This Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is so simple to make and turns out incredibly juicy. The secret isn’t a marinade or seasoning, but an easy dry brine method. Put this on your BBQ and enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner.
If you’re sick of having your pork dry out, then this recipe is for you. This grilled pork tenderloin comes out so juicy and is incredibly easy to prep.
The secret is doing a dry brine – this helps keep the moisture in while also seasoning the meat.
Try it once and you’ll never grill pork tenderloin any other way.
HOW TO GRILL PORK TENDERLOIN
STEP 1: PREP & BRINE THE PORK
First use a paper towel to dry off the pork tenderloin.
Then, using a large sharp knife and a cutting board, remove any fat remaining on the pork. You may be able to pull it off with your hands. If not, cut it off with the knife.
Next remove the silverskin (connective tissue) on the tenderloin. You will need to poke the tip of the knife into the tenderloin just under one end of the silverskin, the gently and gradually move your knife back and forth as you slide it down underneath the sliverskin to remove it from the rest of the meat.
It will need to be removed in multiple sections – if you try and remove it all at once you will cut away a large portion of the meat itself.
Once the silverskin is removed, measure out the kosher salt with a measuring spoon and sprinkle it all over the meat, spreading it around with your fingers until the meat is equally covered. Place the meat on a plate and in the fridge, uncovered, for 8 hours.
STEP 2: GET READY TO GRILL
Take the tenderloin out of the fridge after the 8 hours is up and 30 minutes before you put it on the grill to let it come up in temperature.
Turn your grill on and let the temperature come up to about 375 degrees F. Just before it goes on the grill measure out the oil and pour it over the tenderloin, using your hands to cover the meat with the oil.
STEP 3: GRILL THE PORK
Once the grill has come to temperature, use a pair of tongs to place the meat on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes, then open the lid and flip the tenderloin so the side that was up is now on the grill and being cooked. Close the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
After the 5 minutes are up, check the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. We have used and loved our Thermapen for years (affiliate link) – it’s the purple one in the picture below. You want to pull the tenderloin off the grill at 140 degrees F. Cook the pork for an additional 3 to 8 minutes, depending on how thick it is and checking the temperature every couple of minutes as necessary.
When the thickest part of the pork reaches 140 degrees F, remove it from the grill and put it on a cutting board to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice into medallions (roughly half an inch wide) to serve, sprinkling with chopped herbs if desired.
FAQ
You may have a couple of questions about grilling pork tenderloin – let’s get to those now.
How long do you grill a pork tenderloin?
Ultimately you want the internal temperature of the pork to reach 145 degrees. The pork will continue to cook for a bit after it comes off the grill, so pulling it when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F ensures it’s not overcooked. This can take anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pork.
How do you keep pork tenderloin from drying out?
The best way is to brine it! That helps keep the moisture in and also flavors the pork.
What’s the difference between a pork loin and pork tenderloin?
Pork loin and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of a pig. Pork loin is the back of the animal and is a large cut of meat, the size of a roast. It usually has a large cap of fat on it as well. Pork tenderloin is the muscle that runs along the spine of the animal. It is long and narrow and typically very lean.
RECIPE TIPS
- Don’t brine the pork for too long. If you over brine the meat will become too salty and inedible. Right around 8 hours is good.
- If you’re not sure the best way to check the internal temperature of the meat, check out my article on how to use a meat thermometer.
- Make sure you pay attention to the hot spots on your grill – typically the back of the grill is hotter than the front. Which means you’ll want to place your tenderloin all in the same zone – side to side rather than with one end at the back and one end at the front.
Ready to develop your grilling skills?
Tune in and listen to the newly launched Grill Like a Mother podcast from Hot Pan Kitchen author Taryn Solie.
PIN THIS GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN FOR LATER!
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR MORE WHOLE30 GRILLING IDEAS, CHECK THESE OUT!
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- Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Dijon Chicken
- Smoked Pork Chops
OR IF YOU NEED SOME EASY DINNER IDEAS, TAKE A LOOK AT THESE!
- Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin (Whole30, Paleo, Gluten Free)
Equipment
- Paper towel
- A plate
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs pork
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro optional
Instructions
- First use a paper towel to dry off the pork tenderloin. Then, using a large sharp knife and a cutting board, remove any fat remaining on the pork. You may be able to pull it off with your hands. If not, cut it off with the knife.
- Next remove the silverskin (connective tissue) on the tenderloin. You will need to poke the tip of the knife into the tenderloin just under one end of the silverskin, the gently and gradually move your knife back and forth as you slide it down underneath the sliverskin to remove it from the rest of the meat. It will need to be removed in multiple sections – if you try and remove it all at once you will cut away a large portion of the meat itself.
- Once the silverskin is removed, measure out the kosher salt with a measuring spoon and sprinkle it all over the meat, spreading it around with your fingers until the meat is equally covered. Place the meat on a plate and in the fridge, uncovered, for 8 hours.
- Take the tenderloin out of the fridge after the 8 hours is up and 30 minutes before you put it on the grill to let it come up in temperature.
- Turn your grill on and let the temperature come up to about 375 degrees F. Just before it goes on the grill measure out the oil and pour it over the tenderloin, using your hands to cover the meat with the oil.
- Once the grill has come to temperature, use a pair of tongs to place the meat on the grill. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes, then open the lid and flip the tenderloin so the side that was up is now on the grill and being cooked. Close the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- After the 5 minutes are up, check the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer (we have used and loved our Thermapen for years – it’s the purple one in the picture below). You want to pull the tenderloin off the grill at 140 degrees F. Cook the pork for an additional 3 to 8 minutes, depending on how thick it is and checking the temperature every couple of minutes as necessary.
- When the thickest part of the pork reaches 140 degrees F, remove it from the grill and put it on a cutting board to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice into medallions (roughly half an inch wide) to serve, sprinkling with chopped herbs if desired.
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