Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Published 5/1/2022
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Here is the best grilled pork tenderloin recipe; it’s dry-rubbed in smokey spices, marinated in a sweet bbq soy sauce, and grilled to juicy perfection. It’s a simple pork tenderloin recipe, but it turns out so tender and flavorful.
BEST Grilled Pork Tenderloin on the Internet
This is truly the best grilled pork tenderloin recipe out there. We did a two-step flavor process of both dry rubbing and marinating so that it comes out extra flavorful, but still super juicy and tender on the inside.
We love that pork tenderloin on the grill is such an easy and inexpensive dinner idea. Not to mention, the entire family will absolutely adore this.
Why you should be grilling pork tenderloin!
- So flavorful: looking for a flavorful way to cook pork? This is it. The combination of the dry rub, marinade, and charred grill marks make this pork so flavorful.
- Healthy: is pork tenderloin healthy? The answer is yes! It’s high in protein and lower in fat.
- Inexpensive: lucky for you, pork tenderloin is a pretty inexpensive cut of meat.
- High protein: per serving this recipe has 32g of protein.
What is pork tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is similar to pork loin in that it is a very lean cut of meat. Pork tenderloin is cut from the rear end of the loin making it super tender.
Did you know: Most of the time pork tenderloin is sold as 2 1-lb. tenderloins? That is perfect for this recipe because it calls for 2 tenderloins!
Cuts of Pork
Not sure where all the different cuts of pork come from on the pig? We made it easy. Check out more details on everything pork in our favorite pork recipes round up!
3 Steps to Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Rub – the rub is the flavor foundation of this recipe. Don’t be afraid to use the entirety of the suggested amount. The more flavor the better.
- Marinate – marinating your pork tenderloin is going to infuse even more flavor into the meat. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours and for best results, overnight.
- Grill –grilling your pork tenderloin is the final step in this recipe creating an ultra juicy inside and deliciously charred outside.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Rub
The first step in creating the most delicious pork tenderloin is a dry rub. If you have our dry rub for pork on hand, you can use that. Or else, we’re making things a little bit smokier this time around. Here’s what you need:
- smoked paprika
- cayenne
- garlic powder
- ground black pepper
- ground cinnamon
- coarse salt
Pro tip
We love keeping this rub on hand at all times because it’s also delish on poultry and beef. So feel free to double or triple it.
2. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinade
Looking for a simple, flavorful grilled pork tenderloin marinade? We are sharing one that is just 3 ingredients. It sweet and salty all at the same time and made with basic ingredients:
- Minced garlic
- BBQ sauce
- Soy sauce (or tamari)
How long to marinate pork tenderloin?
Let your tenderloins marinate for at least 2 hours for best results. The longer they sit, the more the flavor infuses into the meat!
3. How to Grill Pork Tenderloin
The reason we love grilling pork tenderloin is to get that charred outside with the perfectly cooked, juicy inside. How is that done? A quick sear on high heat followed by a lower temperature cook.
- Preheat grill to 450ºF – 500ºF (high heat). Once your grill is preheated, sear your pork tenderloin for 2 minutes on each side over direct heat.
- Then, turn ½ the burners to low and move pork tenderloin to the low heat side, leaving the other side burners on high. Your grill should drop down to around 400ºF.
- Grill pork tenderloin for around 12 minutes*, flipping halfway through. The pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 145ºF (medium-rare). Remove from the grill and let sit for at least 5 minutes.
Pro tip: pork will continue to cook once it’s removed from the heat. Since we’re removing it at 145ºF it will actually be more like medium once it’s sat for a few minutes. We suggest a meat thermometer to get the most precise temperature reading.
Try it!
Thermoworks Thermapen
We swear by using a meat thermometer when cooking any cut of meat. The Thermapen is our go-to meat thermometer that works every time.
Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill
Wondering which kind of grill you should use? Either works for this recipe. We prefer a gas grill because it heats up faster and you can monitor the temperature more precisely.
For those of you who love charcoal, we understand why! Using a charcoal grill adds that smoky charred flavor that only a charcoal grill can provide.
Can I bake this recipe instead?
