This Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe makes quick work of dinner. All you have to do is pick a marinade you love for a succulent, tender main dish.
For some reason—probably cost-efficiency, if I had to guess—my sisters and I ate a lot of pork when we were growing up. Pork chops, pork sausage, pork feet (just kidding—but that’s a thing where I’m from), pork loin, ham steaks… you get the idea. I loved all the pork dishes my parents made, and my parents loved all the great prices they found on pork products. It was a win-win for all of us.
The one pork item we didn’t see much of as kids was pork tenderloin—likely because it typically has a higher price point than its bigger, somewhat tougher cousin, pork loin. When I first got my hands on a pork tenderloin as an adult, I was delighted to see how fast it cooked and how tender it was; it truly lived up to its name. My favorite way to cook any meat is on a grill, preferably quickly, so pork tenderloin shot to the top of my dinner mains list.
This grilled pork tenderloin recipe makes quick work of cooking pork, thanks to high grill heat and the slender shape of pork tenderloin. Though we’ve added our favorite marinade recipe as a suggestion, this recipe leaves room for you to marinate the pork however you like. No matter how you choose to prep it, grilled pork tenderloin turns out juicy, succulent, and cooked to perfection with this recipe! Serve it with healthy sides for a full meal that your family will love.
Is Grilled Pork Tenderloin Healthy?
Grilled pork tenderloin is healthy. It’s naturally lean and high in protein, and it’s a good source of several essential nutrients, including B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. The healthiness of this recipe will somewhat depend on what you choose to use as a marinade. This recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly, as long as you don’t use sugar or other carb-filled ingredients in your marinade. Overall, this main dish is a delicious and low-fat addition to a well-rounded, healthy diet.
Dressing Up Your Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin, especially when marinated with the suggested recipe and perfectly grilled, tastes phenomenal on its own. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experiment with marinades! Here are a few suggestions.
Chimichurri: This herbaceous green marinade from Argentina is aromatic and crisp!
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 2 small red chilis, deseeded and finely chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste (though I suggest about 1 teaspoon each)
Asian Soy Marinade: Salty and savory, you can’t go wrong with this dark marinade!
- 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic
- A pinch of black pepper
Barbecue Pork Marinade: Go sweet and spicy!
- 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, preferably unsliced. You can also freeze it (again, preferably unsliced) in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Let it come to room temperature before reheating it on the grill, in a pan on the stove, or in an air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
So many sides go well with this grilled pork tenderloin, including many common favorites. Try serving this dish alongside a tasty starch, such as Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, Asian Rice, or these delicious Whipped Sweet Potatoes. And, of course, don’t forget the vegetables! I suggest this light Spinach Salad, some Easy, Cheesy Baked Asparagus, or these incredible Stuffed Tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin can be 1 to 3 pounds
- ⅓ cup marinade use recipe in the link, or your favorite pork marinade
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the pork tenderloin with your choice of marinade for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Then, season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the pork tenderloin to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling. Toward the end of that time, preheat your grill to high heat.
- Grill the pork tenderloin for approximately 4 minutes on each of the four sides. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 145°F. Adjust grilling time as needed based on the thickness of the pork.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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