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.
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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. It's also great for air frying: try Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin 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.
Tenderloin 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 one of my favourite sides for this tenderloin is Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Apples. If you're looking for a heartier side dish, try Potatoes Au Gratin or Miso Baked Sweet Potatoes. Also, 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.
And of course, you can never go wrong with that classic pork pairing, applesauce. I always have Easy Homemade Applesauce on hand, which is perfect for this roast.
Recipe
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tsp kosher or coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1 ½ lb pork tenderloin
Instructions
- 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.
Amanda Mason
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.
Colleen
Thanks Amanda, it really is a simple recipe, but delicious!
Marisa F. Stewart
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.
Colleen
Hi Marisa! I hope you make this soon, I think you will love it!
Kelly Anthony
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.
Colleen
Hi Kelly, twice a month, you really must like it, and I don't blame you a bit. It's so good.
Tammy
What a delicious meal! I love pork tenderloin...such a flavorful and juicy piece of meat. The chimichurri alongside it is perfect!
Colleen
Thanks Tammy. Chimichurri is so delicious with anything grilled.
Elaine Benoit
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!
Colleen
Thanks, Elaine. I know you're going to love it!
Aleta
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!
Colleen
Hey Aleta, I know that you will just love this recipe for next time. Enjoy!
Michelle
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.
Colleen
Michelle, I guarantee that you're going to love it! Enjoy!
Colleen
Beans & rice are made for each other, Leanne. Try this recipe and you'll just know.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
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!
Colleen
Lori, I agree about the magic. Enjoy!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
A nice slaw and that chimichurri sauce are the perfect accompaniment to this juicy grilled tenderloin! Loreto would love it so much!
Colleen
Hi Niccoletta, It was a big hit at my house. I hope Loreto enjoys!
Gloria
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.
Colleen
Thanks Gloria, It really is a great dinner any day of the week!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Oh my! I need this in my life. Must print your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Colleen
Hope you make it soon! I know you'll love it!
Michelle
I can't wait to try this. The rub and the sauce both sounds soooo good!
Colleen
Hey Michelle! Yes try this soon! It's so good and I know you'll love it!
Dannii
That looks perfectly cooked. A great summer recipe.
Colleen
Thanks, Dannii, It really is a perfect summer recipe.
Sara Welch
What a perfect recipe for the grill! Can't wait to make this for dinner tonight; my family loves pork tenderloin!
Colleen
Hi Sara, I love that this recipe grills in 20 minutes, and I think your family will love it. Enjoy!
Karly
Love grilled pork loin!
Colleen
You should make this one, then Karly! it's so good.