Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa

I have to say that this grilled pork tenderloin with cherry salsa not only came out tasting fantastic, it was mighty pretty looking too! The cherry salsa on top really made this dish, and would also go well on grilled crostinis. The pork was crazy tender, tasty and juicy. All-in-all, this was a great, simple dish to make that far exceeded my expectations! I was striving to up my grilled pork game. And I was looking to improve my plating skills. Well, I think I got both down pretty darned good with this dish! And ya know, it wasn’t that hard to do, either!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa

A Delicious Marinade

I’d use the marinade portion of this recipe for grilled pork tenderloin with cherry salsa on other meats. It’d be great on pork chops or chicken. This is a great reason to fire up my Weber grill (not that I needed an excuse!).

I know some folks (like my wife) aren’t used to pork having a slight pink color inside. That’s safe now. You don’t have to over-cook your pork like before to make sure it’s ok to eat. Well, ok but not good because in the old days you really had to overcook it. Not any more.

Also check out my grilled pork tenderloin with a cantaloupe salsa.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa

I have to say that this grilled pork tenderloin with cherry salsa not only came out tasting fantastic, it was mighty pretty looking too! The cherry salsa on top really made this dish, and would also go well on grilled crostinis. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, pork, salsa
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 868kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cilantro chopped roughly, divided
  • ½ cup shallots minced, divided (use red onion if you don’t have shallots on hand)
  • 6 tablespoons lime juice about 3 limes, divided
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 pork tenderloins trimmed
  • ½ pound cherries stemmed, pitted, halved
  • 1 jalapeño minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Place 1/2 cup of the cilantro, 1/4 cup of the shallots, 4 tablespoons of the lime juice and the vegetable oil in a large resealable baggie.
  • Seal and shake to combine.
  • Add pork tenderloins to the baggie.
  • Reseal, and toss to coat.
  • Let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the remaining cilantro, shallots and lime juice.
  • Add the cherries, jalapeno and olive oil.
  • Mix and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Sear tenderloins over direct heat on the grill.
  • Then continue cooking over indirect heat until the internal temperatures reach 145-150 F.
  • Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes.
  • Slice thin and serve topped with cherry salsa.

Notes

You can omit the jalapeno if you want but the salsa isn’t that spicy.

Nutrition

Calories: 868kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 126g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 393mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 2563mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Teriyaki Wing Sauce

This teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving.

Teriyaki Wings

Click here to see our teriyaki wings recipe.

Also try my deluxe teriyaki wings.

Teriyaki Wings
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Teriyaki Wing Sauce

This teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword Teriyaki, wings
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 78kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the cornstarch and water in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Stir.
  • In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Slowly pour into the pan, whisking as you go.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue simmering, stirring often, until thickened.

Notes

Store any leftover sauce in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop and stir before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1625mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Big Mac

This is my take on the McDonald’s Big Mac. Grilled, of course. This is one mighty fine burger. You might have to do ‘the hunch’ because it’s gonna drip on ya. And ya might have to press down a bit on it because it’s a tall burger. We’re not messing around here, this is the classic Big Mac, with a wonderful twist. You can’t go wrong with a grilled Big Mac. In my opinion a grilled burger beats out any other burger every day of the week. Well, ok I might say it’s tied with a smash burger. Either way, this is a great burger.

Grilled Big Mac

Grilled Is Better, I Think

I’m not a big fan of any burger that isn’t cooked over fire, so these burgers have that Big Mac taste along with that great grill flavor. They’re big, messy, and delicious! Oh, and they’re bigger! Heck, you can make them as big as you want!

I also make grilled Big Mac sliders and slider Big Mac hoagies.

Also try my Big Mac hot dogs. They’re fantastic!

Grilled Big Mac
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Grilled Big Mac

This is my take on the McDonald’s Big Mac. Grilled, of course. This is one mighty fine burger.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, grilled, McDonald’s
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1191kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the special sauce

For the burger

Instructions

For the special sauce

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the burgers

  • Form ground beef into 8 patties, each about 3 1/2 ounces each.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill burgers until done.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Lightly toast the buns.
  • Assemble burgers by slathering bun bottoms with special sauce.
  • Add some onion and lettuce.
  • Top with a burger patty and dill pickles.
  • Add another bun. Slather it with sauce and add onion, lettuce, a patty and more dill pickle.
  • Top with another burger bun top and serve.

Notes

I like to make bigger versions of these burgers by using bigger patties and adding more toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 1191kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 89g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 1532mg | Potassium: 835mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 732IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 607mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chicken Brine

There are a lot of variations on brines for poultry. I use this chicken brine because it is super simple and can be easily modified to impart different, though subtle, flavors into the meat. It doesn’t matter whether you grill your chicken, roast it, or deep fry it. You’ll end up with tender, juicy meat in the end.

Chicken Brine

Great For A Batch Of Chicken

This makes enough for a family pack of chicken wings, or about 4 large chicken breasts. You’ll want to double (or triple) the amount for a whole chicken. Keep in mind that you don’t normally end up with crunchy skin (unless you coat the chicken) when you brine. You’re adding flavor. Lots of it.

