Grilled Pork Tenderloin

5 from 9 votes
10 Comments

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Grilled Pork Tenderloin is perfectly tender, smothered with a sweet and savory homemade barbecue sauce. Simple to make and oh so delicious!

Plate with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and sliced pork tenderloin
Featured With This Recipe
  1. Ingredients to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin
  2. Variations and Seasoning Additions
  3. What Type of Pork to Use for Grilling
  4. How to Grill Pork Tenderloin
  5. Practice Patience with this Pork
  6. Storing and Reheating Leftover Pork
  7. Side Dish Ideas
  8. More Pork Recipes
  9. FAQs About Grilling Pork Tenderloin
  10. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
  11. Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Grilled Pork Tenderloin is one of my favorite things to make during the summer. I’m always looking for new things to throw on the grill when it’s too hot to cook inside and this savory sweet pork with homemade barbecue sauce is perfect! My sister-in-law Katelyn first introduced me to this pork tenderloin when we were together one summer and we were all hooked. Serve this tender pork with some of our roasted red potatoes and a simple salad and you have a dinner that’s sure to be a winner all summer long!

Ingredients to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin

  • Pork tenderloin
  • Dried rosemary
  • Garlic powder
  • Kosher salt & black pepper

Sweet Barbecue Glaze

Skip the bottled barbecue sauce and make your own! This simple recipe is easy to make and can be used for so many recipes. Here’s all you need:

  • Soy sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Honey
  • Minced Garlic
  • Frank’s Red Hot Sauce

That’s it! Mix up a batch and brush it all over the pork during and after cooking. Or make a double batch and use some of the sauce as a marinade! You can use this sauce for chicken, ribs, steak, just about anything!

Bowl of BBQ Sauce for Pork Tenderloin


Variations and Seasoning Additions

The dry rub we use in this recipe is super simple with just a few ingredients. If you want to spice it up, you can also add a teaspoon each of paprika, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and/or brown sugar. You can also rub the pork with some dijon mustard before adding the other seasonings to give it a little kick.

What Type of Pork to Use for Grilling

We use a pork tenderloin for this recipe, because it’s cheaper than most cuts of meat and grills up beautifully. This recipe would also work great with pork chops too! Slice thicker pork chops in half or get the thinly sliced pork chops. I have found them at Costco and I love them!.

Lately beef has gone WAY up in price so I love that you can get pork as a much cheaper meat alternative. It is a significant difference too; steak can range between six to nine dollars a pound. I can usually find pork for closer to three to four dollars a pound. So if you are wanting to grill on a budget, pork is a great option!

Pork Tenderloin on the Grill

How to Grill Pork Tenderloin

Grilling pork tenderloin is easy! Grill over a gas grill or charcoal grill indirectly over medium to medium-high heat. To get an indirect heat, don’t place the meat directly over the flame. For example, if you have a three burner grill, put meat in center and only have the side burners on. Grill until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145-degrees F. The best way to measure this is by using an instant read thermometer. By using a digital meat thermometer you can get a quick and accurate read so you get perfect, tender meat every time.

Practice Patience with this Pork

This Grilled Pork Tenderloin is super easy to make but if you want that fall apart texture and sweet flavor you need to give it some time to marinate.

  • About four to six hours before you want to eat, cut the pork tenderloin into one inch thick slices and toss them with some dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Let it sit, covered in the refrigerator, until about 20 minutes before you want to start grilling.
  • Take the pork out of the fridge and let it rest on the counter for about 20 minutes before grilling.
  • Brush the deliciously sweet barbecue sauce over the pork as it cooks and then again after it’s done.
Plate full of pork tenderloin and a side of bbq sauce

Storing and Reheating Leftover Pork

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat the leftovers in an air fryer or in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until reheated. We also like to reheat leftovers by cutting up the pork and heating in a sauté pan until heated through. You can also slice the pork in thin slices and serve over a Southwestern-style salad.

Side Dish Ideas

When it comes to BBQ side dishes, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few of our favorite side dishes to serve with this saucy grilled pork tenderloin:

Read Next: 35+ BBQ Side Dish Ideas

More Pork Recipes

Pork is such a delicious option for supper and is really versatile. Here are a few of our favorite pork recipes:

FAQs About Grilling Pork Tenderloin

How long does it take to grill pork tenderloin?

It takes about 20-25 minutes to grill pork tenderloin over indirect heat. It will take less time if you grill the pork over direct heat but you risk the pork drying out.

How do you keep pork tenderloin from drying out on the grill?

By keeping the tenderloin sauced and by grilling over indirect heat, you can prevent your pork tenderloin from drying out in the middle.

Do you wrap pork in foil when grilling?

Wait until the pork has been grilled before wrapping it in foil. You can allow the pork to rest on its own or you can wrap it in foil to help keep the natural juices in.

