How Long to Cook Grilled Pork Tenderloin Simple Grill Recipe

A succulent and flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin that’s perfect for summertime dinners. This is a simple and easy-to-follow method answering the question: how long to cook whole pork loin on grill per pound. It outlines the exact cooking time and temperature required to achieve the perfect doneness, ensuring that the pork is cooked throughout becoming dry (over cooked) or undercooked. 

Featuring a mouthwatering blend of seasonings and brown sugar that infuse the tender juicy tenderloin with a rich, smoky flavor. Grilled to perfection, this dish is an excellent option for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or a weeknight dinner that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your guests asking for seconds!

You will learn how long to cook grilled pork tenderloin and achieve perfect results every time. I’m including detailed instructions on how to prepare your grill and cook the pork, as well as tips to season and marinate the meat for optimal flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned grilling pro or a beginner… This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to master the art of grilling perfect pork tenderloin! Serve with BBQ Baked Beans!

The Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat… In fact, it’s one of the leanest cuts of pork available. According to the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of cooked pork tenderloin contains only 3 grams of fat and 120 calories, which makes it a healthy and nutritious protein source. In addition to being low in fat, pork tenderloin is also high in protein and rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful cut of pork, pork tenderloin is definitely a great choice.

This is a lean and tender cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone of a pig. Specifically, it’s a long and narrow strip of meat that is located on either side of the pig’s spine, and it’s one of the most prized cuts of pork.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Grilling is a great way to cook pork tenderloin because it allows you to achieve a delicious charred exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender. The high heat of the grill helps to caramelize the surface of the meat, creating a beautiful crust that seals in the juices and flavor.

In addition to its delicious taste and texture, pork tenderloin is also a healthy protein source. It’s low in fat and calories, high in protein, and rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Grilling pork tenderloin is a great way to enjoy this flavorful and nutritious cut of meat. Whether you’re grilling it on a charcoal or gas grill, with a simple seasoning or a complex marinade, pork tenderloin is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.

How Long To Cook Pork Loin on the Grill Per Pound

The cooking time for a whole pork loin on the grill can vary depending on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan for a cooking time of around 20 to 30 minutes per pound of pork loin on the grill.

To ensure that your pork loin is cooked to your liking, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for a medium-rare to medium level of doneness, or up to 160°F (71°C) for a well-done pork loin.

Keep in mind that grilling times can be affected by a variety of factors, including the heat of your grill and the thickness of the pork loin. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the meat with a thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Perfect Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1-1.5 lb pork loin, or adjust for size)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• *Optional BBQ Sauce

Prep Cooking Pork Tenderloin

First – Take your tenderloin out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature. 

Next – Silver skin is a thin, tough layer of connective tissue that runs along the surface of pork tenderloin. It can is difficult to chew and should be removed before grilling. The best way to remove the silver skin, is to use a sharp knife and make a small incision at one end of the pork tenderloin, then use your fingers to gently pull the silver skin away from the meat. If you have trouble removing the silver skin, try using a paper towel to grip it and pull it away from the meat! Removing the silver skin will help ensure best results and a tender, flavorful pork tenderloin when grilled.

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
   1. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
   2. Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat it evenly.
   3. Drizzle the olive oil over the pork tenderloin and rub it in with your hands.
   4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   5. Once the grill is hot, place the pork tenderloin on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
   6. Remove the pork tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
   7. Slice the pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick pieces and serve.
2. The soy sauce in this variation of the recipe adds a salty and savory flavor to the pork tenderloin that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the aroma of the garlic and onion powder.
3. *Optional – You can brush the sauce onto the pork tenderloin during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling, or serve the grilled pork with BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
   

Cooking Pork Roast on a Charcoal Grill

1. Start by cleaning the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any debris from previous use.
2. Next, fill a charcoal chimney with enough charcoal to cover half of the grill.
3. Light the charcoal chimney and let the charcoal burn for about 20-30 minutes until it’s mostly covered with ash.
4. While the charcoal is lighting, prepare the pork tenderloin as per the recipe instructions.
5. Once the charcoal is ready, pour it onto one side of the grill to create a two-zone fire. This means that one side of the grill will have direct heat, while the other side will have indirect heat.
6. Use tongs to spread out the charcoal on the side of the grill where it was poured, creating a hot zone for direct heat source grilling.
7. Place the pork tenderloin on the indirect cooking side of the grill, away from the hot zone.
8. Close the lid and let the pork tenderloin cook for 15-20 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, as measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the pork loin.
9. Adjust the vents on the grill to control the temperature, opening them up for more heat and closing them for less heat.
10. Use tongs to turn the pork tenderloin over halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on both sides.
11. Once the pork tenderloin is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Note: The ideal temperature for grilling pork tenderloin is between 400-450°F. You can use an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature of the grill if your grill doesn’t have a built-in thermometer.

