Succulent Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most succulent and flavorful grilled pork tenderloin. This exceptional recipe combines a smoky dry rub, a sweet and savory BBQ soy sauce marinade, and expert grilling techniques to achieve pork tenderloin perfection. It’s remarkably simple yet delivers an incredibly tender and richly flavored result that will impress everyone at your table.

Experience the Best Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Prepare to elevate your grilling game with what we confidently call the best grilled pork tenderloin recipe you’ll ever find. Our unique two-step flavor infusion process, involving both a robust dry rub and a flavorful marinade, ensures that every bite is bursting with taste while remaining incredibly juicy and tender. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a method designed for consistently outstanding results.

One of the many reasons to adore grilling pork tenderloin is its incredible ease and affordability. It’s an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, promising a delicious meal that the entire family will love without breaking the bank. Get ready to add this to your regular dinner rotation!

Understanding Pork Tenderloin: A Prized Cut

Pork tenderloin is a long, thin, lean cut of meat, often compared to beef tenderloin due to its tenderness. It’s sourced from the loin of the pig, specifically from the area running along the backbone, which sees very little use. This lack of muscle activity is precisely why pork tenderloin is renowned for its incredibly tender texture, making it perfect for quick-cooking methods like grilling.

Interesting Fact: You’ll often find pork tenderloin sold in packages containing two 1-pound pieces. This is ideal for many recipes, including ours, which typically calls for two tenderloins, ensuring you have just the right amount for a family meal or entertaining guests.

Explore Different Cuts of Pork

Curious about where various cuts of pork originate on the pig? We’ve made it simple to understand! Delve deeper into the world of pork and discover more details, alongside our collection of favorite pork recipes, designed to help you master every cut.

Learn More About Pork

Mastering Grilled Pork Tenderloin: A Simple 3-Step Method

Achieving perfectly grilled pork tenderloin is surprisingly straightforward with our proven three-step process. Each stage builds upon the last, layering flavors and ensuring an exceptional dining experience. Follow these steps for tender, juicy, and beautifully charred pork every time:

1. The Flavorful Rub: This dry rub is more than just seasoning; it’s the fundamental flavor layer of our recipe. Don’t hesitate to use the full recommended amount. The more generously you apply the rub, the deeper and more robust the flavor will be, creating a delicious crust during grilling.
2. The Essential Marinade: Marinating your pork tenderloin is crucial for infusing profound flavors and enhancing moisture. It works to tenderize the meat and allows the sweet and savory notes to penetrate deeply. For optimal results, let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours, or for an even richer flavor, prepare it the night before and let it marinate overnight.
3. The Art of Grilling: The final and most exciting step is grilling. This method is specifically chosen to create that desirable charred exterior, rich with smoky flavor, while preserving an ultra-juicy and tender interior. The high heat of the grill locks in moisture and adds incomparable texture.

1. Crafting the Perfect Grilled Pork Tenderloin Dry Rub

The journey to the most delicious pork tenderloin begins with an expertly blended dry rub. If you already have our all-purpose dry rub for pork on hand, feel free to use it. However, for this grilled rendition, we’re aiming for a slightly smokier, more aromatic profile. Here are the simple yet powerful ingredients you’ll need:

• Smoked Paprika: Provides a rich, smoky depth and beautiful color.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle kick, easily adjustable to your heat preference.
• Garlic Powder: A foundational savory note that complements pork perfectly.
• Ground Black Pepper: Essential for a classic, pungent spice.
• Ground Cinnamon: A surprising touch that adds warmth and complexity, balancing the savory notes.
• Coarse Salt: Crucial for seasoning and drawing out moisture for a tender result.

Combine these spices thoroughly in a small bowl. Once mixed, generously coat both pork tenderloins, pressing the rub firmly into the meat to ensure it adheres well. This foundational layer is key to building an incredible flavor profile.

