This is the best Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe! It's a quick 30-minute summer dinner the whole family will love. Use a simple, tasty spice rub to make a juicy tenderloin that pairs well with almost any side dish.
Summer grilling season is one of my favorites. That's why I keep adding to my collection of great grilling recipes!
You're here for this spice-rubbed, grilled pork tenderloin, but if chicken is also a grilling go-to try Teriyaki Chicken and Scallion Kabobs and Tropical Chicken with Grilled Pineapple. They will not disappoint!
Why you'll love this grilled recipe
An amazing meat choice for grilling is the pork tenderloin. I love that it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
The tenderloin will take on an incredible smokey flavor from being cooked on the grill. With just a simple rub, it chars beautifully on the outside and stays nice and juicy on the inside. It's flavorful, tender perfection!
After making this recipe I think you'll agree with me: this is the perfect grilled pork tenderloin! More reasons this is a must-try recipe:
- Quick and delicious: Not only do you get a little smokey goodness from the grill, but pairing it with tangy goat cheese, rosemary, and honey makes for an amazing meal that's ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Customizable: You can use the rub and toppings I suggest or use your own favorite rub for seasoning. If you want to get a little fancy, try my Terrific 10-Ingredient BBQ Rub.
- Great for entertaining: It's a summer dish you can have on the table for guests in less time than it takes to whip up burgers with all the fixings! That's my kind of cookout.
- Completes any meal: The lovely smoked flavor of the tenderloin, goes with almost any summer side dish. It will be a dinner staple in no time!
Jump to:
Great recipe and so easy. I love your goat cheese and rosemary, honey touch, the combination is fantastic. I followed your advise and it came out perfect. We all loved the tenderloin, it was a big hit! Thanks so much!
- Jenny
Ingredients
As you get ready to grill, check out these ingredient tips to help you select everything you'll need. See recipe card for quantities.
For the rub
- Pantry spices: I like to use spices most people already have in their pantry: garlic powder, ground coriander, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
- Light brown sugar: Adding brown sugar to the rub intensifies the caramelization as it grills.
For grilling and serving the tenderloin
- Pork tenderloin: You'll need a 1 pound pork tenderloin to feed about 4 people. Make sure to remove the silverskin before applying the rub.
- Olive oil: Helps to conduct heat and caramelize the seasoned outside of the pork tenderloin.
- Toppings: The finishing touches really take this recipe over-the-top. You could serve this simple recipe with a variety of toppings. However, I think slices of tangy goat cheese, fresh chopped rosemary, and a drizzle of sweet honey is the best.
Other toppings
Here are more topping and flavor combinations that mimic my combination of goat cheese, honey, and rosemary that you might like:
- Blue cheese, thyme, fig jam
- Ricotta, lemon zest, balsamic glaze
- Sliced fresh figs, goat cheese, cracked pepper
- Feta, mint, pomegranate molasses
- Burrata, basil, chili crisp or hot honey
How to grill pork tenderloin
Here's a picture of every step of grilling a pork tenderloin. Follow along with this easy photo tutorial. See recipe card for comprehensive directions.
- Remove the silverskin from the pork tenderloin. Use a sharp knife to cut lose the end and then pull the silverskin up as you run the knife underneath. You should be able to cut of 3 or 4 strips. This will prevent the pork tenderloin from curling during cooking, and remove the tough membrane.
- Make the spice rub for the pork, then drizzle tenderloin with olive oil before grilling. It's better to oil your food than the grates of the grill.
- You'll grill the tenderloin, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature is 130°F. Allow tenderloin to rest 5 min (internal temperature will continue to rise to 145°F). Slice and place on a platter.
- Top with chopped rosemary, goat cheese and honey to serve.
- Step 1: Remove the silverskin from the tenderloin with a sharp knife.
- Step 2: Mix the spice rub together.
- Step 3: Rub pork tenderloin all over with the spice mixture.
- Step 4: Drizzle tenderloin with oil before cooking. (I doubled the batch!)
- Step 5: Cook to an internal temperature of 130ºF and allow carryover cooking to go to about 145ºF.
- Step 6: Slice after a 5 minute rest and serve immediately with the toppings.
What to serve with grilled pork tenderloin
When I say this pork tenderloin can go with almost anything, I mean it! You can pair it with all your favorite side dishes from salads to mashed potatoes and corn bread to grilled veggies.
Tara's top tips
Use a meat thermometer: You'll want to remove the tenderloin from the grill once the internal temperature reaches 130°F. It's best to use a meat thermometer to make sure the meat isn't undercooked.
Take the chill off: After applying the rub to the pork, let it sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes. It will take the chill off the meat and facilitate even cooking.
Rotate the tenderloin: It will take approximately 20 minutes for the pork loin to cook through. I recommend rotating the meat every few minutes for even cooking.
Rest the meat before slicing: One of the secrets to getting an extra juicy pork tenderloin, is letting it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. As the meat sits, the internal temperature will continue to rise, and the juices will be locked in. Use your meat thermometer to double-check the temperature before serving. It needs to reach 145°F to be safe to eat.
How long does it take to grill a pork tenderloin?
This is a fast recipe! I suggest cooking the tenderloin over medium-high heat. That's 375ºF to 400ºF. You'll cook your tenderloin 18 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness. The internal temperature should be 130ºF in the thickest part (as the meat rests the temperature will rise to 145ºF as the final temp.)
Most grills have heat zones that are created by direct or indirect heat. Direct heat is right over the flame or coals, while indirect is a lower temperature and not over the flames. See more about direct and indirect grilling on my BBQ post.
You can grill the pork tenderloin over direct heat at around 375ºF, or sear over high heat and move to lower heat to finish cooking.
