Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (2024)

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Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (1)

By: Polly Conner

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When you grill a pork tenderloin instead of baking it, you still get the flavor and moistness but the bonus is the extra char-crispiness that coats the outside of the tenderloin.

Below you’ll see how long to grill a pork tenderloin as well as tips and a recipe to make it delicious!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (2)


Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love Grilled Pork Tenderloin

  • It’s SO easy. With just a few simple ingredients, any type of cook can make this recipe.
  • It’s freezer friendly. More on this below but this recipe is a great one to double and freeze. Like most of our freezer meals, it’s prepped right up until cooking. That way you simply thaw it before cooking so it tastes fresh.
  • Grilling it brings out more flavor. While baked pork tenderloin is delicious on its own, something about the open flame makes magical things happen. Once you grill it, you won’t go back!
  • It’skid-friendly. If your kids will eat meat (some don’t because of texture), they will likely like this.
  • It’s very affordable. People often overlook how cheap pork tenderloin is!
  • It’s healthy! Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat and a great source of lean protein.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (3)

How Long to Grill Using the 7-6-5 Method

Anyone can cook pork tenderloin this way by following these step-by-step directions. While this timing has served me well over the years, every pork tenderloin is a touch different.

Let the meat thermometer be your guide on when it’s fully done.

  1. Simply preheat the grill to 450°F degrees.
  2. Place your seasoned tenderloin on the grill and let it sizzle with the lid shut for 7 minutes.
  3. Flip.
  4. Shut the lid and then let it grill for 6 more minutes.
  5. Now turn the heat off, and leave the lid closed for 4-5 minutes.
  6. Remove tenderloin from heat and let rest for 7-8 minutes before slicing.

Safety Note:

According to the USDA, the pork tenderloin needs to reach 145 degrees internally to be safe to eat.

We recommend using a meat thermometer inserted at the thickest part at this point to check that it’s 145 or just slightly under, as it will carry-over cook while resting.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (4)

Can You Freeze Pork Tenderloin?

Yes! It takes almost no extra time to double this recipe and freeze one for later.

After writing two freezer meal cookbooks andtesting hundreds and hundreds of freezer meal recipes over 10+ years, we’ve narrowed down the best recipes and methods for making healthy freezer meals for your family.

Our freezer meal recipes and methods are well-tested and delicious and this pork tenderloin recipe is no different.

How to Freeze Pork Tenderloin

Freeze For Later: Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in a gallon-sized freezer bag, squeeze out the air and seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Prepare From Frozen:Thaw the meal using one ofthese safe thawing methods. Then, roast in the oven or grill according to recipe directions, making absolutely sure to cook until it reaches the USDA’s recommendation of a safe internal temperature (145° F).

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (5)

What other ways can you cook a pork tenderloin?

Because pork tenderloin cooks so fast, it’s easy to dry out while using the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

If you don’t want to grill the pork tenderloin, we highly recommend this incredibly simple and tasty Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin.

If you do want to use your slow cooker, this Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Maple Glaze would be a great option. Pork loins (vs pork tenderloins) are a wider cut and are usually covered with a thicker fat cap. They do much better in the crock pot and even in the Instant Pot than a leaner cut like a pork tenderloin.

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  • Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin – oven roasted or grilled
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Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (12)

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 10 reviews

Grilled Pork Tenderloin (7-6-5 Method)

A GREAT tip on how to grill pork tenderloin. You’ll never go back to baking it after you try the 7-6-5 method. This seasoning method produces a super flavorful tenderloin, too.

Yield: 46 servings 1x

Prep: 10 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 30 minutes

Print RecipeRate Pin for Later

Units:

Scale:

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin (Here’s where we get meat that we trust)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions

Make It Now:

  1. Preheat the grill to 450°F degrees.
  2. Combine the garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground thyme, and salt in a small bowl. Then, rub the seasoning in on all sides of the pork tenderloin.
  3. Place your seasoned tenderloin on the grill and let it sizzle with the lid shut for 7 minutes.
  4. Flip and shut the lid. Then, let it cook for 5-6 more minutes.
  5. Now turn the heat off, and leave the lid closed for 4-5 minutes. Tip: According to the USDA, the pork tenderloin needs to reach 145 degrees internally to be safe to eat. So we recommend using a meat thermometer inserted at the thickest part at this point to check that it’s 140-145°F, as it will carry-over cook while resting.
  6. Remove tenderloin from heat and let rest for 7-8 minutes before slicing.

Freeze For Later:Follow step 2. Seal the seasoned pork in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air, seal, and freeze.

Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely (use one of these safe thawing methods). Grill according to recipe directions.

