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 its shape, pork tenderloin cooks quickly, so it’s ideal for grilling. And, in spite of its leanness, this cut of meat is very tender, as its 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 overcooked, 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
Pork Tenderloin is a lean and juicy cut of meat that's perfect for the grill. Ready in 20 minutes.
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp kosher or coarse 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
Heat grill to high and spray with cooking oil
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, red pepper, and olive oil to form a paste
Rub spice and oil paste all over the tenderloin to coat.
Grill tenderloin, turning with tongs until all sides are charred. About 2 minutes
Reduce heat to medium, close the lid on the grill, and cook a further 15 minutes, turning halfway through.
When a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin reads 145°, remove pork from grill and allow to rest 3 minutes
Slice the tenderloin into medallions, and serve with chimichurri sauce or sauce of your choice.
Pork tenderloin is very lean, so be sure to spray your hot grill liberally with cooking oil.
Love grilled pork loin!
You should make this one, then Karly! it’s so good.
What a perfect recipe for the grill! Can’t wait to make this for dinner tonight; my family loves pork tenderloin!
Hi Sara, I love that this recipe grills in 20 minutes, and I think your family will love it. Enjoy!
That looks perfectly cooked. A great summer recipe.
Thanks, Dannii, It really is a perfect summer recipe.
I can’t wait to try this. The rub and the sauce both sounds soooo good!
Hey Michelle! Yes try this soon! It’s so good and I know you’ll love it!
Oh my! I need this in my life. Must print your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Hope you make it soon! I know you’ll love it!
Tenderloin is such a great cut of meat. Cooks up quickly. So lean. This would be a great dinner any night of the week. Pork on the grill is so delicious.
Thanks Gloria, It really is a great dinner any day of the week!
A nice slaw and that chimichurri sauce are the perfect accompaniment to this juicy grilled tenderloin! Loreto would love it so much!
Hi Niccoletta, It was a big hit at my house. I hope Loreto enjoys!
Pork is one of my favorite proteins. And when you grill it, well something magical happens! And the addition of the slaw and chimichurri…well, I know what I’m making tomorrow!
Lori, I agree about the magic. Enjoy!
Oh it’s been a while since I’ve had a grilled pork tenderloin. I love the flavors in your rub. This will be so good!! Can’t wait to dig in.
Michelle, I guarantee that you’re going to love it! Enjoy!
Beans & rice are made for each other, Leanne. Try this recipe and you’ll just know.
Yummmm!!! I made pork tenderloin for dinner tonight but yours looks sooo much better than mine turned out! I love the spices you used and wow, that gorgeous char is unbelievable! Saving this post for next time!
Hey Aleta, I know that you will just love this recipe for next time. Enjoy!
Your pork tenderloin looks incredibly delicious. Everything I love about grilled meat, succulent, juicy and so tasty!! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Thanks, Elaine. I know you’re going to love it!
What a delicious meal! I love pork tenderloin…such a flavorful and juicy piece of meat. The chimichurri alongside it is perfect!
Thanks Tammy. Chimichurri is so delicious with anything grilled.
We love pork tenderloin at our house. I make it at least twice a month. Like you said it is quick and easy to make with all different kinds of flavors.
Hi Kelly, twice a month, you really must like it, and I don’t blame you a bit. It’s so good.
Pork Tenderloin is an excellent cut of meat plus it is so easy to make like you show. We love to grill and your dry rub plus Chimichurri sauce is just what would please our palate. Your photos make me want to jump right in and grab a medallion.
Hi Marisa! I hope you make this soon, I think you will love it!
Yum! You know, I don’t make enough pork dishes and this one reminds me I need to make more pork! This looks amazing and the ingredients are so simple! Perfect and easy recipe.
Thanks Amanda, it really is a simple recipe, but delicious!
Your photos are gorgeous! My mouth is definitely watering over here. I think your recipe is going to push me over the edge to finally making a pork tenderloin. YUM!
Thanks so much, Michelle! I’m happy to be the one to push you over the edge. 🙂 Enjoy!