2. The Easy and Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinade

After applying the dry rub, the next step is to immerse your pork tenderloin in a simple yet incredibly potent marinade. This quick, three-ingredient marinade is designed to infuse the meat with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making your grilled pork irresistibly juicy. It’s crafted from basic pantry staples:

• Minced Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic base that pairs wonderfully with pork.
• BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite! It brings sweetness, tang, and a rich, savory depth.
• Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Adds umami and a salty kick, enhancing the overall flavor. Tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative if needed.

Simply whisk these three ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Then, transfer the dry-rubbed pork tenderloins into a large, sealable bag (like a Stasher bag or Ziploc) and pour the marinade over them, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and place it in the refrigerator.

3. Expert Guide: How to Grill Pork Tenderloin to Perfection

The magic of grilling pork tenderloin lies in achieving that beautiful charred exterior while keeping the inside perfectly cooked and incredibly juicy. This is accomplished through a strategic two-phase cooking process: an initial high-heat sear followed by a more moderate temperature cook. Here’s how to master it:

1. Preheat and Sear: Begin by preheating your grill to a high temperature, aiming for 450ºF to 500ºF. Once the grill is screaming hot, carefully place your marinated pork tenderloins directly over the high heat. Sear each side for 2 minutes. This crucial step creates a delicious, caramelized crust and locks in the juices.
2. Reduce Heat and Cook Indirectly: After searing, it’s time to transition to a lower cooking temperature. Turn off or reduce half of your grill burners to low, moving the pork tenderloins to the side with lower or no direct heat. The remaining burners should stay on high, maintaining a grill temperature of approximately 400ºF. This creates an indirect cooking zone.
3. Finish Grilling and Rest: Continue grilling the pork tenderloin in the indirect heat zone for about 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. The precise cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your tenderloins and your grill’s heat. The most critical aspect is checking the internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer. Aim for a minimum internal temperature of 145ºF for medium-rare. Once it reaches this temperature, promptly remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.

Professional Tip: Remember that pork continues to cook even after it’s removed from the heat – this is known as “carry-over cooking.” When you remove your pork tenderloin at 145ºF, its temperature will typically rise another 5 degrees or so while resting, reaching a perfect medium. For the most accurate and safe results, a high-quality meat thermometer is indispensable.

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Choosing Your Grill: Gas vs. Charcoal

Whether you prefer a gas grill or a charcoal grill, both can produce fantastic results for this pork tenderloin recipe. Your choice often comes down to personal preference and convenience:

Gas Grill Advantages: We often lean towards a gas grill for its ease of use and precise temperature control. It heats up quickly, allowing you to get cooking faster, and maintaining a consistent temperature or adjusting for two-zone cooking (high and low heat) is significantly simpler. This precision helps achieve that perfect sear followed by gentle indirect cooking, which is ideal for tenderloin.

Charcoal Grill Advantages: For those who cherish that authentic, deep smoky flavor and intense char, a charcoal grill is unrivaled. While it requires a bit more effort to set up and manage the heat, the distinctive smoky essence that charcoal imparts to the pork tenderloin is absolutely worth it for many. If you’re using charcoal, ensure you still create a two-zone cooking setup for optimal results.

Can’t Grill? Try Baking Your Pork Tenderloin!

Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can certainly achieve a delicious pork tenderloin in your oven. The key is to replicate some of the textural benefits of grilling. Here’s our recommended baking method:

1. First, ensure your pork tenderloin is properly rubbed and marinated as per the recipe.
2. Heat a large, oven-safe cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork tenderloin in the hot skillet and sear it on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. This searing step is vital for locking in juices and developing flavor.
4. After searing, transfer the entire skillet (with the pork tenderloin) into a preheated oven at 400ºF (200ºC).
5. Roast for approximately 6 minutes, then flip the tenderloin and cook for another 6-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 145ºF (63ºC) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the pork tenderloin to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

For more detailed instructions and alternative oven methods, explore our comprehensive baked pork tenderloin recipe.

