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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed, and surprisingly easy meal, Grilled Pork Tenderloin is the answer. This dish has earned rave reviews from home cooks and food lovers alike for its unbeatable tenderness, bold flavor, and quick preparation. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just want something delicious for dinner, this recipe will not disappoint.
⭐ Why You’ll Love Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour—including brining and grilling.
- Incredibly Juicy: A 20-minute brine transforms the pork into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Packed with Flavor: A smoky, sweet, and spicy wet rub creates a caramelized crust.
- Impressive Yet Simple: It looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight.
🥩 What is Pork Tenderloin?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clear up a common confusion:
Pork tenderloin is not the same as pork loin.
- Pork tenderloin is a thin, long cut of meat from along the pig’s backbone. It’s extremely tender because this muscle doesn’t get much use.
- Pork loin, on the other hand, is wider, thicker, and requires longer cooking methods to become tender.
Most store packages contain two pork tenderloins, each weighing about 1–1.5 pounds. Both are used in this recipe.
💧 The Secret to Juicy Pork: Brining
Brining is the key to keeping pork tenderloin juicy, even if slightly overcooked. It only takes 20 minutes, and it makes a huge difference.
Why Brine Works:
- It hydrates the meat through osmosis.
- It relaxes muscle fibers, helping them retain moisture during cooking.
- It brings the meat to room temperature so it cooks more evenly.
Basic Brine Ingredients:
- Warm water
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Vinegar
- Ice
Soak the pork for just 20 minutes—no more, or it could turn mealy. Then rinse and pat it dry.
🌶️ Flavor-Packed Wet Rub
Instead of marinating, this recipe uses a wet rub—a blend of spices and oil that sticks to the pork and delivers big flavor.
Ingredients in the Wet Rub:
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Brown sugar
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Ancho chili powder
- Salt and pepper
This combination creates a smoky, sweet, and earthy crust that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
🔥 How to Grill Pork Tenderloin (Step-by-Step)
1. Trim the Pork
- Remove any silverskin (a tough membrane).
- Trim off excess fat to prevent flare-ups.
2. Brine the Pork
- Mix the brine ingredients.
- Soak pork for 20 minutes.
- Rinse and pat dry.
3. Apply the Rub
- Mix wet rub ingredients.
- Rub generously over the pork.
- Let rest while the grill heats.
4. Prepare the Grill
- Clean grates with a grill brush.
- Oil the grates using a paper towel and high-smoke point oil.
- Preheat grill to 500°F with the lid closed.
5. Grill the Pork
- Sear all four sides: 1½ minutes per side at 500°F.
- Reduce heat to 400°F and cook 1–3 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 145°F.
- Watch closely—pork cooks fast!
6. Rest and Slice
- Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Let rest for 10 minutes to let juices redistribute.
- Slice into medallions and serve.
🌿 Bonus: Chimichurri Sauce (Optional but Recommended!)
This vibrant, herb-packed sauce adds a pop of freshness and acidity that perfectly balances the smoky pork.
You can whip it up in minutes in a food processor using:
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
🕒 Prep Tips
Want to make this ahead of time? You can:
- Brine and refrigerate pork up to 24 hours before grilling.
- Apply the rub and refrigerate up to 12 hours before cooking.
🌡️ Cooking Time and Temperature Guide
| Step | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Brining | 20 minutes | Room temp |
| Searing | 1.5 mins per side | 500°F |
| Final cook time | 1–3 mins per side | 400°F |
| Internal temp goal | Until 145°F inside | Use thermometer |
| Resting | 10 minutes | Covered |
📝 Final Thoughts
Grilled Pork Tenderloin is the kind of dish that turns everyday dinners into something special. It’s:
- Simple to make
- Bursting with flavor
- Juicy and tender every time
Brine it, rub it, grill it, and let the compliments roll in. Whether you serve it with chimichurri, grilled veggies, or a hearty salad, this pork tenderloin will become a new favorite in your cooking rotation.
Happy grilling! 🔥🥩
