Grilling pork tenderloin on a gas grill is fast and easy. We love this easy recipe because the meat is juicy and tender on the inside and has a touch of char on the outside. You will too. Just follow my step-by-step photo instructions.
Pork tenderloinSeasoning—salt and pepper or other seasoningOptional brine—water, salt, sugarOptional—BBQ dry rub, BBQ sauce, seasoning salt, glaze, marinade
Grilled pork tenderloin is a near-perfect go-to grill recipe. It is healthy, delicious, juicy, and fork-tender. It is eloquent but makes an easy weeknight meal or BBQ in only 30 minutes.
For “cooking for two,” grilled pork tenderloin is one of my favorite meals. It’s also easy to make for a lot of people.
Pork tenderloin is a lean tender cut that takes beautifully to the grill. With a little prep you can have juicy, evenly cooked pork tenderloin ready in under 30 minutes. But exactly how long does it take to grill pork tenderloin per pound?
The cooking time can vary slightly based on the size and shape of your tenderloin. Follow this guide to learn about approximate grill times per pound, plus tips for maximizing flavor and moisture when grilling pork tenderloin
Approximate Grill Times Per Pound
As a general guideline, you can expect to grill pork tenderloin for about:
- 5-7 minutes per 1/2 pound
- 10-14 minutes per 1 pound
- 15-21 minutes per 1 1/2 pounds
- 20-28 minutes for a 2 pound tenderloin
These times are for cooking over direct medium heat. Using a two-zone fire allows searing over direct heat and slower cooking over indirect heat.
For example, a 1 1/2 pound tenderloin may take 10 minutes direct and 5 minutes indirect. Check the internal temperature to confirm doneness rather than relying solely on cook time.
Why Tenderloin Cooks Quickly
Compared to larger roasts and thick pork chops tenderloins grill up faster for two main reasons
1. Small size – Long and narrow shape exposes lots of surface area to the grill’s heat.
2. Very lean – Lack of fat allows heat to penetrate into the meat quickly.
These characteristics allow the tenderloin to grill up with a flavorful sear fast without overcooking the interior.
How to Grill a Juicy, Flavorful Tenderloin
Follow these tips for grilling the perfect pork tenderloin:
- Trim off silverskin for even cooking
- Brine 1-2 hours for added moisture
- Pat dry before applying rub or marinade
- Use a two-zone fire for searing and indirect cooking
- Flip every 5 minutes for even browning
- Grill to 145°F internal temperature
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing
Proper preparation and monitoring while grilling results in tender, juicy meat with a delicious crust.
Choosing Your Grill
You can successfully grill pork tenderloin on:
Gas Grill – Provides consistent heat for reliable cook times. Use two zones.
Charcoal Grill – Imparts a smoky flavor from the charcoal. Needs hot and cooler areas.
Pellet Grill – Infuses meat with subtle smoke notes. Easy to maintain temperature.
Electric Grill – Offers an option for indoor grilling. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Whichever you grill on, use a two-zone setup for best results.
Handy Pork Tenderloin Grilling Tips
- Allow 1/2 pound per person for portion estimating
- Grill presentation side down first for prettier slices
- Use apple, cherry, or maple wood chunks for complementary flavor
- Try a dry rub, wet marinade, or spicy glaze on the meat
- Insert a meat thermometer horizontally to get the center temp
- Transfer to indirect heat if flaring up or cooking too fast
- Resist cutting into the meat right away during resting
With the right techniques, grilled pork tenderloin makes for an easy and impressive meal.
Safely Reheating Leftover Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Refrigerate grilled pork tenderloin within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat leftover pork using:
- The oven at 350°F until heated through
- A microwave on half power in short bursts
- Gentle simmering in a sauce, soup, or stir fry
Bring pork to 165°F and consume within 3-4 days for food safety.
Inspirational Recipe Ideas
Grilled pork tenderloin is extremely versatile. Here are some mouthwatering recipes to try:
- Tacos with pineapple salsa
- Sandwiches with barbecue sauce and slaw
- Salad with mixed greens, blueberries, and vinaigrette
- Kabobs using tenderloin chunks
- Fried rice with pork and vegetables
- Pasta in creamy mushroom sauce
Take your grilled pork tenderloin in any global flavor direction. It’s endlessly adaptable.
How Long Can I Marinate Pork Tenderloin?
For best flavor infusion, marinate the pork:
- Minimum of 30 minutes
- 1-2 hours for good penetration
- Overnight or 24 hours for maximum effect
Use a sealed bag in the fridge. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice help tenderize. Discard used marinade.
Can You Freeze Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
Yes, grilled leftover pork tenderloin freezes well for 2-3 months. Let it cool fully before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Freezing preserves the grilled flavor so you can enjoy it anytime.
The Takeaway
Perfectly grilled pork tenderloin has juicy meat with a flavorful crust. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound based on cut size. Employ brining, seasoning, searing, and resting techniques for best results.
In 30 minutes or less, you can have a restaurant-worthy grilled pork entree ready to serve as the centerpiece of an impressive meal.
What to serve with grilled pork tenderloin
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Glazed Grilled Pineapple is an excellent dessert with ice cream. During berry season, we choose Fresh Strawberry Pie.
⏲️How long to grill pork tenderloin on gas grill
It takes about 25 minutes to grill a pork tenderloin to 145° (medium-rare) with a 450° grill temperature.
- Rare(less than 145°)—Not recommended due to USDA safety recommendations.
- Medium-Rare (145°-150°) will take about 22-27 minutes.
- Medium (150°-155°) will take about 27-30 minutes.
- Medium-Well(155°-160°) will take about 29+ minutes.
- Well Done(160°+)—Not recommended due to dryness and texture.
There are different times for each because each pork tenderloin is different in size and thickness, and each grill is different in how hot the surface is.
How to Grill Pork Tenderloin | Barlow BBQ 4K
FAQ
How long do you grill a pork tenderloin per pound?
How many minutes per pound of pork tenderloin?
How to grill a pork tenderloin on a Weber gas grill?
Is pork tenderloin better in the oven or on the grill?
How long do you Grill pork tenderloins?
Grill tenderloins. You’ll want to grill your pork tenderloins directly on the grill grates with the lid closed for 4-6 minutes per side. This will allow you to get those coveted grill marks all over your tenderloins as you bring them up to an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. The whole thing will take about 20 minutes. Make glaze.
How do you cook pork tenderloin on a gas grill?
Turn one section of burners off on a gas grill and leave the other on medium-high heat. Move the tenderloin to indirect side of the grill and close the lid to finish cooking. The heat inside the grill will continue to cook the pork without it searing the outside more. Want to master your grill?
How long do you cook Tenderloin on a charcoal grill?
For a charcoal grill, light a chimney of coals, pile the coals on one side of the grill, and leave the other side empty. Grill the tenderloin for 12 to 18 minutes. Place the tenderloin over direct heat. Cover and cook, flipping the tenderloin only once, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F to 145°F, 5 to 7 minutes per side.
How do you cook a tenderloin on a grill?
Trim the tenderloin of any excess fat and silver skin. Rub with dijon mustard. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over tenderloin. Place tenderloin directly over high heat to grill 15 minutes (with the lid closed), rotating every 2 to 3 minutes.