Notes/Tips

  • We get our meat from ButcherBox*. The pork is heritage-raised with no hormones or antibiotics and is absolutely delicious! We highly recommend this service to source DELICIOUS and HEALTHY meat–like grass-fed beef, organic chicken, wild salmon, and uncured bacon–and have used it for years ourselves.

© Author: Polly Conner

Cuisine:AmericanMethod:Grilling

Want More Grilling Recipes?

Check out these 15+ Amazing Grilling Recipes for more ideas. Yum!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (13)
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (14)

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.

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  1. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (15)Linda J Curtis says

    Making this for a second time. Definitely a winner

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (16)Carla from Thriving Home says

      Glad to hear it Linda. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply

  2. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (17)Susan says

    Turned out perfect. Easy.

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (18)Carla from Thriving Home says

      Glad to hear it Susan. Thanks for leaving a review!

      Reply

  3. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (19)Jo Cowles says

    It’s my go to!! Just need to keep aware the size of the loin and don’t overcook so adjust accordingly! It’s a keeper!!!

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (20)Carla Fletcher says

      Good reminders Jo. Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply

      • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (21)Janet says

        Tried this last night and it was great 😊 Will keep this recipe! My son who is picky really loved it! thank you.

        Reply

        • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (22)Carla from Thriving Home says

          We always love to hear when picky eaters love something. Thanks for leaving a review Janet!

          Reply

  4. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (23)Katherine Henshaw-Figueroa says

    The absolute best recipe for grilled pork tenderloin – always perfect!!!!!

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (24)Carla Fletcher says

      So glad you love it. Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply

  5. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (25)MY says

    Easiest and best every time grilled pork tenderloin recipe. My family begs for it !

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (26)Carla Fletcher says

      That’s so great to hear Mary! Thank you for the review.

      Reply

  6. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (27)Joanne says

    Made this many times…. Fool proof as long as you bare in mind size of loin.
    It’s my go to.

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (28)Polly Conner says

      Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (29)Rachel Tiemeyer says

      Awesome!!

      Reply

  7. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (30)Hedy says

    You’re easy directions made an A-1 delicious pork tenderloin👍🏻 A definite keeper!

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (31)Rachel Tiemeyer says

      Awesome to hear that! Thanks, Hedy.

      Reply

  8. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (32)Anne McDonough says

    I tried your foolproof method tonight and was very disappointed as my meat was 118 degrees after I completed all steps. People trust your recipes and I am so disappointed and wondering what went wrong.

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (33)Rachel Tiemeyer says

      I’m sorry you didn’t have luck, Anne. Did you use a 1.25 pork tenderloin (not pork loin)? Usually the 7-6-5 method can actually overcook a pork tenderloin that size…so that’s why we give a variation of times in the recipe. I’m not sure what went wrong, but we haven’t had that happen before with that size of tenderloin. Sorry!

      Reply

  9. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (34)CarolAnn says

    Absolutely love this recipe. It’s perfect any time. Any idea if this would work with a beef tenderloin?

    Reply

    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (35)Rachel Tiemeyer says

      Thanks for the feedback! We haven’t tested this with beef tenderloin, so I’m not sure.

      Reply

Older Comments

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe (+ Pro Tips & Tricks) (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep pork tenderloin from drying out on the grill? ›

Because tenderloin is lean, grilled pork tenderloin can dry out if cooked too quickly over a very hot fire. The indirect-grilling route is the way to go for the perfect grilled pork tenderloin. This method entails cooking meat in a covered grill away from (rather than directly above) the heat source.

Should I wrap my pork tenderloin in foil when grilling? ›

Place pork tenderloin on the center of piece of aluminum foil and season with salt and pepper. Top with vegetables, garlic salt, cumin and drizzle of olive oil. Bring the two sides of the foil up to meet at the center, folding down twice.

How long does a pork tenderloin take to grill? ›

How Long to Grill Pork Tenderloin. On a grill preheated to medium heat, the pork tenderloin should be fully cooked after about 30 minutes over indirect heat. You'll know the pork is done when an instant read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 145 degrees F.

What is the best method of cooking pork tenderloin? ›

Sear pork, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 6–8 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven (if you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer pork to a baking dish) and roast, flipping pork halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 140°, 14–18 minutes.

How do you keep pork moist on the grill? ›

According to Ray Lampe (aka Dr. BBQ), “cook your chops just as you would a steak -- 145 for medium rare and 160 for medium and always with a 3 minute rest [to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat]. If folks will just do this their chops will be tender and juicy every time.

Is pork tenderloin better in the oven or on the grill? ›

Food52: Which cooking method gets the most flavor out of pork loin? CG: You get flavors from grilling that you don't get from roasting. Smokiness, first and foremost. Direct cooking gives a distinct char, and that char adds a lot of taste.

