Grilled Pork Tenderloin with BBQ Glaze
These Grilled Pork Tenderloin medallions are juicy, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this recipe is simple to prepare yet packed with smoky, savory flavor.
Looking for another recipe to cook on the grill? Try these grilled chicken drumsticks next.
Grilling this tenderloin is a game-changer for busy cooks who still want restaurant-quality results.
With a simple seasoning blend and optional BBQ glaze, you’ll get perfectly caramelized pork with minimal effort. Plus, leftovers make amazing wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls the next day!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this grilled pork tenderloin:
Ingredient Notes
Pork Tenderloin: Choose a fresh tenderloin, about 450–550 g. Trim any excess fat for even cooking and better browning.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a nice sear. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral oil.
Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky flavor and a rich color. Regular paprika can be used if you prefer less smokiness.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Provide savory depth to the seasoning blend. Adjust amounts to taste.
Brown Sugar: Balances the spices and helps create a caramelized crust. You can substitute with coconut sugar if desired.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste preference.
Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, aromatic notes. You can swap with rosemary or oregano for a different flavor.
Chili Powder: Gives a subtle heat. Adjust or omit if you prefer milder pork.
BBQ Sauce (Optional): Brushed on at the end, it adds a sticky, flavorful glaze. I like the Stubb’s brand. You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Variations
Try this seasoning blend on chicken breasts, thighs, or even salmon for a quick twist.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce to the rub for a deeper flavor.
For a smoky touch, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your gas grill.
How to Make Grilled Pork Tenderloin: Step by Step
Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Set up a two-zone BBQ with one side for high heat (direct) and the other for low heat (indirect). Pat the tenderloin dry and rub it all over with olive oil.
Step 2: Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chilli powder, salt, pepper, and thyme in a small bowl.
Step 3: Coat the tenderloin evenly with the seasoning blend.
Step 4: Place the pork on the hot zone and sear for 2 minutes per side until a nice colour develops.
Step 5: Move the tenderloin to the cool zone and close the lid. Cook for 12–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 6: Brush lightly with BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
Step 7: Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Juiciness: Don’t overcook. Pork is done when it feels firm but still slightly springy.
Serving Ideas: Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or slice over a fresh salad.
Leftovers: Perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
Experiment: Try different herbs or spice blends to create your own signature flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This seasoning works wonderfully on chicken breasts or thighs.
Fridge: 3–4 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months
No, it’s optional. The seasoning blend alone creates flavorful pork, but a light glaze adds a delicious caramelized touch.
I hope you enjoy this grilled pork tenderloin! Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below if you try it. Thank you so much!
More Pork Recipe Ideas
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin 450–550 g
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning Blend:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce optional glaze
Instructions
- Set up a two-zone BBQ with one side for high heat (direct) and the other for low heat (indirect). Pat the tenderloin dry and rub it all over with olive oil.
- Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chilli powder, salt, pepper, and thyme in a small bowl.
- Coat the tenderloin evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Place the pork on the hot zone and sear for 2 minutes per side until a nice colour develops.
- Move the tenderloin to the cool zone and close the lid. Cook for 12–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush lightly with BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data