How to Cook this Pork Loin Roast on A Gas Grill

Here’s how to grill this pork tenderloin recipe on a gas grill:

1. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. While the grill is preheating, pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together all the seasonings. Rub the mixture over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Once the grill is hot, place the pork tenderloin on the grill grates, close the lid, and turn down the heat to medium heat.
5. Cook the pork tenderloin for 15-20 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, as measured with a meat thermometer.
6. Use tongs to turn the pork tenderloin over halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on both sides.
7. If you want to add a smoky flavor to the pork tenderloin, you can add some soaked wood chips to the grill. Simply wrap the soaked wood chips in aluminum foil, poke some holes in the foil, and place the foil packet directly on the grill grates.
8. Once it’s done, remove your juicy pork tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

To prepare a gas grill for cooking:

1. Clean the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any debris from previous use.
2. Make sure that the propane tank is full and connected securely to the grill.
3. Turn on the gas and light the grill, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) with the lid closed for about 10-15 minutes.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork tenderloin, so it’s best to rely on the internal temperature rather than the time. Also, the ideal temperature for grilling pork tenderloin on a gas grill is between 400-450°F high temperature. 

Tips to help you achieve a perfect pork tenderloin on the grill:

1. Remove the silver skin: As I mentioned earlier, be sure to remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloin before grilling. This will help to ensure that the meat is tender and flavorful.
2. Brine the pork tenderloin: Brining the pork tenderloin before grilling can help to keep it moist and tender. A simple brine solution can be made by dissolving salt and sugar in water and adding in herbs and spices for extra flavor.
3. Let the pork tenderloin come to room temperature. Take the pork tenderloin out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before grilling. This will help it cook more evenly and prevent the meat from becoming tough.
4. Preheat the grill: Be sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the pork tenderloin. This will help to create a nice sear on the outside of the meat and lock in the juices.
5. Use a meat thermometer! To ensure that the pork tenderloin cooks to the appropriate temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest time.
6. Let the pork rest! After removing the pork tenderloin from the grill, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender and juicy.

How to Brine Pork Tenderloin

Brining is an optional step that you can take to help keep the pork tenderloin moist and flavorful during grilling. Brining involves soaking the meat in a solution of salt and water for several hours before cooking. Here’s how you can brine the pork tenderloin before grilling or any other cooking method:

Ingredients:

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1-1.5 pounds)
• 4 cups cold water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the water, salt, brown sugar, garlic, and black peppercorns until salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add the pork tenderloin to the bowl and make sure it’s fully submerged in the brine.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours.
4. After the brining time is up, remove the pork tenderloin from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
5. Proceed with the grilling instructions from the original recipe.

Brining can help the pork tenderloin retain its moisture and impart additional flavor! However, it’s not necessary for a successful grilled pork tenderloin. Be sure to adjust the salt level in the recipe to avoid over-brining, which can make the meat too salty.

Storing Leftovers & Freezing

To store leftover grilled pork loin recipe, follow these steps:

1. Let the pork tenderloin cool down to room temperature before storing it. Leaving the meat out for no more than 2 hours is safe.
2. Slice the pork tenderloin into thin pieces or leave it whole, whichever you prefer.
3. Place the leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
4. Label the container with the date and contents.
5. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store the pork tenderloin for longer, you can freeze it. Here’s how:

1. Wrap the pork tenderloin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
2. Place the wrapped pork tenderloin in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
3. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
4. Store the container or bag in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

When you’re ready to use the frozen pork tenderloin, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving. Reheat the pork tenderloin in the oven or on the stovetop until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What to Serve with Grilled Pork Loin

Loaded Potato Salad

Simple Pasta Salad

Strawberry Salad

Soft Sourdough Rolls

BBQ Baked Beans