Pork Tenderloin Cooking Time
Pork tenderloin cooks quickly, and when done, youll get a pinkish inside, with a crispy outside. But to make sure youre doing it right, you should cook your pork tenderloins for about 15 to 20 minutes on the grill. The meat is entirely done once the internal temperature reads between 140 to 145°F at the thickest part. Also, note that the cooking time rests on the size and density of the pork tenderloin.
To clarify, observe the cooking process in this easy recipe, using a gas grill
Tips For Prepping Your Grill
Theres a lot more to grilling then fire. When grilling pork tenderloin youll want to grill with a combination of both direct and indirect heat. Direct heat will be used first to give the pork a nice char that locks in flavor and moisture. Then, the meat will be moved to an area of your grill with indirect heat. The pork will roast slowly, covered, in the grills circulating heat until it reaches the proper internal temperature. Learn more about direct and indirect heat.
- Charcoal Grill: To prep your charcoal grill for indirect and direct heat, youll want to pile your charcoal to one side of the grill and leave one side of your grill bare without any charcoal below it.
- Gas Grill: To prepare your gas grill, turn one side of your grill up to medium-high heat and then leave another half off your grill off, or set to its lowest heat setting.
How To Grill Pork Tenderloin
Time to fire up the grill! Youre going to create a double heat zone on the grill, which means one side is going to be hotter than the other. Heres how to grill pork tenderloin:
Let the tenderloin rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thick slices, or thinly shave the pork tenderloin, which is great for sandwiches. I usually use that time to grill fresh vegetables zucchini, sweet corn on the cob, summer squash, and/or asparagus are my favorites. Serve with the BBQ sauce of your choice, or a homemade chimichurri sauce and dig in. Enjoy!
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Simple Bbq Seasoning Rub
Dont 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 Sugar
- Cayenne
- 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.
How To Cook Pork Loin
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Create The Perfect Crust
After much experimentation, Ive concluded that grilling pork tenderloin in a covered gas grill solves the problem. A gas grill heated to high with the lid down can effectively cook a pork tenderloin directly and indirectly simultaneously.
The key with this method is to get this sear and cook the pork tenderloin as quickly as possible, before it has a change to dry out. To develop an impressive crust , Ive developed the 7-6-5 method for timing the pork
How Do You Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin
The first thing I do after getting the pork tenderloin out of the package is to pat it dry. I do this because it helps the spices to stick to the meat and wipes off any weird barrier that might have settled on the meat while it was in the package. I then add the tenderloin to a resealable bag, leaving the top open.
Next, I mix together the lemon juice, garlic, spices, oil, mustard, and honey. I pour only half of this marinade over the pork . You want to save the other half for later. Seal the pork and marinade together in the bag and squeeze out any extra air. I also kind of shake/rub the marinade around on the pork outside the bag as well. I then put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, I preheat the grill to about medium and get the grates oiled so that the meat doesnt stick while youre grilling. After the pork has been marinated, I use long tongs to transfer it to the grill, then close the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every couple of minutes or so so that it cooks on all sides. About halfway through the grilling process, Ill start to spread on the other half of that reserved marinade.
When its done grilling or the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°, I remove the tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
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What Is The Difference Between A Pork Tenderloin And A Pork Loin
Whats the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin? A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone. A pork loin is wider and flatter, and can be a boneless or bone- in cut of meat. Pork loin comes from the back of the animal.
How To Keep Grilled Pork Tenderloin Juicy
Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat. If fact, its considered to be just as lean as a chicken breast. Its lack of fat makes it a smart choice for meat lovers looking to be more health-conscious. However, its lean nature also raises concerns about dryness. This is how to keep pork tenderloin nice and moist:
Use a Marinade
A marinade is a great way to add flavor and moisture to lean cuts of meat like pork tenderloin. Marinades work by breaking down the muscle fibers and connective tissue in meat which tenderizes is and also allows it to better retain moisture. For pork tenderloin, mix up your favorite and pour it over the meat and then let it hang out, covered, in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
Let the Tenderloin Rest Before Slicing
This trick isnt just for pork tenderloin. Resting the meat is a practice you should follow for just about any cut. As meat cooks, its juices are pushed out towards the surface of the meat, and some even seep out. When you remove the meat from the grill or oven, you want to give those juices a moment to sink back into the meat and redistribute. If you cut into the meat right away, theyll leak out and youll be left with a tough, dry tragedy on your plate.
For the juiciest meat youll ever cut into, let the pork rest on a platter covered with foil for at least 10 minutes.
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Question: How To Cook A Pork Fillet On Grill
How long do you cook a pork tenderloin on the grill?
- Grill, covered, over direct heat for 2-3 minutes on all sides to char the meats exterior. Then move the tenderloins over indirect medium heat for 20-30 minutes. Turn the meat occasionally and bast with the reserved marinade.
Contents
Here Are Four Simple Steps For Creating A Scrumptious Pork Loin At Home:
1. Prep the meat. Preparing your roast for grilling is quick and easy! Begin by trimming any connective tissue on the pork loin. Next, drizzle the outside of the roast with olive oil and season well on each side with Smokey Mos BBQ Spice Rub. Pat the spices on the ribs so that they stick to the meat. The rub flavors the meat and makes for a thin, crispy crust. The pork loin can be trimmed and rubbed up to 24 hours in advance. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling.
2. Fire up the grill. To cook pork loin, we suggest using a grilling technique known as zone cooking. One area of the grill will be turned to high, while the other will be low or unlit. Use the high-heat area for direct cooking use the low-heat area to cook it to the correct internal temperature over indirect heat.
