Fire up your grill—pellet, gas, stick burner, kamado, or charcoal—and get it hot. The hardest part of this dish is preheating the grill, but once it’s ready, grilled pork tenderloin cooks quickly and delivers tender, juicy results. This versatile cut works great as a main for a weeknight dinner, sliced on a salad, tucked into a sandwich, or wrapped for meal prep.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Pork tenderloin is a lean, delicate cut that rewards quick, high-heat cooking. Because it’s so lean, it can go from perfectly juicy to overcooked fast. The simplest way to avoid dryness is to use an accurate instant-read or wireless thermometer and remove the meat from the heat a few degrees before your target internal temperature, then let it rest. Aim to finish the tenderloin at about 140°F, allowing carryover to bring it to a safe and juicy endpoint.
Shopping List
If you need to make a quick run to the store, pick up these basics. Quantities depend on the size of your tenderloin and the number of servings—refer to the recipe card below for exact amounts.
- Pork tenderloin (trimmed)
- Neutral oil with a high smoke point (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
- Your favorite barbecue rub or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Serve with a bright salad, grilled vegetables, or creamy sides like scalloped potatoes or coleslaw for a complete meal.
How to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin — Overview
Below is a concise overview of the cooking process. For exact ingredient amounts and a printable recipe, see the recipe card further down.
- Preheat the grill — Bring the grill to about 400°F for a hot sear and quick cook.
- Prep the tenderloin — Lightly brush with oil and coat with your chosen rub or seasoning.
- Grill — Place the tenderloin on the hot grill, close the lid, and cook 5–7 minutes before flipping. Continue until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Rest — Remove from the grill, tent loosely with foil, and rest 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Serve — Slice and serve. Use as a main, in sandwiches, or on salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store leftovers?
Store sliced or whole leftover tenderloin in an airtight container or sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Because this is a very lean cut, it’s best enjoyed soon after cooking to avoid drying out.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently to preserve moisture: a quick sear in butter on the stovetop, warming wrapped in foil in a low oven, or chopping and adding to sauced dishes like fried rice or pasta. Avoid high, direct heat for long periods.
More Pork Tenderloin Ideas
- Spicy grilled pork tenderloin with a bold rub
- Pork tenderloin served with a mustard or herb sauce
- Smoked and stuffed pork tenderloin for a special occasion
- Togarashi-style seasoned pork tenderloin
- Fresh herb sauce to brighten grilled pork
Other Recipes to Try
- Reverse-seared hanger steak
- Sous vide London broil
- Smoked hashbrown casserole
- Shrimp in a creamy vodka sauce
- Classic low-and-slow 3-2-1 ribs
- Smoked pulled pork baked beans
Simple Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Tender grilled pork tenderloin is an ideal quick weeknight dinner. It pairs well with salads, grilled vegetables, or creamy sides and adapts easily to different seasonings and sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil (or other high-heat oil)
- 2 tablespoons spicy pork rub or your choice of seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (approximately).
- Brush the tenderloin lightly with oil and coat evenly with the rub or seasoning.
- Place the pork directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and cook for 5–7 minutes. Flip and continue cooking.
- Grill until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. A wireless or instant-read thermometer helps prevent overcooking.
- Remove from the grill, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with rubs and marinades. A simple salt, pepper, and garlic rub is classic, while bolder spice blends add more kick. Pork tenderloin is a great canvas for different flavors.
Nutrition (per serving, estimate)
Calories: 78 • Total Fat: 4g • Saturated Fat: 1g • Cholesterol: 29mg • Sodium: 22mg • Carbohydrates: 0g • Protein: 10g
Nutrition information is an estimate.