BBQ Pork Tenderloin Recipe: Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin Tips

Tender, juicy BBQ pork tenderloin is marinated in a simple homemade barbecue marinade and grilled to a sticky, sweet finish. It’s a fast, flavorful meal for the grill and a healthy option for weeknight dinners.

Grilling is the best way to cook pork tenderloin. When you baste the meat with this easy BBQ marinade while it cooks, the outside becomes caramelized and sticky while the inside stays moist. The whole process is straightforward and yields tender, flavorful results every time.

This recipe is great for busy days. Mix the marinade in the morning and refrigerate the pork while you’re out. When you get home, preheat the grill and cook—dinner is ready in about 30 minutes. If you need an even quicker prep, combine the marinade the night before and add the pork to a zipper bag in the morning for an instant coat.

Why You’ll Love this BBQ Pork Tenderloin Recipe

• Only 5 ingredients, most likely already in your pantry.
• Marinate in the morning and grill at night for dinner in 30 minutes.
• Consistently juicy, tender pork when cooked to the right temperature.

Ingredients for BBQ Pork Tenderloin

• Pork tenderloin – about 2 pounds total.
• BBQ sauce – a mild, original-flavor sauce works best for the marinade.
• Grape jelly – the secret ingredient that adds sweet, glossy balance.
• Garlic – fresh minced preferred; substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
• Black pepper – freshly ground for best flavor.

How to Grill Pork Tenderloin

1. Prep the marinade – In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, garlic, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Coat – Place the pork tenderloins in a container or a resealable bag and pour half the marinade over them. Refrigerate the remaining marinade in an airtight container to use for basting.
3. Marinate – Refrigerate the pork for 4–8 hours for best flavor.
4. Prep the grill – Preheat the grill to about 350°F (175°C). Place the tenderloins on the grill and discard any marinade left in the bag or container.
5. Grill – Cook for about 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes. Baste with the reserved marinade each time you rotate to build up a sticky glaze.
6. Rest – Remove the pork when an instant-read thermometer shows 145°F (63°C). Tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Should I close the grill lid?

Yes. Closing the lid helps maintain an even temperature so the pork cooks through uniformly and stays juicy.

How To Bake Pork Tenderloin In the Oven

To bake instead of grill, follow the same steps but roast on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C). Cooking time is similar; use a thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

How Long To Grill Pork Tenderloin?

Plan on about 30 minutes total to reach the recommended 145°F internal temperature. Rotate every 10 minutes and baste frequently for a glossy, flavorful crust.

How to store leftovers

After the pork cools, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to use leftovers

Reheat sliced pork gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Leftover tenderloin is excellent in sandwiches, salads, fried rice, wraps, or on nachos.

This perfectly grilled BBQ pork tenderloin is a great candidate for your summer rotation. With a sweet, sticky glaze and juicy interior, it’s a family-pleasing main course.

What to Serve with BBQ Pork Tenderloin

• Grilled pull-apart bread or cheesy garlic bread.
• Baked potatoes cooked on the grill.
• BBQ baked beans or a simple bean side.
• Grilled asparagus or other seasonal grilled vegetables.

More Great Pork Tenderloin Ideas

• Use leftovers for sandwiches like a ranch-grilled pork sandwich.
• Try smoking a pork tenderloin for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Make sticky burnt ends from pork butt for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Explore Asian or Southwest-flavored pork tenderloins for variety.