How to Grill A Pork Tenderloin: The 7-6-5 Method
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When you grill a pork tenderloin instead of bake 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 to make it delicious!
Before Rachel and I even started Thriving Home, I have been roasting this amazing pork tenderloin recipe in the oven. I’ve tried out a few others but always come back to this seasoned rub. I love it. My family loves it and it makes a great make-ahead freezer meal.
I didn’t think it could get much better, that was until we grilled the pork tenderloin instead of cooking it in the oven. OH MY GOODNESS.
I don’t know what an open flame does to this hunk of meat but good things happen. 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.
We won’t go back to oven roasting. We just won’t. Especially after I learned about the 7-6-5 method of grilling pork tenderloin. What is this 7-6-5 method you speak of, Polly? Let me tell you. It is genius.
Video Tutorial: How to Grill Pork Tenderloin
Watch this quick video to see how it’s done…
How Long to Grill a Pork Tenderloin: Use the 7-6-5 Method!
It’s so simple! Anyone can cook pork tenderloin this way following these step-by-step directions. We do suggest having a meat thermometer handy to make sure you don’t overcook your meat. This is because every cut of meat will cook a touch differently. Let your thermometer will be your guide!
- 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. Safety Note: 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 145 or just slightly under, as it will carry-over cook while resting.
- Remove tenderloin from heat and let rest for 7-8 minutes before slicing.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Temperature
You’ll preheat your gas grill to 450°F. Then, you’ll follow our 7-6-5 method timing instructions in the recipe below until your pork is at least 145°F internally.
We suggest using a meat thermometer to make sure you don’t overcook your pork tenderloin.
Side Dishes to Go with Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Jane’s Grilled Peaches
The Best Way to Grill Corn on the Cob
Texas Caviar Dip
Coleslaw for Pulled Pork
Done.
Eat.
Salivate.
Enjoy.
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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)
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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.