Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Alyssa Rivers · Jul 11, 2023

A homemade pork tenderloin sandwich is the perfect hearty lunch! Juicy grilled pork slathered in a tasty mix of spices, nestled between soft buns, and topped off with fresh tomato slices, sizzling grilled onions, crunchy lettuce, and zesty pickles. You’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Level up your lunch game with these other great sandwich recipes: the absolute best BLT, corned beef sandwich, or cuban sandwich!

A pork tenderloin sandwich topped with pickles, tomatoes, greens, and grilled onions.

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Recipe

Pork tenderloin is highly underrated. I don’t know why, it’s so soft and tender! It’s great on its own, but even more delicious on a sandwich piled high with other delicious toppings. (All of which you can customize to your liking!)

Grilling pork tenderloin gives it the perfect flavor and texture. It’s smoky and charred, but juicy and tender on the inside. For extra flavor, I season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and thyme. Each bite is a dream! So gather up your favorite buns and fixings, because this pork tenderloin sandwich is a must-make lunch!

Sandwich Ingredients and Toppings

Here is everything you need to make the grilled pork tenderloin, along with some fixings! Check out my tips section below for more tasty toppings to add to your sandwich.

Pork Tenderloins: These are juicy and flavorful cuts of pork that form the main filling of the sandwich.
Olive Oil: This is used to cook the pork in and also adds a touch of richness. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or butter instead.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the pork.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the pork’s taste. If you don’t have black pepper, you can use crushed red pepper flakes or skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory garlic flavor to the pork. Fresh minced garlic also works!
Cumin: This spice provides a smoky and slightly spicy taste.
Thyme: Aromatic herb that adds freshness to the pork.
Buns of Choice: Choose your favorite type of bun, such as hamburger buns, brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, or even tortillas for a wrap-style sandwich.
Sliced Tomatoes: For some juicy, sweet flavor!
Red Onion (Sliced and Grilled): Grilled red onions add a sweet and smoky flavor to the pork tenderloin sandwich.
Lettuce: For a refreshing crunch. You can also substitute with other leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or kale.
Sliced Pickles: These add some tangy, crunchy flavor.

How to Make a Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Time to fire up the grill, because this pork tenderloin sandwich is one of the best things you’ll make this summer! It’s simple to prepare and so satisfying.

Heat Grill: Heat your grill to medium high (350-400 degrees Fahrenheit) and prepare your pork by rubbing it with the olive oil.
Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl combine your salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and thyme. Rub your oiled pork with the spice mix to coat evenly.
Grill Pork: Place the pork tenderloins onto the heated grill and cook for 12-15 minutes on each side. Check the temperature of the pork for doneness, it should read 155 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the pork.
Prepare Vegetables: Slice your vegetables while pork is grilling, during the last 15 minutes of grilling your pork, grill your red onions, brush them with olive oil and place them on the grill.
Grill Veggies: Grill the onions about 5 minutes on each side and then remove from grill.
Slice: Remove pork from the grill when it is fully cooked, allow it to set at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then cut the tenderloins into about 1 inch sections.
Assemble: To assemble sandwich, split your buns or rolls, spread some mayonnaise on each bun. Place some lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by your pork, tomatoes, grilled onions and pickles. Then finish with salt and pepper to taste.

4-photo collage of the pork being seasoned and grilled.

Toppings and Variations

You can do any variation of fillings in this pork tenderloin sandwich, the pork is the star so dress it up any way you would like!

Other Great Sandwich Fillings: Pepperoncini, cheese, avocado, sauerkraut, microgreens, and many more!
Spreads: Instead of mayo alone, add a layer of barbecue sauce, chipotle mayo, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard to your buns.

A pork tenderloin sandwich being picked up.

Storing Leftovers

To keep your grilled pork fresh and delicious, store it separately from the toppings and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.

Sandwich: Once you’ve made the pork tenderloin sandwich, it’s best to enjoy it within 24 hours. The moisture from the toppings and sauces can make it soggy over time. If you need to store it longer, keep the components separate and assemble the sandwich just before eating.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin: If you have cooked pork tenderloin left over, it can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to store it for a longer time, freezing it is a good option. Cooked pork tenderloin can be frozen for 2-3 months. Remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating or using it in sandwiches.

Front view of a sandwich with a bite taken out of it.

More Delicious Pork Tenderloin Recipes

Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite meats to work with. It’s soft, tender, and cooks up so easily! If you loved this pork tenderloin sandwich, here are a few more recipes you’ll have to try next:

Pork

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Dinner

Grilled Honey Dijon Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Dinner

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Dinner

Roasted Cranberry Orange Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans

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