Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pork, Apple Sauce, and Roasted Carrots

Boost Muscle Growth with This High-Protein Bodybuilding Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pork, Apple Sauce, and Roasted Carrots

Introduction

Building muscle isn’t just about hitting the gym hard—it’s about fueling your body with the right nutrients to recover and grow. If you’re looking for a meal that’s high in protein, full of flavor, and breaks the monotony of chicken and beef, this Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pork, Apple Sauce, and Roasted Carrots is your next big win. It’s a lean, delicious dish that balances savory and sweet, making it a bodybuilding-friendly treat you’ll actually look forward to.

In this article, we’ll dive into why nutrition is the key to unlocking your gains, walk you through this simple recipe, and explain how it supports your muscle-building journey. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Macro-Friendly Recipe for Bodybuilders: Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pork, Apple Sauce, and Roasted Carrots

Recipe Name

Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pork, Apple Sauce, and Roasted Carrots

Servings

Makes 4 servings

Macro Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 18g

These macros are spot-on for muscle-building—high protein for recovery, moderate carbs for energy, and healthy fats for balance. Adjust the apple sauce or carrots to fit your bulking or cutting goals!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory-sweet, muscle-building meal. It’s fresh, simple, and packed with goodness.

• 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh rosemary, chopped, for garnish

No grill? Use a grill pan or oven broiler for the pork. Swap carrots for parsnips or sweet potatoes if you want a twist—the apple sauce pairs beautifully with any root veggie!

Instructions

This dinner comes together in about 45 minutes—perfect for a weeknight or meal prep. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Roast the Carrots: In a bowl, toss the carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Season the Pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry. Rub it with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while the carrots roast.
4. Grill the Pork: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Grill the tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until it reaches an internal temp of 145°F (63°C) for medium. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice into medallions.
5. Make the Apple Sauce: While the pork grills, combine the chopped apples, lemon juice, honey (if using), and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Add 1/4 cup water and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft. Mash with a fork for a chunky texture or blend for a smoother sauce.
6. Serve: Divide the roasted carrots into 4 portions. Add a few slices of grilled pork tenderloin to each plate, and spoon a dollop of apple sauce on the side or over the pork. Garnish with fresh rosemary and enjoy hot.

Pro tip: Make extra—the pork and carrots reheat well for a few days of high-protein meals. Store the apple sauce separately to keep it fresh.

Benefits for Bodybuilding

How This Recipe Supports Muscle Growth and Recovery

Why is this pork tenderloin dish a bodybuilder’s secret weapon? Let’s break down the gains:

• Protein Power: With 36g of protein per serving, the pork tenderloin delivers lean, high-quality protein to repair muscle fibers after your workouts. It’s a low-fat cut that’s perfect for recovery.
• Complex Carbs for Fuel: Carrots and apples bring 28g of carbs—natural, slow-digesting energy—to replenish glycogen stores so you’re ready for your next lift. They’re packed with fiber too.
• Micronutrients for Recovery: Carrots offer vitamin A and antioxidants to support muscle repair and immunity, while pork adds B vitamins (like B6 and niacin) for energy metabolism.
• Healthy Fats: The olive oil (18g of fat) supports hormone production—like testosterone—crucial for muscle growth, while keeping the dish light and flavorful.

This meal is a nutritional triple threat: protein for growth, carbs for energy, and fats for balance. It’s a delicious, wholesome way to fuel your bodybuilding goals.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pork, Apple Sauce, and Roasted Carrots, a bodybuilding recipe that’s as tasty as it is effective. It’s high in protein, packed with nutrients, and brings a sweet-savory twist to your meal plan. Whether you’re bulking, cutting, or just enjoying the gym life, this dish has you covered.

Ready to grill up some gains? Grab your ingredients, heat up that grill, and let us know how it fuels your progress! Drop a comment or share your dinner pics—we’d love to see your take. Keep lifting, keep eating smart, and watch those muscles stack up!