Is pork tenderloin better grilled or oven roasted?

Both methods work well, but grilling adds extra smoky flavor and creates a delicious caramelized crust on the outside. Pork tenderloin also cooks very quickly on the grill, making it a great option for easy summer dinners. Oven-roasting is a good choice year-round and works especially well when the weather doesn’t allow for grilling. For a baked pork option, try my sheet pan pork tenderloin .

How do you keep pork tenderloin moist on the grill?

The key is to avoid overcooking. Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat, so it cooks quickly and can dry out quickly if left on the grill too long. For the best results, grill it over high heat just until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Then let the pork rest under a foil tent for 5-10 minutes before slicing. The lime juice and oil in the wet rub also help keep the meat flavorful and juicy.

What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?

Pork tenderloin and pork loin are two very different cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is long, narrow, and very lean, which allows it to cook quickly and stay tender when grilled or roasted. Being much larger and thicker with a firmer texture, pork loin requires a longer cooking time. Pork loin makes a great roast recipe, while pork tenderloin is ideal for quick weeknight meals.

Can you marinate pork tenderloin ahead of time?

I don’t find it necessary for this recipe. However, the tenderloin can sit in the fridge with the spice rub applied for up to 24 hours before grilling. I don’t recommend marinating any longer, or the acidity of the marinade will begin to break down the proteins too much. Bring the pork to room temperature before grilling to promote even cooking. Then, follow the recipe as instructed, cooking until an instant-read thermometer indicates the internal temperature reaches 145℉.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Name: Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pork tenderloins (2¼ to 2 ½ lbs total); 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon fine salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder

Servings: 8 servings 1x

Scale

Ingredients

2 pork tenderloins (2¼ to 2 ½ lbs total)
2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon chipotle powder

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Instructions

With paper towels, pat the pork tenderloins to absorb as much moisture as possible.
In a small bowl combine all of the oil, lime juice, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and chipotle powder and stir to combine.
Rub the pork tenderloins with the BBQ rub and spread out until evenly and fully covered. Let the pork sit at room temperature while the grill preheats.
Preheat grill to high heat (450℉). Once preheated, place the pork tenderloins on the grill and cook for 3 minutes on each side. Continue to grill until the internal temperature reaches 145℉, around the 10 minute mark. Grill time will depend on the thickness of pork tenderloins.
Once the internal temperature reaches 145℉, remove the pork from the grill. Place the pork tenderloins on a clean plate and cover with foil for 5-10 minutes to allow the liquids to settle and redistribute.
Slice the pork into ¾- to 1-inch thick slices.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

*May sub lemon juice for lime juice.

*May sub coconut sugar for brown sugar.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: ⅛ of the recipe or ~5 oz pork
Calories: 187
Fat: 6 g
(Sat Fat: 1 g)
Sodium: 366 mg
Carbohydrate: 2 g
(Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 1 g)
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 92 mg

Dietary

Dairy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-free Grain-Free High Protein Nut-free

Recipe By: Stacie Hassing