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

A marinade is a great way to add flavor and moisture to lean cuts of meat like pork tenderloin. Marinades work by breaking down the muscle fibers and connective tissue in meat which tenderizes it and also allows it to better retain moisture.

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 does pork tenderloin take to grill?

How Long to Grill Pork Tenderloin. On a grill preheated to medium heat, the pork tenderloin should be fully cooked after about 30 minutes over indirect heat . You'll know the pork is done when an instant read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 145 degrees F.

Is pork tenderloin better in the oven or on the grill?

Food52: Which cooking method gets the most flavor out of pork loin? CG: You get flavors from grilling that you don't get from roasting . Smokiness, first and foremost. Direct cooking gives a distinct char, and that char adds a lot of taste.

How do you grill pork without drying it out?

Grilled Pork Chops Thick pork chops are grilled over high heat to develop flavor before moving to low heat to cook them gently —that's how you keep them from drying out.

How do you cook pork tenderloin without drying it out?

Grilling First, use a high-heat area to quickly brown the meat on all sides. ... Next, move the loin to a low-heat area of the grill and cover it with foil. Now, you can roast the pork using indirect cooking for approximately one to one and a half hours, or about 20 minutes per pound of meat. Oct 3, 2023

Do you close the lid when grilling pork tenderloin?

Keep the lid closed . This is soooo important! Keep the grill lid closed between flipping the pork tenderloin. The indirect heat side of the grill relies on the direct heat side to create an oven-like atmosphere inside the grill. If the lid stays open, you'll lose all your heat.

How do you moisten pork tenderloin?

Pork Tenderloin is naturally dry because there's not enough fat on it. I recommend cooking at low temperature ( 165>200*F) ) for several hours. You can use a good Broth ie:Chicken,Beef,of Vegetable Stock . never use water for your liquid.

How do you keep pork moist and tender?

Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop. Even a quick 30-minute brine (or up to four hours) makes a big difference. It's not strictly necessary — you can still use this method to make great pork chops even without brining — but if you have some extra time, I recommend it.

Should pork tenderloin be at room temperature before grilling?

Meat juices inside can not react when we cook cold meat. We need room temperature for a juicy and tender steak. If you want to cook a tasty, delicious pork tenderloin in your oven, keeping all the flavors, you need to take it out of the refrigerator one hour before .

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

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By: Polly ConnerPosted: 1/22/23Updated: 3/31/23

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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.

Simply preheat the grill to 450°F degrees.
Place your seasoned tenderloin on the grill and let it sizzle with the lid shut for 7 minutes.
Flip.
Shut the lid and then let it grill for 6 more minutes.
Now turn the heat off, and leave the lid closed for 4-5 minutes.
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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Side Dish Ideas for Pork Tenderloin

Here are some side dish ideas for pork tenderloin.

Jane’s Grilled Peaches

How to Grill Corn on the Cob

5-Ingredient Coleslaw

Oven Roasted Broccoli

See More Side Dish Ideas

Similar Recipes to Try

Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin – oven roasted or grilled
Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin – with a seasoned rub
Oven Baked Boneless Pork Chops – super easy
Easy Pan-Seared Pork Chops – only 4 main ingredients
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!

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: 4–6 servings 1x

Prep: 10 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 30 minutes

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Units:

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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)

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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:

Preheat the grill to 450°F degrees.
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.
Place your seasoned tenderloin on the grill and let it sizzle with the lid shut for 7 minutes.
Flip and shut the lid. Then, let it cook for 5-6 more minutes.
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.
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.

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.

Reader Interactions

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Linda J Curtis says
Posted on 9/17/23 at 2:23 pm
Making this for a second time. Definitely a winner
Reply
- Carla from Thriving Home says
  Posted on 9/17/23 at 3:15 pm
  Glad to hear it Linda. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
  Reply
Susan says
Posted on 6/22/23 at 8:16 am
Turned out perfect. Easy.
Reply
- Carla from Thriving Home says
  Posted on 6/22/23 at 9:19 am
  Glad to hear it Susan. Thanks for leaving a review!
  Reply
Jo Cowles says
Posted on 9/20/22 at 4:12 pm
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
- Carla Fletcher says
  Posted on 9/21/22 at 10:01 am
  Good reminders Jo. Thank you for leaving a review!
  Reply
  - Janet says
    Posted on 6/18/23 at 6:14 am
    Tried this last night and it was great 😊 Will keep this recipe! My son who is picky really loved it! thank you.
    Reply
    - Carla from Thriving Home says
      Posted on 6/18/23 at 12:08 pm
      We always love to hear when picky eaters love something. Thanks for leaving a review Janet!
      Reply
Katherine Henshaw-Figueroa says
Posted on 9/12/22 at 4:16 pm
The absolute best recipe for grilled pork tenderloin – always perfect!!!!!
Reply
- Carla Fletcher says
  Posted on 9/13/22 at 9:14 am
  So glad you love it. Thank you for leaving a review!
  Reply
MY says
Posted on 9/3/22 at 4:53 pm
Easiest and best every time grilled pork tenderloin recipe. My family begs for it !
Reply
- Carla Fletcher says
  Posted on 9/4/22 at 2:29 pm
  That’s so great to hear Mary! Thank you for the review.
  Reply
Joanne says
Posted on 8/9/22 at 4:43 pm
Made this many times…. Fool proof as long as you bare in mind size of loin.
It’s my go to.
Reply
- Polly Conner says
  Posted on 8/10/22 at 1:34 pm
  Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
  Reply
- Rachel Tiemeyer says
  Posted on 8/10/22 at 1:57 pm
  Awesome!!
  Reply
Hedy says
Posted on 6/12/22 at 5:19 pm
You’re easy directions made an A-1 delicious pork tenderloin👍🏻 A definite keeper!
Reply
- Rachel Tiemeyer says
  Posted on 6/13/22 at 8:31 am
  Awesome to hear that! Thanks, Hedy.
  Reply
Anne McDonough says
Posted on 4/22/22 at 6:02 pm
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
- Rachel Tiemeyer says
  Posted on 4/22/22 at 8:18 pm
  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
CarolAnn says
Posted on 12/20/20 at 8:06 am
Absolutely love this recipe. It’s perfect any time. Any idea if this would work with a beef tenderloin?
Reply
- Rachel Tiemeyer says
  Posted on 12/20/20 at 1:51 pm
  Thanks for the feedback! We haven’t tested this with beef tenderloin, so I’m not sure.
  Reply

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