Say hello to this juicy grilled pork tenderloin! Rubbed with a delicious spice blend and then soaked in a grilled pork tenderloin marinade, this piece of pork is charred to perfection.
Grilled pork tenderloin is such an easy and inexpensive dinner idea. Not to mention, is flavorful and juicy as ever!
Our signature pork tenderloin on the grill is a 3 step process, but that’s because we want you to get the most flavor as possible without drying out your meat. Let’s do this!
3-Step 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 dry rubbing that bad boy. 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 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.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinade
It sweet and salty all at the same time and only requires 3 ingredients! This grilled pork tenderloin marinade
- Minced garlic
- BBQ sauce
- Soy Sauce/Tamari
Pro tip: let your tenderloins marinate overnight for the best results. The longer they sit, the more flavor infuses into the meat!
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. Once your grill is preheated, sear your pork tenderloin for 2 minutes on each side over direct heat. This is when you
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. 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 145º it will actually be more like medium once it’s sat for a few minutes.
How long to grill pork tenderloin
Grilling pork tenderloin should take around 16-18 minutes in total depending on the thickness. Like we mentioned in this post, typically pork tenderloins are around 1 lb. each, but sometimes you can get a tenderloin that’s much thicker, which will take longer to reach an internal temp of 145ºF.
How do you know your pork tenderloin is done? You know your pork tenderloin is done once the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin reads 145ºF, which is medium-rare. DO NOT. I repeat DO NOT overcook your pork!
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.
Recipe Pairings
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.
Drinks: Cuz every grill out deserve a drink or two! Try our frozen margarita, Moscow mule, or hibiscus Arnold Palmer.
Pork Tenderloin Recipes
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin
- Try our: Slow Cooker Pork Roast
- Try our: Instant Pot Pork Roast
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Say hello to this juicy grilled pork tenderloin! Rubbed with a delicious spice blend and then soaked in a grilled pork tenderloin marinade, this piece of pork is charred to perfection.
Ingredients
- 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
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari)
Carrots
- 2 lb. carrots, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup soy sauce
Instructions
For the pork
- Pat pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel.
- Mix dry rub ingredients together in a medium bowl and then season both pork tenderloins on all sides. Use your hands to rub it in.
- Mix marinade ingredients in a separate bowl and then transfer marinade into a large Stasher bag or Ziploc. Add dry-rubbed pork tenderloins to the bag and make sure they are completely submerged. Let pork marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight (recommended).
- When ready to cook, preheat the grill to 450°F – 500°F.
- When the grill is preheated, 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. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145ºF.
- Remove from the grill and let sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Slice and serve and serve with carrots.
For the 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.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/6 Calories: 231 Sugar: 12 Fat: 5 Carbohydrates: 17 Fiber: 0 Protein: 32Keywords: grilled pork tenderloin, how to grill pork tenderloin
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!