Of course, you can! We suggest searing your tenderloin on all sides in a cast-iron skillet before putting the entire skillet into the oven. Roast at around 400ºF for 6 minutes, then flip the tenderloin and cook for another 6-10 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 145ºF.
Check out our baked pork tenderloin recipe for more inspo.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Tips and Tricks
Grill pork tenderloin at 450ºF – 500ºF for 2 minutes on each side. Then, turn the grill down to 400ºF and continue cooking for around 10-13 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145ºF.
You know your pork tenderloin is done once the internal temperature of your pork reads 145ºF, which is medium-rare. DO NOT. I repeat DO NOT overcook your pork!
Can pork tenderloin be a little pink? Yes, pork tenderloin can be a little pink. However, in order to safely consume it, the internal temperature should be at least 145ºF.
Always let your pork rest after cooking so that it can continue cooking (the temp will rise about 5º). This also helps your meat get super juicy on the inside!
Both are great options, however grilling pork tenderloin will leave you with super juicy pork on the inside and a charred, delicious outside.
What to Serve with Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Looking for a side dish, vegetrable, or two to pair with your pork? Check out some of our favorites below!
Potatoes: potatoes are always a good idea. Try our Baked Potatoes in Foil, Grilled Red Potatoes, or Roasted Red Potatoes!
Carrots: Love carrots? Us too! Try them on the grill (pictured) or follow our roasted root vegetable recipe for an oven option!
Asparagus: Whether you prefer oven-roasted asparagus or asparagus on the grill, these spears are a perfect side to this pork tenderloin on the grill.
Corn: Our street corn salad is a reader fav, as is our grilled corn in foil!
Storage
Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: microwave on high for 60-90 seconds.
Super Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 2 lbs. pork tenderloin, typically comes in a package of 2 1-lb. pork tenderloins
Dry Rub
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1.5 teaspoons coarse salt
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce, any kind
- ¼ cup soy sauce, or tamari
Instructions
Pork Tenderloin
- Pat pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel.
- Mix dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl and then season both pork tenderloins on all sides. Use your hands to rub it in.
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a separate bowl. Then, pour the marinade into a large Stasher bag or Ziploc. Add dry-rubbed pork tenderloins to the bag and make sure they are completely submerged. Seal the bag and let the pork marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- When ready to cook, heat grill to 450°F – 500°F.
- When the grill is preheated, carefully spray grill grates with a little cooking spray (be careful this will ignite the flames) and sear pork tenderloins over direct heat for 2 minutes per side.
- Then, turn ½ the burners to low and move pork tenderloin to the low heat side, leaving the other side burners on high. Your grill should drop down to around 400ºF.
- Grill pork tenderloin for around 12 minutes*, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 145ºF.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife to slice pork tenderloin and serve it with the grilled carrots.
Grilled Carrots
- Get the full recipe for our grilled carrots HERE.
Tips & Notes
- Cook time depends on the thickness of the pork tenderloin. We used 2 l-lb. pork tenderloins, but if you are using a single 2 lb. tenderloin, it will take longer. Just make sure it gets to an internal temperature of 145ºF.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.
I gave 5 stars because the flavor was wonderful, but I must have done something wrong. Mine was very tough. I marinated for 2 hours. It might have been the tenderloin I bought. Bummer! Any suggestions?
That is very odd! I’ve made this countless times with super juicy tenderloin. I always try to buy organic/free ranch when possible!
We loved this recipe and will definitely make it again. Thanks for posting!
We loved this recipe and will definitely make it again! Thanks for posting it!
Genial!!
New favorite pork recipe!!!! So easy but so good!
So good, right?!
OMG!!!! This was the best pork I’ve ever had! I need to get more friends to “surprise” them with this recipe
So happy we walked into your pork grilling yesterday 😛
You guys really outdid yourselves on this one! My husband called it “meat candy” as we were eating it lol SO GOOD!!
OMG lol I love this review!
This looks great! How much brown sugar or coconut sugar do you use? It’s in your text but not in the ingredients list. Thanks in advance!
Hi!! Good catch. I just updated the copy within the post. TYPO!