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!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
🥩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
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you will get great new recipes from us every week!
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.
Aggie
The rub sounds delish!! I'm going to be trying this!
teresa
This is just lovely, our family would love this!
Judy
I love pork tenderloin grilled. It's the way I cook it most of the time. Darn, I wish it wasn't red meat, or I'd be eating more of it. Your rub sounds good, I'll have to try it.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
Isn't "smoke" such a great flavour with pork if you know what I mean! I love char grilled pork. Hehe I might have hesitated at the strawberry salsa too! 😉
Reeni♥
The dark color makes it all the more mouth-watering! They look really good!
Talita
Yummm… I love pork! This spicy pork sounds amazing! The pic made my mouth have water!
Katy ~
Yum Yum! That looks incredibly moist and tasty.
Barbara
Your recipe sounds heavenly. I'll have to try it. I think the grilled strawberry salsa sounds good but I know how husbands are about foods a little different.
finsmom
I bet my hubby would love this – turned out great!
Vrinda
I dont eat pork but looks drool worthy..My hubby might like it..
Donna-FFW
I love griled tendeloin. I have one ready to post about soon. Ill have to try yours next! Sounds fabulous!
The Blonde Duck
If only Ben would eat pork!
livestocreate
I love tenderloin also – it just seemed so "plain", and I didn't know what to do with it – so this will be awesome!
Anula
That looks great! Mu Hubby would love that too! 🙂 Pitty we don't have a BBQ 🙁
Carrian
I need a BBQ, that looks too delicious!
Denise
This looks awesome, I just bought some tenderloin, it is one of my favorites. I am printing it out now
Mary
I haven't eaten grilled meat in ages , you made me have a craving just seeing how lovely yours is !
Debbie
I think that tenderloin looks terrific. Love the color. Looks like it has a ton of flavor.
Maria
Nice job! Looks like it's cooked to perfection!
HoneyB
I have never grilled pork tenderloin! I guess I better get with it!