Grilling pork tenderloin is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this lean cut of meat. Follow our step-by-step instructions to ensure perfectly juicy and flavorful pork every time.
The pork is tender and flavorful on both a gas grill and a charcoal grill. Roasted asparagus, roasted corn on the cob, garden salad, and Southern green beans are perfect vegetables to serve with this recipe.
Ingredient Notes and Substitution
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Pork Tenderloin: Look for a 1½ lb pork tenderloin. Make sure the silver skin is removed, or remove it yourself.
- Brown Sugar: If preferred, you can use all honey.
- Seasonings: Cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cayenne pepper.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand.
- Mustard: Dijon or prepared yellow mustard.
How to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Trim the silver skin off the pork tenderloin. Combine the paprika, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large Ziploc bag.
- Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin. Place in the bag and store in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Preheat half the grill to medium-high heat. Add the pork tenderloin to the grill and cover. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Roll the tenderloin over and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Move the tenderloin to the nonlit side and baste with the sauce mixture every couple of minutes.
- Remove from the grill, plate it, and cover loosely with an aluminum foil tent. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Preparation Tips
- Prepare the dry rub in advance and rub it into the pork tenderloin. Cover and refrigerate for several hours up to overnight.
- Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, so don’t overcook it. Make sure you purchase pork tenderloin, not pork loin. The National Pork Board recommends cooking pork tenderloin to an internal temperature between 145° F (medium rare) and 160° F (medium). An instant-read thermometer is inexpensive and a valuable asset in the kitchen.
- After grilling the pork tenderloin, cover it loosely with an aluminum foil tent and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the meat to redistribute the juices driven to the center by the grill’s heat.
What to Serve with It
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Glazed Carrots
- Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Asparagus Pasta
- Cauliflower Casserole
More Pork Tenderloin Recipes
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This is a quick and easy recipe for dry-rubbed grilled pork tenderloin with helpful grilling tips for making it flavorful and juicy.
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Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 248kcal
Ingredients
- 1¼-1½ lb pork tenderloin trimmed
Rub
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ⅔ cup of your favorite bbq sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a Ziploc bag, combine paprika, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dry the pork tenderloin with a paper towel. Rub the mixture over the pork tenderloin and refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Preheat the grill to 425-450 degrees, lighting only half the burners. Add the pork tenderloin to the side of the grill that is lit and cover. Cook for about 5-6 minutes. Roll the tenderloin over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- Move the tenderloin to the side that is not lit. Baste with barbecue sauce mixture every 2-3 minutes. Continue cooking until the pork tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- Remove the meat from the grill, plate it, and cover it loosely with an aluminum foil tent. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, frequently turning, in the oven on low heat, or in the microwave at reduced power.
- To freeze, first cool completely. Then, freeze in a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, frequently turning, in the oven on low heat, or in the microwave at reduced power.
Nutrition
Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 872mg | Potassium: 487mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 773IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 3mg
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Tammy
I love this recipe! Grilled pork loin in the summer is a must! They make great sandwiches too.
Beth Pierce
I agree!
Samantha
I have not had pork for such a long time as my daughter does not eat pork. This recipe sounds so tasty and no reason why I can not cook it for myself and enjoy left overs as well
Beth Pierce
So true, Samantha!
Luanne
Could this be cooked on a smokeless grill I use indoors?. Or could it go in the oven to bake, and at what temperature?
Beth Pierce
I am not very familiar with a smokeless grill. Do you grill steaks on it without any trouble?
Kim Plymale
We absolutely love this recipe. Husband asks for it all the time! The combination of the rub and then the BBQ sauce is amazing!! 🤩
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Kim! I am so glad that you love it. We love it too!
Carol Colborn
We loved the pork tenderloin recipe. It is one of our favorites. Thank you!
Melanie E
This sounds like a great recipe to make for the husband. He does enjoy pork tenderloin and doesn’t get it often at home.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melanie! Enjoy!
Ramil Hinolan
I love the idea of using a dry rub to add so much flavor. I can’t wait to try it out for a weeknight dinner or when I have guests over.
Olga A
Mmm, I love this juicy grilled pork! We have many summer family parties, and I try to include this because everyone loves it! Thanks for the recipe.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Olga!
Robbie
What a fantastic recipe. I am looking forward to making it again soon. My family loved it!
Lisa
WOW, this pork tenderloin cooked up perfectly. The family loved the flavor! Thanks for the great recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Lisa!