A beautiful golden brown pork tenderloin hot off the grill is a delicious summer meal. Pork tenderloin is flavorful, lean, and cooks quickly, making it ideal for grilling. But to get the best results, it’s important to know how long to grill a pork tenderloin based on its weight.
The general rule of thumb is to grill pork tenderloin for 7-9 minutes per pound on medium high heat. So a 1 pound tenderloin takes about 8 minutes, while a 2 pound tenderloin needs 16-18 minutes total cook time.
Of course, grilling duration can vary a bit depending on thickness, grill temperature, and desired doneness. Here’s a more detailed guide to how long you should expect to grill pork tenderloin per pound:
How Long to Grill Pork Tenderloin Per Pound
- 1 pound tenderloin – Grill for 8-10 minutes
- 11⁄4 pounds – Grill for 10-12 minutes
- 11⁄2 pounds – Grill for 12-14 minutes
- 13⁄4 pounds – Grill for 14-16 minutes
- 2 pounds – Grill for 16-18 minutes
- 21⁄2 pounds – Grill for 20-22 minutes
- 3 pounds – Grill for 24-26 minutes
These times are based on grilling over direct medium high heat between 375-450°F. Adjust times up or down if using a cooler or hotter grill.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the tenderloin has reached the proper internal temperature:
- 145°F for pork cooked to medium
- 160°F for well done pork
Tips for Grilling Pork Tenderloin Perfectly
Follow these tips for grilling an ultra juicy, flavorful pork tenderloin every time
1. Start with room temperature meat
Pull the tenderloin from the fridge and let it sit out at room temp for 30 minutes before grilling This helps it cook more evenly and prevents overcooking the exterior before the inside is done
2. Pat dry and coat with oil
Dry the outside well with paper towels. Then rub lightly with oil – this helps promote browning.
3. Season generously
Coat all sides with salt, pepper and any other spices or herb rub. This adds lots of flavor.
4. Use direct heat
Heat your gas or charcoal grill to 375-450°F. Place tenderloin over direct heat. Resist peeking constantly – just flip once halfway.
5. Let rest before slicing
Once cooked, transfer to a plate and tent with foil to rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to reabsorb for moister meat.
6. Slice across the grain
Slice pork crosswise across the grain. This yields more tender results than cutting with the grain.
How to Tell When Pork Tenderloin is Done Grilling
With such a lean cut like tenderloin, it’s easy to overcook and dry it out. Here are some ways to test for doneness:
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Use an instant read thermometer – 145°F for medium, 160°F for well done.
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Slice into thickest part of meat and check internal color – pale pink for medium, no pink for well done.
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Poke tenderloin with tongs or finger – it should feel fairly firm when done.
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Watch for browning on the surface and some grill marks.
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If grilled whole, check if meat has firmed up and tightened around the outside.
When in doubt, poke or cut into the thickest portion of the tenderloin to visually inspect the interior and ensure it’s not undercooked in the center. Checking temperature with a thermometer is always the most reliable doneness indicator.
Common Grilling Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to go wrong grilling pork tenderloin if you don’t follow proper technique. Here are some common grilling mistakes and how to prevent them:
Undercooking – Not grilling long enough for the interior to reach safe minimum temp. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Overcooking – Grilling too long so meat dries out. Follow recommended times per pound.
Uneven cooking – Only browning one side while other is pale. Flip tenderloin halfway through grilling.
Burning exterior – Having heat too high. Use medium high heat, not maximum.
Cold interior – Failing to let meat rest before slicing. Always rest pork at least 5 minutes.
Tough texture – Slicing across the grain. Always slice tenderloin crosswise against the grain.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipes
If you’re seeking inspiration for grilled pork tenderloin dishes, here are some tasty recipe ideas:
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Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin – Marinate in balsamic, soy, garlic and herbs before grilling.
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Jerk Spice Pork Tenderloin – Rub jerk seasoning blend on tenderloin before grilling for Caribbean flair.
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Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin – Marinate pork in teriyaki sauce, ginger and garlic for Asian zing.
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Honey Dijon Pork Tenderloin – Coat grilled tenderloin with a simple honey Dijon sauce.
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Pork Tenderloin with Peach Salsa – Top sliced grilled pork with fresh peach salsa.
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Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches – Slice and serve grilled pork on buns with desired toppings.
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Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Wrap tenderloin in bacon while grilling for extra flavor.
Now that you know exactly how long to grill a pork tenderloin per pound, you can master cooking this lean and quick cooking cut on the barbecue with confidence. Just stick to the recommended grill times for perfectly cooked tenderloin bursting with juice and flavor every time. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Pork Tenderloin
What temperature should you grill pork tenderloin at?
Aim for medium-high heat between 375-450°F. This allows the exterior to brown while cooking the inside thoroughly.
Should you sear pork tenderloin before grilling?
Searing isn’t required, but can help develop a nice crust. Sear for 1-2 mins per side in a hot pan before grilling.
What is the minimum internal temperature for grilled pork tenderloin?
Cook until it reaches at least 145°F internally for medium doneness. 160°F for well done.
How do you keep pork tenderloin moist on the grill?
Coat with oil, don’t cook past 160°F, use indirect heat if needed, tent with foil while resting.
Can you grill pork tenderloin from frozen?
Yes, but thaw first for best results. Grill frozen tenderloin for about 50% longer cook time.
Should pork tenderloin be marinated before grilling?
Marinating isn’t necessary but does add lots of flavor. Even 30 mins makes a difference.
What happens if you overcook pork tenderloin on the grill?
It will become tough, dry and chewy if cooked past 160°F. Slice thinner if slightly overcooked.