This Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe has become my go-to for busy weeknights. The spice blend is simple but so good. You get perfectly juicy, tender pork in under 30 minutes with hardly any prep work!
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🥩The spice blend works beautifully with other proteins too, so you can use this same technique for chicken, beef, or even fish!
My 2 Best Tips For Making Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Score the Surface: Make shallow diagonal cuts (about ⅛-inch deep) across the tenderloin before applying the rub. This creates more surface area for the spices to penetrate and helps the meat cook more evenly while preventing it from curling on the grill.
Aluminum Foil Tent: During the low-heat covered cooking phase, create a loose aluminum foil tent over the tenderloin instead of just closing the grill lid. This reflects heat more evenly around the meat and prevents the top from drying out while the center finishes cooking.
I always start by rubbing the tenderloin with oil before I add any seasonings because it helps the spices stick much better to the meat. This simple step also gives me that beautiful, golden crust I’m after when grilling, and it prevents the spices from falling off during cooking.
During the initial high-heat phase, I make sure to turn the pork every 2-3 minutes so all sides get that gorgeous golden-brown color I want. I’ve learned that consistent turning is key – it prevents any one side from getting too dark while ensuring even browning all around.
I love how versatile this spicy grilled pork tenderloin is once it’s done! I enjoy slicing it thin for sandwiches, dicing it up for salads, or serving it whole alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
🩷 Melissa
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Spicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1 pound pork tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried crushed oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat grill to medium.
- Rub pork tenderloins with oil. Drizzle with lime juice. Combine dried spices in a bowl and then sprinkle evenly on tenderloins.
- Grill, turning occasionally, until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce temperature to low and cover with grill lid. Continued to cook pork covered, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 145 degrees, turning occasionally.
Notes
Nutrition
How To Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Step 1: Heat your grill to medium temperature. While it’s warming up, rub both pork tenderloins with olive oil, then drizzle with lime juice. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder, then sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the tenderloins.
Step 2: Place the seasoned tenderloins on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This high-heat searing locks in the juices and creates those delicious caramelized flavors.
Step 3: Reduce the grill temperature to low and cover with the grill lid. Continue cooking the pork, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F for perfectly tender, juicy results.
Step 4: Remove the tenderloins from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator first (usually 12-24 hours). Never grill frozen meat as it won’t cook evenly and the outside will burn before the inside is done.
The most reliable way is using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. It should read 145°F for medium doneness with a slight pink center, or 160°F if you prefer it well done.
Yes, you can apply the oil, lime juice, and spice rub up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature 30 minutes before grilling.
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram.
anita chang
Has anyone commented on this recipe, who actually has made it? It doesn’t sound very spicy to me with just 1 tsp of pepper. Would you recommend some cayenne?
Anita
Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella
I adore the sound of this pork rub mum!! I can never get enough of spices. And tenderloin is a really nice cut 🙂
Rocky Mountain Woman
What a great flavor combo! I love oregano with pork!
Nagi@RecipeTinEats
I can hear something grilling on my kitchen. Yes. It’s this yummy spicy grilled pork tenderloin!
Carol
Those look and sound great, Barbara. I buy pork tenderloin a lot too-it never lets me down with how tender it is-and it’s a quick cook too. We don’t grill them often-I usually brown them on my grill pan then bake in the oven like you mentioned for an alternate cooking method.
I had to go peek at the strawberry salsa-bet it would be good without grilling the strawberries..although that does sound interesting. Bob isn’t a pineapple lover so he’d be siding with your husband. 🙂 I make a lot of fruit salsas to serve with pork and chicken-they really add a lot. If I try grilling the berries, I’ll let you know how they turn out.
Rosa
Delicious! A great spice mix.
Cheers,
Rosa
Cristie
This looks delicious. I have a great tender loin, but it's getting over used, I'm trying yours out tonight. Thanks for this new idea.
The Double Dipped Life
Yum! I don't have a bbq, but I'm sure baking it would be amazing too!
Peabody
Oh, my husband would love it if I made this for dinner.
Jerri - Simply Sweet Home
That pork tenderloin looks great, and the recipe sounds delicious!
Katrina
I just made pork tenderloin yesterday and it was really good! The flavors of this one sound great. I'll have to make this one next. My husband would love the spicy!
Judy
Yummm. This looks so good. I almost always cook my pork tenderloins on the grill. The leftovers make great sandwiches. I like your seasonings.
maris
I've never had grilled pork tenderloin but it's so good roasted that I can just imagine how much better it is on the grill!
Rosa's Yummy Yums
Wonderful and so tasty!
Cheers,
Rosa
Amanda
It looks delicious Barbara! I have a recipe for a rub for pork tenderloin in my recipe binder. I don't even remember where I got it, but I know it was about 14 years ago. I just came across it the other day and thought about making it. 🙂
Mar
A delicious recipe, I love all you are…
A kiss
Deeba @Passionate About Baking
Love the rub & how good it looks. Perfecto!!
Cathy
Pork tenderloin on the grill is one of my favorites. Yours look perfect to me.
Cathy
I just stocked up on meat at Costco, including a package of pork tenderloin! I can't wait to try this rub!
Jamie
Barbara,
Believe it or not I've only made the pre-marinated pork tenderloins before. But we love to grill and this rub sounds great. I think I need to pick up some pork tenderloin soon.