This easy recipe teaches the secrets to juicy and tender grilled pork tenderloin. You can learn how long to grill pork tenderloin per pound, and ensure that your pork tenderloin is cooked perfectly every time. Grilling pork tenderloin per pound will result in succulent and delicious meat.
Pork tenderloin is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed for any occasion. It’s cheap and healthy, making it a great choice for smaller households, but it also doubles up as an elegant option for larger celebrations.
Pork tenderloin is a great cut for the grill because it is incredibly tender if cooked right. The typical cooking method is to cook the meat over direct heat, then finish it over indirect heat. This process will give you a tender, juicy pork roast with a crusty, wonderful surface.
About Pork Tenderloin
If you’re shopping for a pork tenderloin, be aware that it is not the same as a pork loin. While the names are similar enough to cause confusion, they are actually different cuts of meat.
The pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat. It is a long, cylindrical cut taken from the muscle that runs along the hog’s spine. On the other hand, pork loin is bigger and wider and the meat isn’t quite as lean. A tenderloin is typically around one to one and a half pounds. If it weighs more than that, it’s probably a large one.
Pork, especially the tenderloin, benefits greatly from the smoky char of a grill. A simple dry rub of sugar, salt, black pepper and spices can give pork tenderloin a thin and crispy crust while leaving it incredibly juicy and succulent within.
If you love pork tenderloin, then you’ll be making it a regular on your dinner table. Here are 6 steps to help make sure that your pork is juicy and cooked perfectly.
How to Grill a Pork Tenderloin
Setup The Grill
Preheat a gas grill to 450 degrees F temperature (400 to 500 degrees range), and oil the grill grates. You can use a charcoal grill but need to control the surface temperature.
Prepare The Pork Tenderloin For The Grill
The pork tenderloin should be removed from the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling. After removing the pork tenderloin from its packaging, pat it down with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Before cooking, remove the silver skin from the tenderloin. This will make it easier to cook. Use a finger, butter knife or a sharp knife (narrow-bladed) to remove the silverskin. Do this on both sides of the tenderloin to ensure it’s removed completely.
Brine The Pork Tenderloin
Adding brine does not make the meat any more tender or moist, but it does add moisture and a touch of sweetness.
To brine, add 3 teaspoon salt to a quart or gallon of water, seal it in a food storage bag, and store it in the fridge. You can make your own brine by adding sugar or brown sugar to salt. You can leave it for an hour or two, depending on how salty you want it.
Refrigerate the tenderloin during brining and rinse it with running water at the end.
Season The Pork Tenderloin
The tenderloin can take on flavors well, so a dry rub or marinade will work well. Once the silver skin is removed, rub the whole pork tenderloin with extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil, then sprinkle it with your favorite seasonings. Add salt and sugar to the mix for flavor and encourage caramelization. You can adjust other spices as desired. Rubbing the meat with a dry spice mix will add flavor without interfering with the crust’s formation.
How Long To Grill Pork Tenderloin Per Pound
For best results, the best way to grill pork tenderloin is using the combination of direct and indirect heat. The high heat area will be used for direct cooking to get a crispy crust and char, while the low heat area will cook the pork to a safe internal temperature. This two-zone grilling method is best for chops, tenderloins, pizza and some chicken pieces.
Pork tenderloins have triangular shapes and have three sides. So, cook the three sides and don’t force it into a shape that is not natural.
So prepare your grill accordingly, and make sure that the direct grilling section is very hot. For cooking time, the rule of thumb is 3 to 5 minutes per pound of meat for direct heat cooking, and 15 to 20 minutes per pound for indirect heat cooking. For this yummy recipe, we use a 1 ½ lb pork tenderloin.
Place the pork tenderloin on the direct cooking surface, turning so that all sides are exposed to the heat during the direct grilling time of 4 to 6 minutes. After that, move the tenderloin to the indirect space and continue grilling for 20 to 25 minutes.
When Is The Pork Tenderloin Done?
Always remember to cook your food to a final internal temperature. Never rely on cook time alone.
The ideal grilled pork tenderloin color is mahogany, with a crispy outer crust. The pork is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the tenderloin. The USDA recommends that a food be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a three-minute rest after cooking.
