2 tablespoons
fresh thyme leaves with tender stems
1 tablespoon
plus 2 teaspoons yellow or black mustard seed
1 teaspoon
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
black peppercorns
Marinade
1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
honey
2 teaspoons
seasoned rice vinegar
2
pork tenderloins, each about 455 grams, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin
Extra-virgin olive oil
3
ripe pears, each cut lengthwise in half and cored
Special Equipment
spice mill or mortar and pestle
Instructions
In a spice mill (or using a mortar and pestle) whirl (or pound) the rub ingredients until coarsely ground. Transfer the rub to a bowl. Reserve 4 teaspoons for the pears.
In a medium bowl whisk the marinade ingredients. Place the pork tenderloins in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade. Place on a plate and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Related Grill Skills
Preparing Pork Tenderloins
Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (180° to 230°C).
Prepare the grill for cooking over medium heat (200°C).
Remove the pork from the bag and discard the marinade. Lightly brush the pork with oil and season evenly with the rub.
Lightly brush the pear halves with oil and season the cut side with the reserved rub.
Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the pork over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until the outsides are evenly seared and the centers are barely pink, 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. During the last 8 to 10 minutes of grilling time, grill the pears, cut side down first, over direct medium heat, until lightly charred and tender, turning once. Remove the pork and the pears from the grill and let the pork rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Cut the pork crosswise into 12-millimeter slices. Serve warm with the pears.
Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the pork over medium heat, with the lid closed, until the outsides are evenly seared and the centers are barely pink, 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. During the last 8 to 10 minutes of grilling time, grill the pears, cut side down first, over medium heat, until lightly charred and tender, turning once. Remove the pork and the pears from the grill and let the pork rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Cut the pork crosswise into 12-millimeter slices. Serve warm with the pears.