Equipment
Obviously you'll need a grill! Charcoal or gas is fine. You can also do this on a grill pan indoors if needed.
Get the best meat thermometer.
Long tongs are a must for cooking over a hot grill.
Make-ahead and storage instructions
Make Ahead:
You can season the pork tenderloin with the spice rub up to 24 hours in advance. After rubbing cover the tenderloin and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Storage:
Leftover grilled pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the goat cheese layered on the sliced pork if already assembled.
Reheating:
Enjoy the pork cold, straight from the fridge—it’s delicious served over salads, tucked into sandwiches, or added to a grain bowl with extra drizzle of honey.
FAQ
Pork tenderloin is a thin, tender piece of pork. It's only 12 to 16 ounces in weight. One pork tenderloin serves about 4 people. If you have any big eaters, it cuts this number down to 3! Thankfully, this cut is usually sold in packages of 2, and the recipe below is easy to double if you're feeding a bigger crowd.
Rubs are a great way to season pork, chicken, and other meat because they stick to the outside easily without dripping off like sauces. They also toast and caramelize as they cook, making a crisp, flavorful crust on the outside of the meat. Applying a rub is the first step to making the best grilled meat, especially grilled pork tenderloin!
Pork tenderloin is a very versatile cut, and salt is a must for basic seasoning.
In addition I typically use a dry rub with pepper, garlic powder, and ground coriander. With a little brown sugar, it renders the best tenderloin ever!
Use a meat thermometer and grill to 130ºF at the thickest point, then let it rest for 5 minutes. Carry-over cooking will bring it to 145ºF, giving you a crisp exterior and juicy, pink center.
Don’t overcook it. As I have mentioned, pull it at 130°F and let it rest to reach a juicy 145°F. Grill over medium-high heat, rotating often to sear the entire outside.
More delicious grilling recipes
Try these blog favorites to keep the grill going all summer long!
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📖 Full Recipe
Best Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1-pound pork tenderloin (silverskin removed)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 ounces goat cheese (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Remove silverskin from pork tenderloin by releasing the end and pulling the silverskin up while running the knife underneath. You'll remove 3 to 4 strips of sliverskin.
- Combine garlic powder, ground coriander, salt, ground pepper, and brown sugar. Rub all over tenderloin and let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Drizzle tenderloin with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat (about 375°F), turning occasionally, until internal temperature at its thickest point is 130°F, 18 to 20 minutes.
- Remove tenderloin from grill and allow meat to rest 5 to 10 minutes (internal temperature will continue to rise to 145°F). The tenderloin will be crisp on the outside and juicy, pink on the inside. Slice and place on a platter.
- Top tenderloin with goat cheese and chopped rosemary, then drizzle with honey.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Tara Teaspoon
I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!
Julie says
I'm a huge fan of Goat Cheese and this is a great combination of sweet and tangy. A modern version of pork chops and applesauce!
Regina Redd Sigfried says
Un buen blog! Voy a marcar unos pocos de estos .. Regina Redd Sigfried
Tara says
Ah thank you so much!
Marisa F. Stewart says
My mouth is watering just looking at the photos. We are making the tenderloin tonight. I can tell we're going to love it! How do I know? You can't possibly go wrong with the goat cheese and honey. It sounds so yummy and the rosemary is the perfect herb. Thank you for inspiring our dinner.
Leslie says
This recipe has SO much going for it! I love that it can be made in 30 minutes. Not to mention, that rub looks perfect and anything on the grill is a win!
Paula Montenegro says
So simple and so delicious! This is a recipe I will make again and again. The rub flavors sound fantastic and it's such an easy way to add tons of flavor. Love this recipe.
Tara says
On rotation! That's great. Thanks for sharing your review.
Ramona says
This pork tenderloin looks so amazing and I love the fact that you added goat cheese with honey, it gives amazing flavour! There is so much excitement included in this dish and i cannot wait to try this for dinner this week. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Jenny says
Great recipe and so easy. I love your goat cheese and rosemary, honey touch, the combination is fantastic. I followed your advise and it came out perfect. We all loved the tenderloin, it was a big hit! Thanks so much!
Tara says
Glad it was a big hit! Thanks!
Sara says
I love a good 30 minute meal! I don't know if I have ever had grilled pork, but your photos are simply mouthwatering! I will definitely try this!
Sam says
Wow this looks delicious and so tender! We have been grilling a lot this summer but was looking for something new. Haven't done pork tenderloin yet and I have a feeling my hubby will be so excited. Thanks for the recipe!
LaKita says
I have never tried grilling pork tenderloin before and your recipe makes the whole process so simple and it came out juicy and delicious!
Tara says
Oh great! Thanks for letting us all know!
Natalie says
Wow this sounds really delicious. AND super easy. Meat looks perfectly spiced and grilled. I must give this recipe a try. I bet my family will love this.
Mia says
Looks fantastic! Thanks for this one!
Jill says
This recipe is incredible! My family is leery of trying new recipes and this one was a total hit. The rub is SO good, and I can't believe how tender and juicy the meat is. I've made this twice in the last 2 weeks, and it's going to be part of our regular dinner rotations.
Jill says
The rub on this was perfection! I really like the sweetness from the brown sugar and the rosemary together. Why haven't I thought to drizzle honey on pork? It was delicious! We served it with some garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus too. It was a hit all the way around!
Tara T. says
Mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus are the perfect sides for this recipe. Glad you enjoyed it! Tara
Min says
That rub is so simple and yet SO tasty! Everyone loved it when I made it for a cookout with friends. Many asked for the recipe so I pointed them to your site! Thank you thank you!