As the cooking time starts getting close to being done, begin testing the pork tenderloin with a good instant read thermometer or other meat thermometer. To test the temperature of a pork tenderloin, insert the probe into the end of the thicker part of the meat.
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F / 65 degrees C. When the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F., remove it and place on a cutting board. Cover the tenderloin with a piece of aluminum foil. Let the pork rest for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will allow the juices and heat to evenly distribute, after which you can carve it and serve with bbq sauce for dipping.
Some easy side dishes to serve with grilled pork tenderloin include grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes.
What To Do With Leftover Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
I sometimes make food just for the leftovers. This is especially true when it comes to pork tenderloin leftovers. There are many things you can make with leftovers, such as a grain bowl, salad, or sandwich. One of my favorite ways to use leftover pork tenderloin is as a sandwich.
I love to put it inside a toasted bun with some fresh vegetables, like tomatoes or lettuce. Alternatively, you could make a salad out of it by mixing in some chopped up fruits and veggies?
No matter what you decide to do with your leftovers, they’ll be delicious!
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days and reheated in a microwave.
Difference Between Direct and Indirect Heat
Grill marks over a fast flame will produce great tasting food, while indirect heat will cook your meat evenly without burning it. Direct heat is more typical for cooking food directly over the heat source, while indirect cooking refers to cooking adjacent to the heat source.
To set up the two-zone grilling, only light one side of the burners on a gas grill, or place the coals on one side when using a charcoal grill.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long To Grill Pork Tenderloin Per Pound
How long will it take to grill a 2 pound pork tenderloin?
Pork tenderloins weigh between 1 and 1/2 pounds and need around 15 to 20 minutes to cook over a medium heat of 400 degrees F. Internal temperature of the meat should be 145 degrees F.
Is it normal for pork tenderloin to be pink?
It is possible for pork tenderloin to be pink while still being safe to eat. The meat’s pink color does not imply that it has been overcooked. In truth, little pink in the center is natural when pork is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked at?
Brush the pork tenderloin with more marinade, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 425 degrees F. until it reaches a temperature of 145 degrees F., then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at 425 degrees Fahrenheit speeds up the cooking process and prevents it from becoming dry.
To ensure a juicy, tender lean cut of pork, follow the recommended cooking temperature. Pork today is very lean and can easily be overcooked if not cooked to the correct internal temperature.
The National Pork Board recommends that fresh cut muscle meats such as pork chops, pork roasts, pork loin, and tenderloin should be cooked to 145° F to ensure maximum flavor. To ensure the safety of fresh pork cuts, the internal temperature of the meat should be 145° F. Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness.
How do you keep grilled pork tenderloin from drying out?
A marinade is used to add flavor and moisture to lean cuts of meat. This can be done by combining acidic ingredients with other seasonings, like garlic, herbs, or spices. The acidity helps break down the muscle fibers in the meat, while the other flavors make it taste great.
Is pork loin and tenderloin the same thing?
Although the names are nearly identical, pork loin and pork tenderloin are two different types of meat. Pork tenderloin is a cut from the lower back side of the pig, while pork loin is a cut from either side of the pig’s ribcage.
A pork tenderloin is a long, slender, boneless cut of meat derived from the backbone muscle. Pork loin is a type of meat that is broader and flatter than most other meats. Pork tenderloin is the most popular cut of pork because it is less dense than the loin, making it more tender. Pork loin, on the other hand, is denser and has a tougher texture.
How long should a pork tenderloin be baked at 375 degrees?
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. and set the tenderloin in the middle of a baking dish. Season and rub vegetables with 1/8 teaspoon salt and olive oil. Arrange them in the baking dish around the pork tenderloin. Roast for 34 to 45 minutes, or until the meat thermometer inserted in the tenderloin registers 145 degrees F.
Wrap Up
You have guests coming over for a cookout in less than an hour.
There are many things that you can grill that will be both impressive and quick. One of them is pork tenderloin. It cooks up quickly, so it’s great for quick weeknight dinners from the grill when you’ve run through the usual hot dog and chicken breast routine already.
Another option is to grill a steak. A steak is an easy option because it takes just a few minutes to cook, and it looks impressive when grilled. You can also grill chicken or fish, both of which are popular options for quick meals. Grilling vegetables also makes a tasty and nutritious meal, so don’t forget about those next time!
Happy grilling!
