Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Here is our best grilled pork tenderloin recipe; it’s dry-rubbed in smokey spices, marinated in a sweet bbq soy sauce, and grilled to juicy perfection. It’s a simple pork tenderloin recipe, but it turns out so tender and flavorful.

BEST Grilled Pork Tenderloin on the Internet

This is truly the best grilled pork tenderloin recipe out there. We did a two-step flavor process of both dry rubbing and marinating so that it comes out extra flavorful, but still super juicy and tender on the inside.

We love that grilled pork tenderloin is such an easy and inexpensive dinner idea. Not to mention, the entire family will absolutely adore this.

What is pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is similar to pork loin in that it is a very lean cut of meat. Pork tenderloin is cut from the rear end of the loin making it super tender.

Did you know: Most of the time pork tenderloin is sold as 2 1-lb. tenderloins? That is perfect for this recipe because it calls for 2 tenderloins!

3 Steps to Grilled Pork Tenderloin

1. Rub – the rub is the flavor foundation of this recipe. Don’t be afraid to use the entirety of the suggested amount. The more flavor the better.
2. Marinate – marinating your pork tenderloin is going to infuse even more flavor into the meat. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours and for best results, overnight.
3. Grill –grilling your pork tenderloin is the final step in this recipe creating an ultra juicy inside and deliciously charred outside.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Rub

The first step in creating the most delicious pork tenderloin is a dry rub. If you have our dry rub for pork on hand, you can use that. Or else, we’re making things a little bit smokier this time around. Here’s what you need:

• smoked paprika
• cayenne
• garlic powder
• ground black pepper
• ground cinnamon
• coarse salt

2. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinade

Looking for a simple, flavorful grilled pork tenderloin marinade? We are sharing one that is just 3 ingredients. It sweet and salty all at the same time and made with basic ingredients:

• Minced garlic
• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce (or tamari)

3. How to Grill Pork Tenderloin

The reason we love grilling pork tenderloin is to get that charred outside with the perfectly cooked, juicy inside. How is that done? A quick sear on high heat followed by a lower temperature cook.

1. Preheat grill to 450ºF – 500ºF (high heat). Once your grill is preheated, sear your pork tenderloin for 2 minutes on each side over direct heat.
2. Then, turn ½ the burners to low and move pork tenderloin to the low heat side, leaving the other side burners on high. Your grill should drop down to around 400ºF.
3. Grill pork tenderloin for around 12 minutes*, flipping halfway through. The pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 145ºF (medium-rare). Remove from the grill and let sit for at least 5 minutes.

Pro tip: pork will continue to cook once it’s removed from the heat. Since we’re removing it at 145ºF it will actually be more like medium once it’s sat for a few minutes. We suggest a meat thermometer to get the most precise temperature reading.

Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill

Wondering which kind of grill you should use? Either works for this recipe. We prefer a gas grill because it heats up faster and you can monitor the temperature more precisely.

For those of you who love charcoal, we understand why! Using a charcoal grill adds that smoky charred flavor that only a charcoal grill can provide.

Can I bake this recipe instead?

Of course, you can! We suggest searing your tenderloin on all sides in a cast-iron skillet before putting the entire skillet into the oven. Roast at around 400ºF for 6 minutes, then flip the tenderloin and cook for another 6-10 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 145ºF.

Check out our baked pork tenderloin recipe for more inspo.

What to Serve with Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Looking for a side dish or two to pair with your pork? Check out some of our favorite below!

Potatoes: potatoes are always a good idea. Try our Baked Potatoes in Foil, Grilled Red Potatoes, or Roasted Red Potatoes!

Carrots: Love carrots? Us too! Try them on the grill (pictured) or follow our roasted root vegetable recipe for an oven option!

Asparagus: Whether you prefer oven-roasted asparagus or asparagus on the grill, these spears are a perfect side to this pork tenderloin on the grill.