Skip to main content

Grilled Moroccan Spiced Pork Tenderloin

This aromatic Moroccan spiced pork tenderloin is a vibrant high-protein dish that brings bold North African flavours to your dinner table. The marinade combines earthy cumin and coriander with the warmth of cinnamon and caraway, creates a beautifully caramelised crust when grilled. By butterflying the pork, you ensure the meat remains juicy and tender while absorbing every bit of the fragrant spice rub.

Perfect for a weekend barbecue or a nutritious midweek meal, this versatile dish is best served alongside salty grilled halloumi and soft naan bread. The addition of cool yoghurt provides a refreshing contrast to the gentle heat of the chilli, making it a well-balanced meal for the whole family. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a satisfying, homemade dinner that is as healthy as it is delicious.

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Grilled Moroccan Spiced Pork Tenderloin

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground coriander

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground chilli powder, preferably ancho

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt (Diamond crystal)

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground caraway

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper

  • 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 pork tenderloins, about 575g each, butterflied and lightly pounded to 1/2-inch thickness

  • Grilled naan, grilled haloumi and plain yoghurt for serving

In a small bowl, combine the coriander, cumin, chilli powder, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, caraway, black pepper and oil, pressing out any lumps of sugar. On a baking sheet, rub the mixture all over the pork and let sit, covered at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 4 hours or up to overnight. Return to room temperature.

Light a grill and oil the grates. Grill the pork over moderately high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 135°, about 9 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let sit for 10 minutes, loosely tented with foil before cutting into thick slices. Serve with warm grilled naan, haloumi and yoghurt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.