Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that can make for an easy, delicious weeknight meal or impressive entrée for a backyard barbecue. When cooked properly on the grill, pork tenderloin develops a delicious sear and char while staying juicy and flavorful inside. Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about how to bbq pork tenderloin, from choosing the right cut of meat to seasoning, grilling techniques, and doneness. With a few simple tips, you’ll be serving up tasty grilled pork tenderloin in no time.

Selecting and Preparing the Pork

Buying Pork Tenderloin

When selecting pork tenderloin for grilling, there are a few things to look for:

Weight – Tenderloins typically range from 1-2 lbs. A 1 lb tenderloin will feed 3-4 people, while a 2 lb one can serve 6-8.
Shape – Opt for tenderloins that are evenly shaped versus oddly tapered. They will cook more evenly.
Color – The meat should be light pink with white marbling and minimal fat cap. Avoid any with discoloration.
Packaging – Choose vacuum-sealed packs whenever possible for maximum freshness.
Label – Look for the USDA inspection stamp to ensure quality pork.

Preparing Pork Tenderloin for Grilling

Before grilling, be sure to:

Trim – Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat or silver skin.
Season – For maximum flavor, season the pork several hours in advance and let sit in the fridge.
Bring to Room Temp – Take tenderloins out of fridge 30-60 mins before grilling so they cook evenly.
Pat Dry – Right before grilling, pat the meat very dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear.

Pork Tenderloin Marinades and Rubs

Adding a marinade, dry rub, or spice paste is key for boosting flavor and moisture when grilling lean cuts like tenderloin. Consider the following options:

Dry Rubs

Barbecue – Classic barbecue spices like chili powder, brown sugar, garlic, and paprika.
Jerk – Jamaican-inspired with allspice, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, and cayenne.
Citrus-Herb – Lemon zest, rosemary, oregano, garlic, and olive oil.
Moroccan – Warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne.

Wet Marinades

Soy Sauce – Soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Teriyaki – Teriyaki sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic.
Mojo – Bitter orange juice, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil.
Chimichurri – Fresh herb chimichurri with parsley, cilantro, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Spice Pastes

Pesto – Basil pesto with garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, pine nuts.
Harissa – North African chile paste with smoked paprika, garlic, olive oil.
Adobo – Mexican-style with chipotle peppers, vinegar, garlic, oregano.
Curry – Thai red or green curry paste mixed with coconut milk.

No matter which flavors you choose, marinate the pork in the fridge for 1-24 hours, turning occasionally, so the seasoning penetrates fully.

How to Grill Pork Tenderloin

Grilling pork tenderloin allows you to develop flavorful browning and caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Follow these tips for grilling success:

1. Prepare Your Grill

For tenderloin, use a gas or charcoal grill. Avoid smokers which require long, low cooking.
If using charcoal, start your chimney about 30 minutes prior so coals are ready.
Clean the grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.

2. Pat Meat Dry

Right before grilling, pat tenderloins very dry with paper towels.
Dry meat helps achieve an optimal sear and crust.

3. Sear Both Sides

Place tenderloins directly over heat. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving to get nice grill marks.
Flip and sear the other side in the same way. This caramelization adds tons of flavor.

4. Move to Cooler Side

After searing both sides, move the pork to the cooler side of the grill.
The cooler temperature (325-350°F) allows it to finish cooking gently without burning.

5. Grill to Desired Doneness

For medium doneness (150-155°F), grill for 8-12 minutes total, flipping occasionally.
Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness, avoiding overcooking.
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

6. Add Glaze or Sauce (Optional)

During last 1-2 minutes of grilling, you can brush with barbecue glaze or sauce to coat.
Take care not to burn the glaze. Grilling over indirect heat prevents this.

How to Tell When Pork Tenderloin is Done

It can be tricky knowing exactly when a pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection. Use these visual and temperature cues:

Rare – 120-130°F, flesh is light pink throughout.
Medium-rare – 135-145°F, pink center with lightly browned exterior.
Medium – 150-155°F, hint of pink inside, firm and juicy.
Medium-well -160°F, Trace of pink, drier texture.
Well-done – 165°F+, uniform brown throughout, can be dry.
The best way to test is using an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
Cut into the center with a knife to check the interior color.
Look for ** juices** that run clear, not pink when piercing or slicing.

Pull tenderloin off heat just shy of desired temp, as it will continue cooking as it rests. Remember it’s easy to overcook lean cuts like tenderloin, so err on side of slightly underdone.

Serving and Side Dishes

Pork tenderloin makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but is also special enough for entertaining. Here are serving ideas:

Slicing and Serving

After resting, slice tenderloin crosswise into 1/2 inch rounds.
Fan out slices on a platter or divide among individual plates.
Spoon over any pan sauces or jus for added moisture and flavor.

Simple Sides

Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts
Garlic mashed or baked potatoes
Rice pilaf or orzo
Mixed green or spinach salad

Elevated Meals

Pork medallions over risotto or creamy polenta
In sandwiches or wraps with pesto and roasted red peppers
Over a garden salad with blue cheese crumbles and vinaigrette
Tacos with guacamole, pickled onions, cilantro
Rice bowls with stir fried veggies and teriyaki glaze

However you serve it up, properly grilled pork tenderloin is juicy, tender perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Pork Tenderloin

What is pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is an oblong, tapered cut that comes from the loin section of the pig. It sits beneath the rib cage running along the backbone. This area gets little exercise, so the meat is very tender.

How is pork tenderloin different than pork loin?

Pork loin runs along the back of the pig. It’s a larger, longer cut that’s more rectangular in shape. Pork loin contains a strip of sinewy membrane that tenderloin does not have.

How big should pork tenderloins be?

On average, tenderloins are 1-2 pounds each. Since they taper, look for ones as evenly sized as possible for even cooking. Larger ones can be cut in half.

How long does it take to grill pork tenderloin?

Total grilling time is 10-15 minutes for a 1 pound tenderloin. Use 2-3 minutes per side over direct heat to sear, then 8-12 minutes over indirect heat, flipping occasionally, until it reaches 145-155°F.

What temperature should pork tenderloin be grilled to?

Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare or 155°F for medium doneness. Use an instant read thermometer to check.

Can you grill pork tenderloin from frozen?

It’s best not to grill tenderloin straight from frozen. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and grilling for food safety and even cooking.

What happens if you overcook pork tenderloin?

Overcooked pork dries out quickly and becomes tough. Stay below 160°F internal temperature to prevent this. Doneness can creep up 5°F during resting time.

How do I keep pork tenderloin moist?

Use a flavorful marinade, sear quickly over high heat, cook to just below desired doneness, tent loosely with foil, and let rest before slicing for a juicy interior.

Conclusion

Grilling pork tenderloin requires just a few simple steps for maximum flavor and tenderness. Selecting an evenly sized tenderloin, proper seasoning or marinade, quick searing, and cooking over indirect heat while monitoring temperature allows you to achieve juicy, delicious results every time. Pair your grilled pork with colorful vegetable sides or use in creative meals. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy the easy elegance of tenderloin off the grill any night of the week.

How to BBQ Pork Tenderloin