Grilled Pork Tenderloin is a simple, delicious, and economical summer meal. It’s tender, juicy and flavourful with just the right amount of char, and I love that this meal comes together in about 20 minutes.

About Pork Tenderloin

The pork tenderloin is a very tender and mild flavoured cut of meat. Like chicken, this lean cut of pork is a great vessel for all kinds of flavours, from sauces to rubs. Grilled pork tenderloin is an economical way to feed a crowd, too, because it usually comes in packages of two. You can always freeze one of them for later if you don’t want to cook them both.

What’s the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?

Pork loin and pork tenderloin are very different pieces of meat. Both are fairly lean, although a pork loin will have a cap of fat. A pork loin is a large cut of meat. You can cut a pork loin into steaks, or have a Sunday roast. It’s delicious slow roasted for pulled pork recipes and a great cut for the oven.

Pork Tenderloin, on the other hand, is a long, skinny cut of meat. Because of it’s shape, pork tenderloin cooks quickly, so it’s ideal for grilling. And, in spite of it’s leanness, this cut of meat is very tender, as it’s name implies.

Grilling Pork Tenderloin

Besides being delicious, probably the best part about grilling a pork tenderloin is just how quick and easy this recipe is. I love the sweet and smoky crust from the marinade rub, and how juicy and tender the meat is.

After grilling, you can slice it into medallions, and serve as is. But It’s also a perfect cut of meat for tacos or stir fries.

Cooking Tips

Let the roast sit outside of the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure quicker and more evenly cooked meat.

In 2011, the US Department of Agriculture revised the recommended cooking temperature for pork. The recommended internal temperature is 145° with a three minute resting time. This means the meat may have a little pink, which is perfectly safe and much tastier than over cooked, dried out pork. Read about it here: A Little Pink is OK

Resting time is important for allowing the juices to distribute. If you slice it right off the grill, you will lose all the juices and the meat will be dry. Also, the meat completes its cooking time for those few minutes of rest.

What to Serve With Grilled Pork

We really like to toss together some coleslaw, like this Fennel Cabbage Slaw to serve with grilled pork. And,try drizzling this grilled pork tenderloin, or any, grilled meats with this delicious and super simple Chimichurri Sauce. If you have some parsley in your garden, this sauce is a great use for it.  But if you don’t, it’s worth buying some fresh parsley to make it.

How to Make It

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Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Resting time

3 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Pork Tenderloin is a lean and juicy cut of meat that's perfect for the grill. Ready in 20 minutes.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Barbecue, Canadian

Keyword: barbecue pork, grilled pork recipe, pork recipe, pork tenderloin

Servings: 4

Calories: 375 kcal

Author: Colleen

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp kosher or course salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
• 1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin

Instructions

1. Heat grill to high and spray with cooking oil

2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, red pepper, and olive oil to form a paste

3. Rub spice and oil paste all over the tenderloin to coat.

4. Grill tenderloin, turning with tongs, until all sides are charred. About 2 minutes

5. Reduce heat to medium, close lid to grill and cook a further 15 minutes, turning halfway through.

6. When a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin reads 145°, remove pork from grill and allow to rest 3 minutes

7. Slice the tenderloin into medallions, and serve with chimichurri sauce or sauce of your choice.

Recipe Notes

Pork tenderloin is very lean, so be sure to spray your hot grill liberally with cooking oil.

Nutrition Facts

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 375 Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*

Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Cholesterol 111mg37%

Sodium 129mg5%

Potassium 799mg23%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 36g72%

Vitamin A 2355IU47%

Calcium 32mg3%

Iron 2.9mg16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.