Grilled Pork Tenderloin
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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!
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.
After writing two freezer meal cookbooks and testing 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 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).
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 roasting it in the oven using these instructions.
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.
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 (Here’s where we get meat that we trust)
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.
Want More Grilling Recipes?
Check out these 15+ Amazing Grilling Recipes for more ideas. Yum!
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!
The absolute best recipe for grilled pork tenderloin – always perfect!!!!!
★★★★★
So glad you love it. Thank you for leaving a review!
Easiest and best every time grilled pork tenderloin recipe. My family begs for it !
★★★★★
That’s so great to hear Mary! Thank you for the review.
Made this many times…. Fool proof as long as you bare in mind size of loin.
It’s my go to.
★★★★★
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
Awesome!!
You’re easy directions made an A-1 delicious pork tenderloin👍🏻 A definite keeper!
★★★★★
Awesome to hear that! Thanks, Hedy.
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.
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!
Absolutely love this recipe. It’s perfect any time. Any idea if this would work with a beef tenderloin?
★★★★★
Thanks for the feedback! We haven’t tested this with beef tenderloin, so I’m not sure.