Summer is in full swing, and this Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is about to become your new go-to for easy backyard meals and weekend cookouts. Juicy, flavorful, and packed with tangy, savory goodness, this dish is simple enough for a busy weeknight and impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re firing up the grill for the Fourth of July or just need a low-fuss dinner idea, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin sliced and then a knife set to the side

This pork tenderloin is marinated in a blend of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and spices, which gives it the perfect balance of zesty, sweet, and smoky flavor. After just a quick sear and a few minutes on the grill, you’re rewarded with a beautifully caramelized crust and perfectly tender, juicy pork. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—so maybe double it!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin sliced into mandolins and placed in a serving tray

What Is Grilled Pork Tenderloin?

Grilled pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of pork, marinated for flavor, then grilled quickly over high heat for a charred crust and juicy center. It’s a summertime staple and a versatile protein that pairs well with all your favorite BBQ sides. The tenderloin is perfect for slicing and serving at casual picnics, family dinners, or even holiday gatherings.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin in a serving tray with rice and other ingredients around it on the table

When to Serve This

This recipe is perfect for summer grilling, weekend cookouts, or easy weeknight dinners. It also makes a fantastic holiday main dish for Father’s Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day. Pair it with a cold salad and iced tea for a light dinner, or go all-out with roasted potatoes and grilled corn for a hearty summer feast.

close up of sliced pork tenderloin on table

When it comes to backyard BBQs or casual family dinners, this pork tenderloin really shines as the star of the plate. I love slicing it up and serving it family-style on a big wooden board surrounded by grilled corn on the cob, potato wedges, and a crisp cucumber tomato salad. It also pairs beautifully with baked beans, buttered rolls, or even a tangy coleslaw if you’re going for a full Southern-inspired meal. The mix of sweet and savory in this recipe makes it incredibly versatile with whatever you’re craving on the side!

Grilled Pork Tenderloins on a cutting board with parsley around it on table

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super flavorful marinade with pantry staples.
Quick cooking time—done in under 15 minutes on the grill!
Tender and juicy every time when grilled to the proper temp.
Great for entertaining, meal prep, or leftovers.
Customizable for indoor cooking too (oven or air fryer).

Another favorite way we enjoy this grilled pork is in sandwiches or wraps the next day. Just thinly slice the leftovers and pile them high on a brioche bun with a swipe of honey mustard or BBQ mayo, pickles, and a handful of arugula or shredded lettuce. You can also chop it up for quesadillas, toss it in a noodle stir-fry, or serve it with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner moment. It’s one of those recipes that works overtime in the flavor department—even when you’re just digging through the fridge the next day.

ingredients for grilled pork tenderloin on a cutting board and bowls of ingredients around the cutting board

Ingredient Breakdown

Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds brightness and helps tenderize the pork.
Dijon Mustard – Brings a subtle tang and complexity to the marinade.
Brown Sugar – Balances the vinegar and adds caramelization on the grill.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Helps distribute flavor and prevents sticking.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper – Flavor boosters that infuse the meat.
Pork Tenderloin – Lean, tender, and fast-cooking.
Vegetable Oil – Brushed on the grill grates to keep things from sticking.

ingredients for sauce for Grilled Pork Tenderloin in a bowl

Grilled Pork Tenderloin in a Ziploc bag with marinade

Variations

Swap apple cider vinegar for balsamic for a richer marinade.
Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
Try using honey instead of brown sugar for a lighter sweetness.
Instead of pork, try the marinade on chicken thighs or turkey tenderloins.

A No-Fuss Star for Your Summer Cookout

This grilled pork tenderloin doesn’t just taste amazing—it gives total main-character energy at any cookout. It’s juicy, perfectly seasoned, and slices like butter right off the grill. Plus, it looks and smells so impressive coming off the grates that people will assume you’ve been marinating and basting it all day (you haven’t, but we’ll let them think that).

