Pork tenderloin is one of the most delicious cuts of meat available. It’s lean, tender, and can be prepared with any number of flavor combinations. For this recipe, we’ll use a simple BBQ rub that’s both sweet and savory, which accentuates the natural flavors of the pork. You won’t be disappointed!
Make Sure it’s Pork Tenderloin, not Pork Loin
Pork tenderloin and pork loin are two different cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is very lean cut of meat, long and narrow – usually about 1.25 – 1.75lbs each. Pork loin is shorter, has a larger diameter and is from a different part of the pig, it also requires different cooking times. So for this recipe, make sure the package clearls says pork tenderloin.
Simple BBQ Seasoning Rub
Don’t you just love recipes where you have the ingredients already on hand? For this recipe, you likely already have the ingredients in your pantry and spice rack. They are:
Brown SugarSmoked PaprikaGround MustardOnion PowderGarlic PowderSalt and PepperCayenne (optional, but highly suggested!)Vegetable Oil
The preparation is as simple as mixing all the dry ingredients, coating the pork with vegetable oil, the rubbing in all the seasoning mix. You can season the pork and go directly to the grill. Or use the seasoning as a simple marinade and apply to the pork, place in a zip-top bag and let marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Prep Your Grill
A seasoned grill is a happy grill. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, scrape the grates clean and apply a generous coating of vegetable oil. Wipe away any excess with a paper towel. This is called seasoning the grill. It will make for a much better grill experience and prevent a recipe such as this from sticking to the grill. With the grill cleaned and seasoned, fire it up to high heat with the lid closed for 5 minutes. You want those grate to be good and hot so we get a nice sear on the meat.
Grill Times and Grill Marks
When grilling, nothing is quite as satisfying as getting those classic crosshatch grill marks on the meat. To achieve this, use medium-high heat and place the pork tenderloins on a hot, preheated grill and leave them alone for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the meat will begin to release from the grill. This is exactly what we want. Then use tongs and give the meat a ¼ turn and continue grilling another 3-4 minutes. Then it’s time to flip the meat and grill an additional 3 minutes. We’re real close to being done, but since the meat is round, give the sides a quick sear by holding it with the tongs on the remaining sides for about 1 minute each. Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. We want to an internal temp of 145°(F).
Let Rest Before Serving
After removing the meat from the grill, let it rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting in. This allows the natural juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender and juicy. When it’s ready to be served, use a sharp knife and slice away. You can do thin slices or thick medallions – both are awesome.
How to Serve Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Quite honestly, this grilled pork tenderloin is so amazingly good, you’ll want to just pick up the slices and eat them like candy. They will be loaded with juices, and the outside with the brown sugar and seasonings will be nicely caramelized, creating a BBQ crust that is to die for. This is the caveman approach and is perfectly acceptable. You can, however, plate the slices and serve with your favorite side-dish. You can also add some of your favorite BBQ sauce if desired.
Goes Well With…
Pork tenderloin is one of the dishes that goes well with SO many different side-dishes. Since we’re going with the BBQ flavors, I love our Best Damn Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. There’s just something about the BBQ flavors and mac and cheese that go so well together. Of course, potatoes are a natural with meat dishes and our Air Fryer Garlic and Herb Potatoes are an excellent side dish. And you can never go wrong with asparagus and a pork recipe. Give our Best Damn Air Fryer Asparagus recipe a try. 5 from 3 reviews Recipe developed with Chef Gabriel Alvarez.
