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

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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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Similar Recipes to Try

  • Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin – oven roasted or grilled
  • Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin – with a seasoned rub
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  • Instant Pot Pork Loin – with a Maple Glaze that’s sweet, savory, and delicious
  • Slow Cooker Pork Loin – also with a Maple Glaze that’s sweet, savory, and delicious

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? ›

Marinades work by breaking down the muscle fibers and connective tissue in meat which tenderizes it and also allows it to better retain moisture. For pork tenderloin, mix up your favorite marinade recipe and pour it over the meat and then let it hang out, covered, in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

How do you cook pork tenderloin so it's not tough? ›

Unlike tough, marbled cuts like pork butt that need to cook for long periods to be tender (see: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), pork tenderloin is lean, so it cooks quickly and stays tender. A quick sear followed by 10 minutes in the oven, it's one of the fastest among my 30-minute meals. Versatile.

Is it better to grill or bake pork loin? ›

The answer is almost always grilled pork tenderloin. Pork, especially the pork tenderloin, takes incredibly well to the smoky char of the grill.

How to grill pork properly? ›

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, season both sides with salt, pepper and a spice rub if you'd like, then brush them with oil. Sear the chops on the hot side of the grill and let them cook until they easily release without sticking, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side 4 minutes more.

What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

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. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

How long should pork tenderloin sit out before grilling? ›

Instead of cooking pork tenderloin straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you get started. Giving the meat a chance to warm up will ensure more even cooking.

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.

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

Does pork tenderloin get more tender the longer you cook it? Quite the opposite, actually! Pork tenderloin should be cooked quickly and then left to rest to ensure it stays tender.

How do you know when pork loin is done on the grill? ›

The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer. Fresh cut muscle meats such as pork chops, pork roasts, pork loin, and tenderloin should measure 145° F, ensuring the maximum amount of flavor.

Is there a difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin? ›

A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone. A pork loin is wider and flatter, and can be a boneless or bone-in cut of meat. Pork loin comes from the back of the animal.

What is the best temperature to grill pork? ›

A medium-high temperature of 375-400 degrees is perfect for grilling pork chops. Is it safe to eat pork chops if they are pink inside? According to the USDA, pork cooked to 145 degrees is safe to eat. At this temperature, the meat may still look a little pink but is safe to eat.

Should I salt pork before grilling? ›

While you can choose any herbs and spices you like, don't skimp on the salt! Pre-salting your pork will draw internal water to the surface. The liquid will then dissolve the salt and reabsorb back into the pork, allowing the salt to evenly distribute throughout the cut.

Do you close the grill when cooking pork? ›

If you're making something that cooks quickly directly over the flame like burgers or steaks, then yes, keep the lid open. If you are cooking a thick pork chop, barbecued chicken thighs or another item that requires a longer cooking time, you should use indirect heat and close the lid.

Should I wrap my pork tenderloin in foil? ›

Foil-wrapped pork tenderloin is a great way to prepare this cut of meat to lock in flavor and moisture. Pork loin may not be as apt to dry out, but covering your pan with foil while roasting helps the meat retain its juiciness.

How do you moisten pork tenderloin? ›

Slice the pork tenderloin into ¼-inch thick medallions and lay them flat on a microwave-safe plate. Greatist suggests pouring a bit of the leftover cooking juices, chicken stock, or water over the meat to help retain moisture.

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