For pork I use an apple brine instead.

Smoked Chicken Wings
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Chicken Brine

This makes enough for a family pack of chicken wings, or about 4 large chicken breasts.
Course Marinade
Cuisine American
Keyword brined, chicken
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 288kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in a resealable bag.
  • Combine remaining ingredients and add to the bag.
  • Seal bag and place inside a large bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours, rotating the bag every 15 minutes or so.
  • Shake off excess brine before cooking.

Notes

Great for any cut of chicken. 

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 9700mg | Potassium: 849mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sausage-Stuffed Grilled Sweet Peppers

These little sausage-stuffed grilled sweet peppers are like popcorn. You just keep popping them into your mouth. They are very, very good. The original inspiration came from Chris over at the Nibble Me This blog site. Check Chris’ site out. He always posts great grilling and smoking ideas. These peppers are no exception.

Sausage-Stuffed Grilled Sweet Peppers

Fire Up And Get To Enjoying!

Since we are currently remodeling our kitchen we made these entirely on our ancient Weber gas grill. A charcoal would add that special charcoal-infused flavor. You could even use a flat-top grill. No matter what you use to make them, these sausage-stuffed grilled sweet peppers are fantastic.

For a spicy version, just substitute hot Italian sausage. Keep going and use shredded pepper jack instead of the Italian blend.

You could get by not skewering the peppers when you put them on the grill. You’ll want to be a bit more careful turning them if you do. You don’t want to toss them around on the grill or you’ll lose the stuffing. The skewers give you a bit more control over them.

The Italian sausage mixture is moist, tender, and very tasty! For a pizza twist, try my grilled bell pepper pizzas!

Sausage-Stuffed Grilled Sweet Peppers
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Sausage-Stuffed Grilled Sweet Peppers

These little sausage-stuffed grilled sweet peppers are like popcorn. You just keep popping them into your mouth.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, peppers, sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 232kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound mini sweet bell peppers
  • 1 pound ground Italian Sausage
  • ½ Vidalia onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium tomato seeded and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flake or much more
  • ¼ cup Italian cheese blend shredded

Instructions

  • Soak some bamboo skewers in water.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Add peppers and boil for 3 minutes.
  • Drain peppers and place into an ice bath for 5 minutes.
  • Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
  • Crumble sausage into a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until nearly done.
  • Add onion, garlic, tomato, basil, oregano and pepper.
  • Stir and cook until onions are softened.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in the cheese. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Fill peppers with the sausage mixture.
  • Skewer and place over direct heat on a grill for 3-5 minutes.
  • Flip and grill another 3-5 minutes.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Use spicy sausage for a little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Deluxe Hobo Packets

Since our kitchen is being remodeled, we prepare all of our meals on the grill. But that doesn’t mean we have to have hot dogs and hamburgers every night!

We love these deluxe hobo packets. Now, to be true to the name, you need to make them in foil pouches, but I made such a big batch I would’ve ended up with 14 packets! Instead I used a large aluminum pan.

Hobo Packets Version 2.0

Everyone Into The Pan!

These deluxe hobo packets taste just as good if not better the day after you’ve made them. You can use whatever you have on hand – add squash, carrots, anything! And make sure to get plenty of the delicious broth from the bottom of the pan in each and every bite!

Also try my lumberjack breakfast packets.

Hobo Packets Version 2.0
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Deluxe Hobo Packets

We love these hobo packets. Now, to be true to the name, you need to make them in foil pouches, but I made such a big batch I would’ve ended up with 14 packets! Instead I used a large aluminum pan.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword packets
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 504kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 pound smoked sausage cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 medium potatoes cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • 1 medium green cabbage cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 large sweet onion cut into chunks
  • 1 medium green pepper chopped
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper chopped
  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium tomatoes cut into wedges
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ 15 ounce Italian salad dressing
  • Kosher salt
  • ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Set up a grill for indirect cooking.
  • Tear of 4 large sheets of aluminum foil (or use a large foil pan).
  • Combine all but the seasoning and dressing in a large bowl.
  • Add the seasoning, dressing and salt and pepper and stir to coat.
  • Divide between the packets or pour into the pan. Seal packets (or cover the pan with foil).
  • Cook over indirect heat for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 775mg | Potassium: 1556mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1785IU | Vitamin C: 135mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Quick Taco Salads

Unbelievably easy to make, these quick taco salads disappear really fast. Use whatever toppings you have on hand. And whatever toppings you enjoy. We kept them pretty simple. There’s nothing fancy going on here. Just a quick and easy salad-for-dinner.

Quick Fix Taco Salads

Perfect Salads In No Time

If you have the time, slow cook the beef a little longer for a more tender, flavorful filling. I like to let mine simmer with the lid on for at least two hours. I add a bit of water if the mixture gets too dry. It’s not really a necessary step but I think the beef gets more flavor. All the way through.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Also try my Mexican cornbread salad and my quick fix shrimp tacos.