Plate with mashed potatoes and sliced pork tenderloin

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

5 from 9 votes
Grilled Pork Tenderloin is perfectly tender, smothered with a sweet and savory homemade barbecue sauce. Simple to make and oh so delicious!
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Outdoor Barbecue Grill

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin cut into 8 slices 1” thick
  • dried rosemary crushed
  • garlic powder
  • kosher salt & fresh ground pepper

For the BBQ Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Frank's Red Hot Sauce or other hot sauce

Instructions

1 hour before cook time:

  • Remove any silver skin and trim excess fat if needed. If you have a lean cut of meat this may not be necessary. Cut the tenderloin into 8 slices that are 1 inch thickness.
    Uncooked Pork Tenderloin
  • Sprinkle the both sides of each slice of pork generously with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover with Saran and let set in fridge until 20 minutes before cooking. 20 minutes before grilling, let the meat sit at room temperature.
    Seasoned Uncooked Pork Tenderloin
  • Add the glaze ingredients to a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Use half the sauce for brushing the pork while grilling and the other half as a side when serving.
    Sauce Pan of BBQ Sauce for Pork Tenderloin

Grilling the Tenderloin:

  • Grill meat with Indirect/Medium Heat, meaning if you have a three burner grill, put meat in center and only have the side burners on. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes on each side and glaze each side with the BBQ sauce after turning. Meat is done when internal temp is at least 145℉.
    Close Up of Pork Tenderloin on the Grill
  • Let meat sit for 5 minutes before cutting into it.
    Plate full of pork tenderloin and a side of bbq sauce
  • Serve with remaining glaze on the side.
    Plate with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and sliced pork tenderloin

Notes

  • About four to six hours before you want to eat, cut the pork tenderloin into one inch thick slices and toss them with some dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Let it sit, covered in the refrigerator, until about 20 minutes before you want to start grilling.
  • Take the pork out of the fridge and let it rest on the counter for about 20 minutes before grilling.
  • Brush the deliciously sweet barbecue sauce over the pork as it cooks and then again after it’s done.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 25gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 755mgPotassium: 526mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 79IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

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We want to hear from you! Please leave a review.

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Plate with mashed potatoes and sliced pork tenderloin

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

5 from 9 votes
Grilled Pork Tenderloin is perfectly tender, smothered with a sweet and savory homemade barbecue sauce. Simple to make and oh so delicious!
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Outdoor Barbecue Grill

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin cut into 8 slices 1” thick
  • dried rosemary crushed
  • garlic powder
  • kosher salt & fresh ground pepper

For the BBQ Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Frank's Red Hot Sauce or other hot sauce

Instructions

1 hour before cook time:

  • Remove any silver skin and trim excess fat if needed. If you have a lean cut of meat this may not be necessary. Cut the tenderloin into 8 slices that are 1 inch thickness.
    Uncooked Pork Tenderloin
  • Sprinkle the both sides of each slice of pork generously with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover with Saran and let set in fridge until 20 minutes before cooking. 20 minutes before grilling, let the meat sit at room temperature.
    Seasoned Uncooked Pork Tenderloin
  • Add the glaze ingredients to a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Use half the sauce for brushing the pork while grilling and the other half as a side when serving.
    Sauce Pan of BBQ Sauce for Pork Tenderloin

Grilling the Tenderloin:

  • Grill meat with Indirect/Medium Heat, meaning if you have a three burner grill, put meat in center and only have the side burners on. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes on each side and glaze each side with the BBQ sauce after turning. Meat is done when internal temp is at least 145℉.
    Close Up of Pork Tenderloin on the Grill
  • Let meat sit for 5 minutes before cutting into it.
    Plate full of pork tenderloin and a side of bbq sauce
  • Serve with remaining glaze on the side.
    Plate with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and sliced pork tenderloin

Notes

  • About four to six hours before you want to eat, cut the pork tenderloin into one inch thick slices and toss them with some dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Let it sit, covered in the refrigerator, until about 20 minutes before you want to start grilling.
  • Take the pork out of the fridge and let it rest on the counter for about 20 minutes before grilling.
  • Brush the deliciously sweet barbecue sauce over the pork as it cooks and then again after it’s done.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 25gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 755mgPotassium: 526mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 79IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

Love this recipe?

We want to hear from you! Please leave a review.

Rate and Review



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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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Southern Utah University and Ricks College

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Co-Author of Favorite Family Recipes 3 Cookbooks:
Favorite Family Recipes
A Year of Favorites
and Most Requested Copycat Dishes

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Last weekend we had a small bbq-party with friends. besides the normal things we make I tried this recipe.
    It was a great succes, If I had made more it would have been gone easily.
    Thanks for the recipes, I enjoy making them and trying it all out.
    Greetings from the Netherlands

  2. We made this last night for dinner. Had Uncle Ben’s wild rice pouch and cucumbers with onions. It was soooo good, and easy. Will definitely make again!! Thanks for sharing.

  3. 5 stars
    Super easy to make and turned our really delicious! Thanks a lot for sharing this, it’s really helpful! Highly recommended!

  4. 5 stars
    Pork tenderloin is so awesome to feed a family because it’s so economical — and this one looks absolutely delicious!

  5. 5 stars
    This pork tenderloin looks so tender and delicious! What a delicious dinner!