How do you cook a pork loin so it doesn't dry out? ›

Grilling
  1. First, use a high-heat area to quickly brown the meat on all sides. ...
  2. Next, move the loin to a low-heat area of the grill and cover it with foil.
  3. Now, you can roast the pork using indirect cooking for approximately one to one and a half hours, or about 20 minutes per pound of meat.
Oct 3, 2023

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow? ›

The size and structure of a tenderloin make it perfect for cooking quickly on high heat. You want to be able to brown the outside while still keeping it a little pink on the inside.

Should pork tenderloin be at room temperature before grilling? ›

Meat juices inside can not react when we cook cold meat. We need room temperature for a juicy and tender steak. If you want to cook a tasty, delicious pork tenderloin in your oven, keeping all the flavors, you need to take it out of the refrigerator one hour before.

Do you grill pork tenderloin fat side up or down? ›

For the best flavor, you should cook it fatty-side up. If you place your pork loin lean-side up, the fat will simply drip onto and through your smoker's cooking grate.

When should you pull pork tenderloin off the grill? ›

The FDA considers pork safe to eat at 145 degrees F. That said, the pork's temperature will continue to rise as it rests. I typically pull my pork tenderloin off of the heat once it reaches 135 degrees F. After 10 minutes of resting, it gives me perfect, juicy pork every time.

Can pork tenderloin be a little pink? ›

If fresh pork has reached 145°F (62.8 °C) throughout, even though it may still be pink in the center, it should be safe. The pink color can be due to the cooking method or added ingredients.

Do you grill pork tenderloin direct or indirect? ›

Pork tenderloin is a great cut for the grill. A small pork roast, this piece of meat is amazingly tender if cooked right: that method is a hot sear over direct heat, then a slow finish over indirect heat. This process is going to give you a tender, juicy tenderloin with a crusty, wonderful surface.

Does pork tenderloin get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

At 400 degrees F, a 1-pound pork tenderloin will cook in 8 to 10 minutes after being seared on the stove. Unlike tough, fatty cuts of meat (like the shoulder used for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), leaner cuts like pork tenderloin do not become more tender the longer they cook.

Should I sear my pork tenderloin before cooking it? ›

This cooking method is a surefire way to make moist and juicy pork tenderloin without much fuss. Searing the meat first gives it that golden-brown crust before a quick roast in the oven finishes it off. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing meal for any night of the week.

Should you rinse pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

Which cooking method is best for tenderloin? ›

One of the easiest methods of cooking Beef Tenderloin is in the oven. With minimal prep and our easy-to-follow guidelines, you'll present a juicy and tasty roast to guests in no time. For best results, make sure the Tenderloin roast is completely thawed.

How do you tenderize pork before grilling? ›

To tenderize pork before cooking it, try breaking up the tough muscle by hitting it with a meat mallet evenly across the surface of the meat. Then, if you want your pork to be extra tender, you can marinate it in a tenderizing marinade made with acids, like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.

How do you grill pork without drying it out? ›

Thick pork chops are grilled over high heat to develop flavor before moving to low heat to cook them gently—that's how you keep them from drying out.

Do you close the grill when cooking pork? ›

Thin pork chops, shrimp, and burgers tend to cook quickly. Leaving the grill lid up will slow the cooking process by reducing the temperature around the meat. For thicker cuts, you want to close the lid to keep the temperature high and even.

How long should pork tenderloin sit out before grilling? ›

Many recipes will ask you to remove the pork tenderloin from the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling. However, this is about how long it takes to remove the silver skin, make the dry rub, and wait for the grill to heat.

What is the best temperature to grill pork tenderloin? ›

How to Grill Pork Tenderloin
  • Preheat Grill – Medium-High heat (400-425°F) to get those grill grates hot and ready for grilling.
  • Prepare – Trim off any excess fat and silver skin (see description below). ...
  • Drizzle – 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil onto the meat, coating both sides of the tenderloin.
Jul 18, 2023

Do you cook pork tenderloin fat side up or down? ›

Step 4: Place your pork, fat side up, in your prepared pan. Step 5: Add oiled/seasoned vegetables around your pork loin to make it a complete meal. Use vegetables that require longer cook times like potatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and carrots.

How do you keep pork tenderloin moist? ›

Using a brine or a marinade will make your life so much easier. If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade.

How do BBQ restaurants keep pulled pork moist? ›

Many competition barbecue teams will wrap briskets and pork butts in aluminum foil during the final stages of cooking and add broth, juice, or other flavorful concoctions to the foil package.

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