How to Cook Pork Tenderloin on a Gas Grill in 30 Minutes

Grilling pork tenderloin is an excellent option when creating delicious and healthy meals for your family. Pork tenderloin is a versatile, lean, tender cut that cooks quickly on a gas grill. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a summer barbecue, knowing how to cook pork tenderloin on a gas grill is a skill every home cook should master.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about grilling pork tenderloin, from understanding the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin to choosing the suitable marinade or rub and preparing it on your grill. If you’re new to grilling, no worries—this step-by-step process will always ensure juicy, flavorful pork tenderloin.

What is Pork Tenderloin vs Pork Loin?

First, let’s clear up the confusion between pork tenderloin and pork loin. These are two distinct cuts of meat, and knowing the difference is critical to cooking them correctly.

– Pork Tenderloin: This is a long, thin, and boneless cut from the muscle that runs alongside the backbone. It’s known for being very tender (hence the name!) and cooks quickly. Pork tenderloin is perfect for high-heat cooking methods like grilling.

– Pork Loin: In contrast, pork loin is a much larger and broader cut from the back of the animal. It’s often sold as a roast and can be boneless or bone-in. Because pork loin is thicker, it requires longer cooking times and is better suited for slow roasting or grilling over lower heat.

If you’re grilling, pork tenderloin is the way to go. It’s easy to handle, cooks quickly, and stays tender, making it perfect for beginners.

Recommended Tools to Make

To ensure the best results when grilling pork tenderloin, you’ll want to have a few essential tools on hand:

1. Meat Thermometer: This is a must-have tool. Pork needs to be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F. A digital instant-read thermometer is ideal for checking doneness without cutting into the meat and losing valuable juices.

2. Grill Brush: Keeping your grill grates clean helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

3. Tongs: Use tongs instead of a fork to flip your tenderloin. Piercing the meat with a fork can release the juices, making your pork less tender.

4. Basting Brush: A basting brush will help you evenly coat the pork if you use a marinade or glaze.

5. Aluminum Foil: After grilling, use foil to tend the pork while it rests, allowing the juices to redistribute.

6. Gas Grill: A grill with multiple burners, allowing you to set up for indirect heat. You can refer to the ovens below:

• Weber Genesis II E-315 3-Burner Natural Gas Grill
• Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Cart-Style Propane Gas Grill
• Napoleon Rogue 425 Gas Grill
• Dyna-Glo DGP552SSP-D Premier 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill, Stainless

Or Best Gas Grills With Searing Burner Under $800 that I mentioned.

Using Dry Rub or Marinade for Pork Tenderloin

One of the great things about pork tenderloin is its versatility. You can season it with a dry rub, marinate it, or do both for extra flavor.

– Dry Rub: A dry rub is a mixture of spices and seasonings that you apply to the outside of the meat. Common ingredients include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar. A dry rub creates a delicious caramelized crust on the grill.

– Marinade: Marinades typically include an acid (like vinegar or lemon juice), oil, and seasonings. Marinating pork tenderloin can enhance its flavor and tenderness. Let the pork soak in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours.

Ingredients:

– 1 ½ to 2 pounds pork tenderloin

– 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil)

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– Optional: ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey for a marinade

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin  

Start by trimming any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin. Silver skin is a tough membrane that won’t break down during cooking, so it’s essential to remove it. Use a sharp knife to slide under the skin and cut it away gently.

2. Season or Marinate  

Mix the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl if you’re using a dry rub. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin. If you prefer to marinate, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, and oil in a zip-top bag. Add the tenderloin, seal the bag, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor).

3. Preheat the Grill  

While the pork is marinating, preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). You’ll want to create two heat zones on the grill—one side will be for direct heat (high) and the other for indirect heat (low).

4. How long to cook pork tenderloin on gas grill ?

Place the pork tenderloin over the direct heat side of the grill and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until it develops a nice crust. Then, move the pork to the indirect heat side and continue grilling, turning occasionally, for another 12-15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—the internal temperature should reach 145°F.

5. Rest the Pork  

Once the pork reaches 145°F, please remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the pork even more tender and juicy.

Make-Ahead Tips for Pork Tenderloin

Grilled pork tenderloin is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can trim and season the pork up to 24 hours before grilling. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

For meal prep, grill the pork, let it cool completely, and then slice it. Store the slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Grilled pork tenderloin is great for salads, sandwiches, or quick dinners throughout the week.

Sauces and Sides to Serve

To elevate your grilled pork tenderloin, serve it with flavorful sauces and fresh sides. Here are a few ideas:

– Chimichurri Sauce: A bright, herb-packed sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.

– Honey Mustard Glaze: Sweet and tangy, this glaze pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of pork.

– Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, asparagus, and bell peppers are great grilled sides that complement pork tenderloin.

– Grilled Corn on the Cob: Slathered with butter and sprinkled with salt, grilled corn is a family favorite.

– Potato Salad or Coleslaw: Classic summer sides round out any barbecue meal.

Conclusion

Grilling pork tenderloin on a gas grill is easy and quick and results in a tender, flavorful meal that your family will love. With the right tools, a simple dry rub or marinade, and a few grilling techniques, you’ll be able to master how to cook pork tenderloin on a gas grill in no time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect temperature, and let the pork rest before slicing. Pair it with your favorite sides and sauces for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Happy grilling!

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