If youre cooking with a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty. If youre using a gas grill, heat one side to high or medium-high heat and leave the other side unlit.
3. Cook. Sear the loin for 5 minutes per side over direct heat. Then, move it to indirect heat. Cook the roast for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The rule of thumb is 20 minutes of cooking time per pound. Aim for a mahogany color on the outside and a rosy pink inside.
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Make Sure Its Pork Tenderloin Not Pork Loin
Pork tenderloin and pork loin are two different cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is very lean, 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.
How To Cook A Scrumptious Pork Loin On The Home Grill
Pork loin grilled on a charcoal or gas grill is a classic favorite. Its lean, tender, and flavorful, and can easily feed an entire family. A typical roast is anywhere from two to five pounds and can be cut to order. Plan on about eight ounces of meat per person. Youll find it in the grocery store, labeled as center-cut pork roast center-cut pork loin or center-cut rib roast .
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How To Prevent The Pork Fillet From Drying Out
While pork needs to be cooked thoroughly to avoid the potentially dreaded Trichinosis parasite, the secret behind cooking a fillet is to take the time to cook it slowly with a little liquid to keep the meat moist. . When cooking pork fillets in aluminum foil, there is an extra layer of protection so that it does not dry out.
How To Prepare Pork Tenderloin For The Grill
Many recipes will ask you to remove the pork tenderloin from the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling. That rest time is baked into this process here, so we dont call it out in addition to the 30 minutes that will accrue during which youll remove the silver skin, make the dry rub, and wait for the grill to heat. But you should definitely remove the silver skin a connective tissue that doesnt break down during cooking while the tenderloin is cold, so do this step first.
After removing pork tenderloin from its packaging, pat it down with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, slip the tip under the silver skin at one end of the tenderloin and slowly guide the knife from one end of the tenderloin to the other, pulling away the silver skin with the other hand. You may need to turn over the tenderloin and repeat this step on the other side to ensure its completely removed.
Once the silver skin is removed, make a quick rub for the tenderloin. Salt and sugar are required for seasoning and encouraging caramelization, but you can adjust the other spices as you desire. Dry rubs flavor tenderloin and keep it moist, without preventing the crisp crust from forming .
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Marinate Your Pork Tenderloins
Place the pork tenderloins in the ziplock bag.
Gently squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing the bag. This just helps to seal the juices around the meat.
Give the bag a few light rubs just to make sure the meat is fully coated.
Place the bag in the refrigerator.
*Pro Tip*
Sometimes we just don’t have the hour to spare. You can forgo the marinade, season instead with salt and pepper, and skip to Step 6. I’ve done it in a rush and still loved how my tenderloin turned out. I do prefer the more flavorful marinade route, though. Try both and see which you prefer.
*Optional Step*
You can spend a few minutes rubbing the marinade into the meat by gently massaging the outside of the bag. Some believe in this step wholeheartedly. Do you normally massage your meat? I will massage the marinade in if I can only marinade for an hour. If I can leave the juices to absorb into the meat for a couple hours, I don’t see the need for the extra step.
Cooking The Pork Loin On Your Grill
Once your pork has spent enough time in your brine, it is time to prepare your grill. Since your pork roast is probably quite large, you want it to cook for a longer period of time over indirect heat. This process is a lot like roasting a pork loin in your oven. The difference is the smoke pouches. Make certain you have removed your pork from the refrigerator 45 minutes before you are ready to begin cooking.
Place your pork onto a platter in your kitchen so it has enough time to warm up to room temperature. Now you are ready to start preparing your smoke pouches and your grill. You need to prepare a minimum of two smoke pouches. Soak your wood chips in water for roughly thirty minutes before you add them to the smoke pouches. Use heavy-duty aluminum foil and make certain the edges of your pouches are tightly sealed.
Once your smoke pouches are ready, rinse your pork loin and pat it dry using paper towels. Now take fresh ground black pepper and rub it all over your pork. Light your grill to the highest setting. Once your grill is fully heated, place your smoke pouches on the sides of your grill. This will enable them to begin to smoulder.
Pro Tip: Do not trust the built-in thermometer on your grill. The only way to make certain your pork loin is cooking at approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit is to put your meat thermometer directly next to the pork you are cooking on your grill.
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How To Smoke A Pork Loin On A Pit Boss Pellet Grill
We have previously covered how to season a Pit Boss, how to start a Pit Boss, as well as how to troubleshoot the smoke level of your pellet grill.
So if you need a more in-depth review on how to use your Pit Boss for the first time, check those articles out first!
But below is a brief overview of how a Pit Boss pellet grill works and how to start it up properly to prepare to smoke a pork loin.
Serving Grilled Pork Tenderloin
When Im hosting a party, I like to cut the meat into thick slices, then arrange the grilled pork tenderloin medallions on a serving platter and sprinkle on fresh herbs.
It looks gorgeous and you can bring it right to the table and let guests help themselves.
For simple weeknight meals, we let the pork rest on a cutting board, slice it up, then serve ourselves directly from there.
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How Long Does It Take To Grill Pork Tenderloin:
A 1-pound boneless pork tenderloin will take between 15 and 20 minutes on a grill that is heated to about 375 degrees.
That said, there are many factors that determine the grill time, including the thickness of the pork, the temperature of the pork before it hits the grill, and whether or not the grill heats up from flare ups during the grilling process. For this reason, it is best to use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
If youre cooking the pork over indirect heat , it will take about 30 minutes to cook. Simply flip every 5 to 6 minutes instead of every 2 minutes.
