Grilling pork tenderloin is one of the best ways to enjoy a juicy, tender, and flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grill a pork tenderloin perfectly every time.
What Is Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, and very lean cut of meat that comes from the muscle running along the pig’s backbone. It’s prized for its tenderness and mild flavor, often compared to chicken breast in terms of leanness. Unlike pork loin, which is wider and fattier, tenderloin cooks quickly and benefits from high-heat grilling to develop a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Preparing Your Pork Tenderloin for the Grill
1. Trim and Rest
Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin. This step is optional but helps the seasonings penetrate better and ensures even cooking. After trimming, let the pork rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling to promote even cooking.
2. Season or Marinate
Pork tenderloin is very porous and soaks up marinades quickly. You can marinate it for added flavor or simply brush it with oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices like garlic powder, paprika, or a steak rub. Avoid sugary marinades if you plan to sear at high heat, as sugars can burn easily.
Setting Up Your Grill
Two-Zone Cooking
For perfect grilling, set up your grill with two heat zones: one side on high direct heat and the other on lower indirect heat. This allows you to sear the pork on all sides over direct heat and then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning.
– Gas grill: Turn all burners on high to preheat, then reduce half or a third of the burners to low for indirect heat.
– Charcoal grill: Push the hot coals to one side to create a direct heat zone and an indirect heat zone.
Preheat the grill to about 450-500°F (232-260°C) before adding the pork.
How to Grill Pork Tenderloin Step-by-Step
Step 1: Sear the Pork
Place the pork tenderloin on the direct heat side of the grill. Sear it for about 1.5 to 4 minutes on each side, turning it so all four sides get a nice caramelized crust. Keep the grill lid closed between turns to maintain heat and smoke.
Step 2: Move to Indirect Heat
Once seared, move the tenderloin to the indirect heat side of the grill. Continue cooking for about 8 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), which is the safe and recommended temperature for pork.
Use a reliable instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the tenderloin to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Rest Before Slicing
Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. When ready, slice the pork against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) for the best texture and tenderness.
Tips for Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin
– Marinades: Use savory marinades with herbs, garlic, soy sauce, or citrus. Marinate just before grilling since the tenderloin absorbs flavors quickly.
– Avoid Sugary Marinades Early: If you want to add a sweet glaze (like honey garlic), apply it during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning.
– Oil the Grill: Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and help develop a beautiful crust.
– Use High-Smoke Point Oils: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for greasing the grill and brushing the pork.
Sample Simple Seasoning Mix
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Brush the tenderloin with olive oil, then rub this seasoning mix all over before grilling.
Optional: Honey Garlic Glaze for Extra Flavor
For a sweet and savory finish, prepare a honey garlic glaze by combining honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Brush the glaze on the pork during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling over direct heat to caramelize it into a sticky, flavorful coating.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled pork tenderloin pairs wonderfully with:
– Grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers
– Fresh green salads
– Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
– Rice or quinoa
Slicing the pork into medallions makes it easy to serve and enjoy.
Grilling pork tenderloin is quick and rewarding. With a little prep and the right technique, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends every time. Enjoy your perfectly grilled pork tenderloin!