Quick Fix Taco Salads
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Taco Salads

Unbelievably easy to make, these quick taco salads disappear really fast. Use whatever toppings you have on hand or enjoy. We kept them pretty simple.
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword quick fix, salad, taco
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 726kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ small white onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Taco seasoning or 1 packet pre-made
  • 4 tortilla bowls pre-made taco salad bowls
  • 2-3 cups iceberg lettuce shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 large tomato chopped
  • ¼ cup Ranch salad dressing

Instructions

  • Brown ground beef in a large skillet with the onion.
  • Drain and add the seasoning.
  • Stir, and cook over low heat 5-10 minutes, adding a bit of water if the mixture gets too dry.
  • Warm taco bowls per package instructions.
  • Spoon beef into the taco bowls.
  • Top with lettuce, cheese and tomato.
  • Drizzle with Ranch dressing and serve.

Notes

I love Ranch, but of course you can use your favorite salad dressing!

Nutrition

Calories: 726kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 738mg | Potassium: 515mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1025IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 10mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cucumber Roulades

I was looking for an easy side for dinner the other night. That usually means salad greens with dressing and croutons. Nothing fancy. But, then I remembered I’d bookmarked this awesome idea for cucumber roulades from Kraft. They’re normally served as appetizers, but they also work great as sides in the place of salads.

Cucumber Roulades

A Great Party Favor

These cucumber roulades are a family favorite. I’m often asked to bring them to get-togethers. You can take all of the ingredients with you. You’ll want to cut and scoop out the cucumbers ahead of time. Then just make them ‘on site’ in just minutes. If you like roasted red peppers (and we do), the Italian Roasted Red Pepper dressing from Kraft is great on these cucumber roulades. But, you can substitute any flavorful vinaigrette that you like.

Also try my creamy cucumber salad.

Cucumber Roulades
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Cucumber Roulades

Normally served as appetizers, but they also work great as sides in the place of salads.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cucumber
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 8kcal
Author From Kraft

Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber peeled, cut into 1 1/2″ pieces
  • ¼ cup chive and onion cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Kraft Italian Roasted Red Pepper dressing more or less

Instructions

  • Use a melonballer to spoon out the insides of the cucumber pieces, leaving a little at the base.
  • Spoon or pipe (I used a sandwich bag, with a corner cut off) cream cheese into the cucumber.
  • Serve drizzled with the dressing.

Notes

If you can’t find the dressing you can substitute a spicy Italian or a Greek vinaigrette.

Nutrition

Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Coleslaw

I was somewhat pessimistic when I first saw this recipe for Oriental Ramen broccoli coleslaw. My wife sent it to me and asked that I make it for her to take to work for lunch. And of course, I did! Ya know, to like stay in good graces. Well, not only did I stay on her good side I got a great slaw too!

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Coleslaw

Different And Delicious

I was really surprised at how much I liked this oriental Ramen broccoli coleslaw. It is fresh. The flavors are not overpowering, with just a hint of seasoning. It’s light and crunchy and really delicious. This recipe makes for a pretty good-sized batch, but for a huge crowd I’d double it. It holds up well for picnics and family get-togethers.

This slaw is great with my Ramen-seasoned chicken wings.

Oriental Ramen Broccoli Cole Slaw
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Oriental Ramen Broccoli Coleslaw

I was really surprised at how much I liked this oriental Ramen broccoli coleslaw. It is fresh. The flavors are not overpowering, with just a hint of seasoning. This makes a pretty good-sized batch, but for a huge crowd I’d double it. It holds up well for picnics and family get-togethers.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, broccoli, cole slaw, coleslaw
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 248kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Do not open the noodle packages. Instead, crush them in your hands. Then, open them, remove and reserve the spice packets, and pour the noodles into a large bowl.
  • Add the broccoli, nuts, sunflowers seeds and green onions.
  • In a small bowl or Mason jar, combine the sugar, oil, reserved Ramen spices and vinegar. Whisk or shake well then pour into the bowl of slaw.
  • Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Notes

Toss or stir lightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce

Do you always put ketchup on your fries? Or maybe mayonnaise? Well, try this great maple mustard dipping sauce for a change. It has the kick of yellow, Dijon and stone ground mustards, with the sweetness of real maple syrup. This is a totally different, great change from all those countless fries that have met their demise in a pool of ketchup. Put that ketchup away, you don’t need it any more!

Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce

Dip Everything In Sight

This maple mustard dipping sauce also makes for yummy chicken finger dipping! Oh, and corn dogs? They absolutely scream for this sauce! This sauce takes anything good and makes it a whole lot better.

Don’t skimp on the maple syrup. Don’t reach for that high fructose corn syrup stuff. Get the real thing.

Also try my Sriracha mustard sauce.

Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce
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Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce

Do you always put ketchup on your fries? Or maybe mayonnaise? Well, try this great maple mustard dipping sauce for a change. It has the kick of yellow, Dijon and stone ground mustards, with the sweetness of real maple syrup.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword dipping sauce, maple, mustard
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 254kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2464mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.