This grilled pork tenderloin recipe is one of the easiest ways to make a juicy, flavorful dinner on the grill. With a simple marinade made from pantry staples, this recipe turns out tender every time. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
If you’ve ever worried about dry pork, this method keeps it moist, budget-friendly, and family-tested for real life.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin is always a hit with my family. It’s simple to grill and makes a flavorful dinner without a lot of effort.
The seasoning is simple making it perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and affordable dinner.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Quick to grill with minimal hands-on time
- Budget-friendly meal that still feels special
- Great for meal prep, sandwiches, and leftovers
- Juicy and tender every time (no dry pork)
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus marinade time
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Cost: Budget-friendly protein
- Skill Level: Easy
- Method: Grill
Ingredients
- Pork Tenderloin – This is a lean, budget-friendly cut that cooks quickly on the grill. Watch for sales and stock up to freeze extras.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Helps tenderize the meat and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Minced Garlic – Fresh or jarred, both work great here, so use what you have.
- Italian Seasoning – A simple blend that adds flavor without needing multiple spices. You can use homemade Italian Seasoning to save money.
- Olive Oil – Helps the marinade coat the pork and keeps it from drying out. Any neutral oil will work.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Simple but essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds depth and a slight tanginess that makes the marinade really flavorful.
- Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a nice caramelized finish on the grill. You can substitute maple syrup if needed.
How to Grill Pork Tenderloin
Step 1. Remove any moisture from the pork. Pat the pork tenderloins dry with a paper towel.
Step 2. Combine the marinade ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except for the pork tenderloin.
Step 3. Allow the meat to marinate. Place the pork in a ziplock bag, and pour the marinade on top. Seal the bag and let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4. Grill the tenderloin. Preheat the grill and rub grill grates with oil. Use tongs to remove the pork from the bag. Shake off the excess marinade. Place on the grill and cook for 15 minutes to 20 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
Step 5. Remove from the grill. Tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F while the pork is resting.
Step 6. Serve and enjoy. Then the pork is ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use the right cut – Pork tenderloin cooks quickly and stays tender, but you can use pork chops if needed—just adjust the cook time. Avoid confusing it with pork loin, which is much larger and cooks differently.
- Pat the pork dry first – Removing excess moisture helps the marinade stick better and gives you a better sear on the grill.
- Preheat and oil the grill – Make sure your grill is fully preheated to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates so the pork doesn’t stick. This also helps create those nice grill marks.
- Don’t skip the resting time – Let the meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing so the juices stay in the meat. This step makes a big difference in keeping it tender.
- Watch the temperature closely – Pork tenderloin cooks fast and can dry out quickly. Use an instant-read thermometer and remove it from the grill when the internal temperature of the pork is at 140°F, as it will rise to 145°F as it rests.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes – Even a short marinade adds great flavor, but if you have time, let it marinate longer for even better results.
Seasoning Variations
- Garlic Herb – Add extra garlic and a mix of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, paprika, and parsley for a classic flavor.
- Maple Dijon – Swap the honey for maple syrup for a slightly richer, deeper sweetness.
- Brown Sugar Blend – Add 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a sweeter glaze that caramelizes nicely on the grill.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a little heat.
- BBQ Style – Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a smoky, saucy finish.
- Lemon Herb – Add fresh lemon juice and a little zest for a brighter, fresh flavor.
Serving Recommendations
These easy sides pair perfectly with grilled pork tenderloin and help you get dinner on the table fast.
- Glazed Grilled Carrots. These are so delicious on the grill and get gorgeous marks from the grates.
- Grilled Vegetables Foil Pack . This easy combination of veggies makes it so simple to serve a great meal.
- Corn on the Cob. The grill makes it easy for delicious corn on the cob.
- Air Fryer Potatoes – This is an easy side dish that I can quickly make while the pork tenderloin is grilling.
- Best Grilled Asparagus – This is a healthy side that cooks quickly and easily on the grill.
- Sauces – We love adding a side of Homemade BBQ Sauce, Arby’s Sauce Recipe and Homemade Ranch Dressing to dip the pork tenderloin in.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerate – Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Slice before storing to make reheating quicker and easier.
- Freeze: Place cooled pork in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. You can freeze it whole or sliced for easy meal prep. Let frozen pork thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheat in the microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water to help keep it moist.
- Reheat in the oven: Cover with foil and warm at 300°F until heated through to prevent it from drying out.
- Avoid overcooking: Reheat just until warm—overheating can dry out the pork quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grill uncovered over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes.
Yes! Marinate up to 24 hours in advance for even more flavor.
Pork tenderloin typically takes about 15–20 minutes to grill over medium-high heat (around 400°F), turning every 3–4 minutes for even cooking. The exact time will vary depending on the size of the tenderloin, so it’s best to use an instant-read thermometer and cook until it reaches 145°F after resting.
More Easy Pork Tenderloin Recipes
This grilled pork tenderloin is one of our favorite ways to make an easy, affordable dinner that still feels special. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough for guests.
If you try this recipe, be sure to come back and leave a comment or a star rating. We love hearing how it turned out for your family!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Pork Tenderloin
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Pat 2 pounds pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon honey.
- Place the pork in a ziplock bag, pour the marinade on top. Seal the bag and let the pork marinade for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F) and rub the grill grates with oil to keep the pork from sticking to the grates.
- Use tongs to remove the pork from the bag. Shake off the excess marinade. Place on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
- Remove from the grill. Tent with foil and let sit for 5-10 minutes. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F while the pork is resting.
- Then the pork is ready to slice, serve and enjoy!
HELP! No grill or crackpot. I do have an oven!
Julie – I have an oven baked pork tenderloin recipe as well. I hope you try it out and let me know what you think!