Grilled Pork Tenderloin
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This Grilled Pork Tenderloin with a seasoned rub couldn’t be easier or tastier. We’ll walk you through the simple 7-6-5 grilling method for yielding a perfectly crispy exterior and moist interior.
Or try our Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin or Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin for two other delicious options.
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’s kid-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.
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.
Can You Freeze Pork Tenderloin?
Yes! It takes almost no extra time to double this recipe and freeze one for later.
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 of these 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).
FAQs
Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat. Pork loin is wider and flatter and can be purchased boneless or bone-in. They are two different cuts of meat that cannot be used interchangeably because they won’t cook at the same rate.
You bet! We’ve written recipes for other cooking methods.
Oven Instructions: Use our popular Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Air Fryer Instructions: Use our popular Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin recipe.
It’s important to not overcook pork, like most of us have done over the years. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a dry, tough dinner. Yuck!
Several years ago, the USDA lowered their safe cooking temperature recommendation for pork, which means we don’t have to overcook it anymore! Pork tenderloin is done at 145°F, so be sure to use an internal meat thermometer to get it just right.
Side Dish Ideas for Pork Tenderloin
Similar Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- 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
- Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Maple Glaze
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
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.
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
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. Rub the seasoning on all sides of the pork tenderloin (just until it’s covered; you won’t use all the seasoning), pressing so the seasoning adheres. Tip: Place remaining seasoning in an air-tight container to use on chicken or pork in the future.
- 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
- Sodium Note: Some pork tenderloin is injected with additives, including sodium. Always read the ingredients and look for one without any additives. If yours does have sodium in it, I would significantly reduce the salt in this recipe.
- You want want to try our Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin or Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin methods instead.
- 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.
Making this for a second time. Definitely a winner
Glad to hear it Linda. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Turned out perfect. Easy.
Glad to hear it Susan. Thanks for leaving a review!
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!!!
Good reminders Jo. Thank you for leaving a review!
Tried this last night and it was great 😊 Will keep this recipe! My son who is picky really loved it! thank you.
We always love to hear when picky eaters love something. Thanks for leaving a review Janet!