It’s a great option when you want to serve something a little more special than burgers or hot dogs, but don’t want to spend all afternoon babysitting a smoker or making a dozen side dishes. Add some grilled veggies, corn on the cob, or a big summer salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s as laid-back as it is crowd-pleasing.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin that is cooked sitting on a wooden cutting board

Troubleshooting

Meat drying out? You might be overcooking. Always use a thermometer and pull it off the grill at 145°F.
Sticking to the grill? Make sure your grates are brushed with oil and fully preheated before adding the meat.
Uneven browning? Turn the tenderloin slowly and sear all sides before reducing heat.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin laid out on a cutting board and sliced into wedges topped with herbs

Leftover Ideas

Turn tonight’s pork into tomorrow’s delicious shortcut meals! This tenderloin is incredible when repurposed into tacos, wraps, or even stir-fry. Try slicing it over a bed of garlic rice with a drizzle of teriyaki, or layering it in a quesadilla with pepper jack and sautéed onions. You can even dice it and toss it into a hearty soup or pasta for a quick weeknight win. Leftovers don’t have to be boring—they just need a little inspiration!

side view of platter full of cooked grilled pork tenderloin with limes and herbs around it

Storage & Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze sliced pork in individual bags for quick future meals.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cover in foil in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Serve cold in wraps or chopped over salad with vinaigrette.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin on a tray with limes and rice beside the tray

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Marinate the pork up to 24 hours ahead for max flavor.
Grill, slice, and freeze leftovers for quick weeknight dinners.
Freeze the raw marinated pork (in a bag) and thaw before grilling for make-ahead meal prep.

Fun Serving Suggestions

Slice the pork and serve in soft rolls with slaw for BBQ sliders.
Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled asparagus.
Make a summer board with sliced pork, artisan bread, pickles, grilled peaches, and Dijon aioli.
Thinly slice leftovers for a pork sandwich wrap with honey mustard, greens, and roasted red peppers.

Creative Leftover Idea

Got extra leftovers? You’re in luck. Chop up leftover pork and toss it with some sautéed peppers and onions for pork fajitas. Or dice it finely and stir it into fried rice or a hearty grain bowl. You can even make next-day BBQ pulled pork sandwiches by heating the slices in BBQ sauce and piling them onto buns with pickles. Trust us—this is one of those meals that gets even better the next day.

side view of sliced pork tenderloin in a blue platter wit hrice and limes around it on table

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can sear the tenderloin in a hot skillet, then finish it in a 425°F oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Can I cook this in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook at 400°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it hits 145°F inside.

Do I have to marinate it overnight?
You can get away with an hour, but longer is better. Marinating overnight infuses the pork with deeper flavor.

What’s the best way to tell if the pork is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. 145°F is the sweet spot—don’t go higher or it may dry out.

What should I serve this with?
This pork pairs beautifully with classic BBQ sides like potato salad, grilled veggies, coleslaw, or mac and cheese. You can also slice and serve it over rice or greens for a lighter option.

Can I freeze the pork?
Yes! Wrap tightly in foil or store in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin sliced into wedges with fruit around it

Sauce It Up!

This pork tenderloin is packed with flavor, but if you want to take it to the next level, try pairing it with a homemade sauce. A quick honey mustard, a tangy chimichurri, or a bourbon peach glaze adds something special for guests or picky eaters. You could even set up a little sauce bar for a build-your-own experience at summer cookouts!

sweet and savory Grilled Pork Tenderloin on platter

More fun ideas

If you somehow manage to have leftovers of this grilled pork tenderloin, they are gold. The smoky, savory flavor only deepens after a night in the fridge, making it perfect for easy next-day meals. Slice it thin for pork sandwiches on toasted buns with barbecue sauce, toss it into a salad with corn and black beans, or reheat it with eggs for a protein-packed breakfast hash.

You can even chop it up for tacos, rice bowls, or stir-fry. It’s one of those versatile proteins that plays well with just about anything you throw at it, so don’t be surprised if you start doubling the recipe on purpose.

up close shot of the Grilled Pork Tenderloin on a cutting board

Grilled pork tenderloin is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a grill master with hardly any effort. It’s juicy, flavorful, and so versatile you’ll be tempted to keep it in your dinner rotation all year long. Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight meal, it never fails to impress. Grab your tongs and fire up the grill—this recipe’s a keeper.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin