Grilled Pork Tenderloin & Asparagus with Peanut Dipping Sauce

The grilling season is upon us and this recipe is perfect for a sunny afternoon! Gather your friends and family and enjoy this delicious meal! Half of the marinade is used to flavor the meat and vegetables and the other half is combined with peanut butter to create an amazing dipping sauce.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:
 
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 pound fresh asparagus, rinsed and snapped
1 pound pork tenderloin
1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)


1.) Make the marinade by whisking together the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and lemon pepper in a bowl, and reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture in a separate container.

2.) Place the asparagus in a ziplock bag and pour in 1/4 cup of the marinade from the bowl. Work the bag gently with your fingers to distribute the marinade. Do the same with the pork tenderloin, using a second ziplock bag and the remaining marinade from the bowl. Let the meat and vegetables marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a charcoal fire or heat a gas grill to medium-high, and oil the grates.

3.) Add the peanut butter to the reserved marinade and whisk the mixture until smooth.

4.) Grill the tenderloin for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, rotating it a quarter turn at a time, until the internal temperature registers 145º in the center. Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes (the internal temperature will rise to 150º). Meanwhile, grill the asparagus spears for 2 minutes per side.

5.) Slice the pork diagonally into 1- to 2-inch slices. It should be juicy and slightly pink inside. Serve the meat and the asparagus with the peanut dipping sauce.

From Family Fun Magazine
Serves 4.