Delicious Sides to Complement Your Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Grilled pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some of our top recommendations to create a complete and satisfying meal:

Potatoes: You can never go wrong with potatoes! Try our Baked Potatoes in Foil for a soft, fluffy texture, Grilled Red Potatoes for a smoky accompaniment, or classic Roasted Red Potatoes for a crispy, tender bite.

Carrots: Sweet and earthy carrots are a fantastic complement. Enjoy them grilled (as pictured here) for a caramelized flavor, or follow our roasted root vegetable recipe for a hearty oven-baked option.

Asparagus: These vibrant green spears are always a hit. Whether you prefer oven-roasted asparagus for simplicity or asparagus grilled in foil for an easy side that cooks alongside your pork, they offer a crisp, fresh contrast.

Corn: For a touch of summer sweetness, consider corn. Our Mexican street corn salad is a beloved reader favorite, offering a zesty kick, or opt for classic grilled corn in foil for effortless preparation.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

If you happen to have any delicious grilled pork tenderloin leftovers (though we doubt there will be many!), proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining its flavor and tenderness:

Storage: Store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents it from drying out and keeps it fresh.

To Reheat: For best results, gently reheat your pork tenderloin. You can microwave individual slices on high for 60-90 seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, for a slightly crispier texture, you can briefly warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, or in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until just heated through to avoid overcooking.

5 from 8 votes

Super Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This flavorful and juicy grilled pork tenderloin recipe is first seasoned with a dry rub, then marinated in a sweet BBQ soy sauce, and grilled to get beautiful grill marks and a succulent interior.

By: Lee Funke

Prep: 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Cook: 16 minutes mins

Total: 2 hours hrs 46 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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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 pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1.5 teaspoons coarse salt

Marinade

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce, any kind you prefer
• ¼ cup soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free

Optional: Grilled Carrots

• 2 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced for grilling
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup soy sauce

Instructions

Pork Tenderloin Preparation & Grilling

• Gently pat both pork tenderloins completely dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes a superior sear.
• In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all the dry rub ingredients. Generously season both pork tenderloins on all sides, using your hands to firmly rub the spice mixture into the meat.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients until well combined. Place the dry-rubbed pork tenderloins into a large, sealable bag (such as a Stasher bag or Ziploc). Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s completely submerged and coated. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
• When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to a high temperature, targeting 450°F – 500°F (232°C – 260°C).
• Once the grill is fully preheated, lightly spray the grill grates with cooking spray (exercise caution, as this may cause flames to flare up). Carefully place the pork tenderloins over direct high heat and sear for 2 minutes on each side to create a beautiful crust.
• Next, turn off or set half of your grill burners to low. Move the pork tenderloins to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat zone), while keeping the other burners on high. Your grill temperature should now drop to approximately 400ºF (204°C).
• Continue to grill the pork tenderloin for about 12 minutes*, flipping it halfway through cooking. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork; it should reach at least 145ºF (63ºC) for medium-rare.
• Remove the pork tenderloins from the grill and let them rest on a clean cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.
• Using a sharp knife, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve immediately, ideally with the grilled carrots or your favorite side dishes.

Grilled Carrots (Optional Side)

• For comprehensive instructions on preparing our delicious grilled carrots, please refer to the full recipe HERE.

Tips & Notes

• The cooking time for pork tenderloin is highly dependent on its thickness. Our recipe assumes two 1-lb. tenderloins. If you are using a single, thicker 2-lb. tenderloin, the cooking time will likely be longer. Always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145ºF (63ºC) for safety and optimal tenderness.
• Trimming excess silver skin from the tenderloin before applying the rub can further enhance its tenderness.
• Consider rotating the tenderloins every few minutes during the indirect cooking phase to ensure even browning and doneness.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 231 kcal
,

Carbohydrates: 17 g
,

Protein: 32 g
,

Fat: 5 g
,

Fiber: 0 g
,

Sugar: 12 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an estimation. Please consult a qualified nutritionist for personalized advice.

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