Since discovering that I have Type 2 diabetes almost a year ago, my eating style has changed drastically. No more skillet meals. No more pasta. Simply put, diabetics are carb-intolerant and I eat very few carbs each day — and those that I do are slow-acting.
That means that I eat far more “plain” meats, cheese and eggs. But when I say “plain” meats, what I really mean is that they aren’t mixed with other ingredients, not that they don’t have tons of flavor!
This Spicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin is naturally very low carb, easy to make and absolutely delicious. Add in the fact that it keeps heat out of the boat or kitchen by grilling and lets the cook be part of the pre-dinner socializing, and it’s a real winner.
My low carb way of eating is even more restrictive than a keto diet, so this recipe is also good for those doing keto. Plus it’s gluten-free and dairy-free.
The only somewhat unusual ingredient is ground jalapeno. You can find it in the spice aisle in many Mexican groceries, in some general supermarkets, and on Amazon:
However, if you can’t find it, you can substitute additional cayenne pepper. It’s still a great rub!
P.S. Since I get questions every time I mention grilling, I’m still loving my new Magma grill for the boat — use it at least five nights a week! Read my full review here, or see it on Amazon.
Spicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground jalapeno
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 10 ounces pork tenderloin
Instructions
- Combine all spices in a small bowl.
- Lay tenderloin on waxed paper or aluminum foil. Sprinkle with half the spice mixture and rub in. Roll tenderloin over and rub with remaining spice mixture. Fold wax paper (or foil) completely around tenderloin and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Remove from wax paper and grill over medium heat with lid closed. Turn over every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, or until thermometer inserted into the center reads 145 degrees F. Let stand 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
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Donna Blagg says
Hi Carolyn-
Thanks for all of your wonderful posts over the years. I often forward something from Boat Galley to my husband who I know will have something to learn from one of your posts or to reaffirm what he already does.
I’m commenting just to pass on a few tips (with which you may already be acquainted) regarding low carb diets. We have been on one for about two years now. Mostly meats/poultry/fish fixed simply with roasted vegetables
1) Joseph’s Atkins IndulgFlax, Oatbran,,and Whole Wheat Pita Bread: Low in calories and carbs. The smaller size has only 4 net carbs and makes a wonderful sandwich, or toasted till crispy, a great dipping bread for hummus or for having a bit of crunch to accompany a salad or dinner. (available at Publix in the bakery – i can’t find it any other place so I buy when there to freeze)
2) Lowery’s Bacon Curls (Amazon). Must be fixed in a microwave, which I think you have. SO MUCH better than any similar bagged items on the snack aisles of grocery stores. Great for dipping with salsa or whatever dip, with a bit of cheese instead of crackers or, to add a crunch to lunch.
3) Atkins “Indulge” treats. These are small, scrumptious, chocolate concoctions similar to many candy products out there like snickers bars, peanut butter cups, chocolate covered almonds, etc. There must be 10 – 12 varieties with net carbs of 2. Walmart has the greatest variety and best prices. Found near the pharmacy area in Walmart stores.
Anyway, for what it might be worth for you or others, these are things that have truly helped me from feeling deprived on low carb.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Thanks for the suggestions. Those might work for some, but unfortunately not for someone following the rigorous low-carb that I do: no grains at all for me, and I count total carbs as opposed to net carbs. Most “candy” type treats are both too high in carbs and also contain artificial sweeteners that will raise my blood sugar. I’ve learned that the Atkins products are just plain “out” for me.
Donna Blagg says
Something went wrong when I posted above about Joseph’s Pita Bread. Somehow Atkin’s Indulge got mixed up with my comments on the bread. Atkin’s has nothing to do with the pita. It is marketed by the name of Joseph’s Pita Bread. Sorry about any confusion..
Dave Skolnick (S/V Auspicious) says
Pork tenderloin is one of my go-to meals offshore. I usually roast it rather than grill it and roast veg at the same time. This is great for late season departures from the Chesapeake heading for the Bahamas or Caribbean. That first day to get across the Gulf Stream can be chilly!
Cook a big one. Heck, cook two. Leftovers can be sliced thin for sandwiches (lettuce wraps for the low-carb crowd, and that close to shore there should be plenty of lettuce left. What’s leftover from that can be shredded and you can “cheat” with jarred barbecue sauce for a quickly warmed barbecue dinner. If anything manages to be leftover from that you can cube leftover roasted potatoes and make a hash with eggs.
Always plan for the use of leftovers.