    1. Dcrash

      August 30, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      I’ve had the best results by cooking it 3 minutes per side high direct heat then 5 per side indirect heat. Stays nice and moist with a flavorful bark

      Reply
    2. C. T. Ross

      December 12, 2015 at 10:04 pm

      Any suggestions when using a charcoal grill?

      Reply
      • DrDan

        December 12, 2015 at 10:10 pm

        I think you can just cook over medium high heat. Watch the meat temp with a meat thermometer. It is pork tenderloin so you can cook it quickly just watch the internal temp I would go for about 150 for these. Please realize my last charcoal experience was 30 years ago...
        DrDan

    3. Dr Dan

      March 26, 2011 at 6:53 pm

      I did 4 minutes per side. I though it would take longer but I did a second flip at 8 minutes and check the temp. I think they could be hockey pucks if you're not careful. Rotating every 2 minutes would help with hot spots on the grill but mine are at the back of the grill and I avoided them.

      Reply
    4. Chris

      March 26, 2011 at 5:11 pm

      What kind of temps are you cooking that at? From the appearance your timing seems to be 2 min, turn 90 degrees, 2 min, flip, 2 min, turn 90 degrees, 2 min remove from grill. (8 total)

      To go that long I'm guessing a medium temp like 300f?

      Reply

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