One of my favorite cuts of meat to feed my family is pork tenderloin. Not only is pork tenderloin cheap and easy to use, but it is also just as fork-tender as filet mignon, especially when grilled.
Also, Grilled Pork Tenderloin is a slam dunk, home run, touchdown (!!) when it comes to being unbelievably juicy and tasty. Best of all, this pork tenderloin recipe is FOOL PROOF and cooks in less than 15 minutes.
Grilling boneless pork loin is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to this lean cut of meat. With the right technique, you can achieve a juicy, tender pork loin with a flavorful, caramelized exterior in under an hour from start to finish.
Understanding Boneless Pork Loin
Boneless pork loin, also referred to as center cut pork loin, comes from the back of the pig. It’s a large, lean cut that ranges from 2 to 5 pounds or more.
Boneless pork loin has very little fat marbled throughout which is why proper grilling technique is crucial for optimizing moisture and tenderness.
Getting the Grill Ready
To grill boneless pork loin correctly, you’ll need to use a two-zone indirect grilling method. This involves creating two temperature zones on your grill – a hotter direct zone for searing and caramelization, and a cooler indirect zone for gently cooking the pork through without drying it out.
Here are two easy ways to set up two-zone grilling
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On a gas grill Turn one burner to high for the direct zone Turn the other burners to low or medium for the indirect zone,
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On a charcoal grill: Pile charcoal on one side only for the direct zone. Leave the other side without charcoal for the indirect zone.
Aim for an overall grill temperature of 300-350°F before grilling.
Grilling Time for Boneless Pork Loin
The grilling time for a 2-3 pound boneless pork loin is about 1 hour, flipping halfway. Use these grill times as a guide:
- 2 pounds: 50-60 minutes
- 3 pounds: 60-70 minutes
- 4-5 pounds: 70-90 minutes
Pork is safe to eat at 145°F, so use an instant read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
Grilling Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for grilling boneless pork loin to juicy perfection:
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Trim and season the pork loin: Remove any excess fat or silver skin. Coat all over with oil and season as desired.
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Sear over direct heat: Place the pork over direct high heat. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
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Finish over indirect heat: Move the pork to indirect medium heat. Grill with the lid closed until it reaches 140-145°F internally.
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Rest: Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The temperature will rise another 5-10°F as it rests.
Pork Loin Doneness Temperatures
- 140°F = Pink
- 145°F = Light pink
- 150°F = Barely pink
- 160°F = No pink
Pork loin is safest and juiciest when removed from the grill between 140-145°F. If you prefer your pork with no pink, cook to 150-155°F for slightly drier but fully cooked meat.
Tips for Grilled Pork Loin Perfection
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Pat the pork dry before seasoning to help the rub adhere
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Use sugar-free spice rubs to prevent burning on the grill
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Flip only once during indirect grilling to maximize browning
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Let the pork rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute
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Slice across the grain for most tender results
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Add a flavorful glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling if desired
The Takeaway
Grilling a 2-3 pound boneless pork loin to perfection takes about 1 hour at 300-350°F using a two-zone indirect grilling method. Sear over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then finish over indirect medium heat with the grill lid closed until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. Rest the pork for 10-15 minutes before slicing for incredibly juicy, flavorful results.
Frequency of Entities:
how long to grill boneless pork loin: 11
pork loin: 7
boneless: 6
grill: 10
juicy: 2
tender: 2
Step 4: Grill the Pork Tenderloin
- Place the pork tenderloin on the grill’s direct-heat side. Grill for 1 1/2 minutes on all four sides (imagine the pork tenderloin as rectangular instead of round), turning it over once, but keeping the lid closed each time.
- Move the tenderloin to the side of the grill that doesn’t get direct heat. Grill for 4 minutes on each of the two larger sides (you will sear all four sides in step 1 above, but two will end up being fatter or flatter) or until a digital thermometer or instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin reads 145 degrees. Again, keep the lid closed between flipping.
The Secret to Perfect Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Are you ready for this?! The secret to achieving juicy, perfectly-grilled pork tenderloin is two zone grilling. Once your grill is hot, move the hot coals to one side if you’re using a charcoal grill and turn half of the burners down to low if you’re using a gas grill. This will make a side with direct heat and a side with indirect heat.
First, sear the pork tenderloin’s outside on the grill’s direct heat side. Then, move it to the grill’s indirect heat side to finish cooking.
That’s it! I’ll show you how below. 🙂
How To Grill Pork Loin – Plus A Simple Honey Mustard Glaze
FAQ
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