Asian Barbecue Pork Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 (1-1/2 pound) plain pork tenderloins (not the marinated type)
• 1/2 cup prune juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Place the pork tenderloins in a non-reactive large bowl and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the prune juice, lemon juice, honey, tomato paste, smashed garlic clove, soy sauce, dry mustard powder, ground cloves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Blend well with a wire whisk.
3. Pour the prune mixture over the pork. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours, turning the pork over in the marinade once or twice.
4. When you're ready to eat, preheat the oven to 400°F.
5. Take the pork out of the marinade and lay the tenderloins in a glass baking dish. Remove the garlic from the marinade and discard. Save the marinade.
6. Pour the saved marinade into a small pan and, over high heat, bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low so the marinade simmers while the pork cooks. Watch the marinade to make sure it doesn't burn.
7. Roast the pork for 10 minutes, then remove and brush with some of the marinade. Return the pork to the oven.
8. Continue roasting the pork for another 25 to 35 minutes, spooning some of the marinade over the meat twice during roasting time.
9. When the pork registers at least 145°F, remove it from the oven. Spoon over any remaining marinade. Let the meat stand for 5 minutes, then slice to serve. Serve with your favorite coleslaw on the side.

Serves 6

Variations and Tips

• The prune juice adds richness and color to the marinade. You can swap the prune juice for apple juice or pineapple juice if you prefer.
• If you like a spicy BBQ recipe, be generous when adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or add a minced jalapeno pepper.
• This recipe can be used with a pork loin, which is a larger cut of meat. Roast a 2 pound loin for about 1 hour at 400°F.
• Pork can be safely cooked to 145°F, according to the USDA. The pork will be slightly pink on the inside. You can roast the pork longer, until it registers 160°F, if you prefer it more well done.