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Grilled Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

This easy recipe for Grilled Rosemary Pork Tenderloin is sure to become one of your favorite dinner ideas. You’ll love the juiciness of lean pork tenderloin marinated in olive oil and red wine vinegar, and then cooked to perfection on a smoky grill.

Close-up of grilled rosemary pork tenderloin on a serving platter, garnished with fresh rosemary. Some of the pork is sliced into medallions.

Juicy & Tender Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Don’t you love grilling? I am a huge fan. So is my husband – but we have very different approaches. Let me reach back into the past and show you our grilling preferences, summed up in two pictures:

This is my kind of grill. It’s a little like R2D2, no? My husband, meanwhile…What is this? He can’t let go of his 1980’s camping ways. Ha! (To be fair, this little grill does produce some juicy burgers, not to mention kebapi.)

But I digress! Back to the present, which in my case is all focused on this amazing recipe for pork tenderloin. Grilled rosemary pork tenderloin is delightfully tender and juicy, and when you grill it, the natural sweetness of the pork really shines through. All you need is a simple marinade, and you are looking at one seriously satisfying meal. My marinade is a foolproof mix of olive oil, red wine, rosemary, and seasonings. Paired with the lean pork, it’s a match made in heaven!

This easy recipe is perfect for a weekend dinner, or for a special occasion like Memorial Day. It’s not hard to pull together, mostly hands-off, but special nonetheless. That means that you can serve up a festive meal – something out of the ordinary – with very little hassle to distract you from your event!

Looking for more ways to cook pork tenderloin? Try this simple Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin, my Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin, or this Honey Garlic Roast Tenderloin.

Close-up shot of slices of rosemary pork tenderloin on an earthenware platter.

What’s the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?

You might be wondering if pork tenderloin is the same as the more well-known pork loin. Well, not quite! Pork loin is also lean, and can be very tender and juicy when cooked properly. However, it’s much larger than tenderloin, and it is not as tender and delicate. Pork loin is often cut into chops and roasts, and can be bone-in or boneless.

On the other hand, pork tenderloin cuts are much smaller – usually only a couple of pounds in weight. They are most commonly sold whole, or sliced into small medallions. Pork tenderloin, as the name suggests, is more tender than the regular loin, which makes it perfect for grilling!

(Want to make pork loin, instead of tenderloin? Try this easy recipe for Pork Loin Roast!)

How Long Does Pork Tenderloin Take on the Grill?

That depends! A lot of recipes call for cooking pork tenderloin at high heat for around 15 minutes, but my method is a little different. I sear the outside of the meat at a high temperature, and then cook it on medium for about 40 minutes, followed by a long resting period to allow the juices to redistribute.

Clockwise from top left: vinegar, garlic powder, pork tenderloin, rosemary sprigs, olive oil, salt and pepper.

What You’ll Need

Like many easy grilling recipes, this one only needs a few simple ingredients to put loads of flavor on your plate! The smoky heat of the grill brings out the best in these basic pantry staples.

  • Pork Tenderloin: As always, plan on about half a pound per person.
  • Olive Oil: The base of the marinade is olive oil, so make sure to use a good-quality oil that you like.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: This bold vinegar adds so much flavor to the pork! You could also use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • Rosemary: I like to use freshly minced rosemary leaves, but you could also substitute dried rosemary to make it a little easier and quicker!
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: Sprinkle these on, to taste.
Uncooked pork marinating in a ziploc bag. Olive oil, herbs, a mortar and pestle, and salt are on the work surface nearby.

How to Grill Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

While it only takes a short time to cook the pork tenderloin, make sure to set aside some time for it to marinate first. I recommend marinating for several hours, but even 30 minutes makes a big difference.

  • Marinate the Pork Tenderloin. In a large zip-top bag, mix together all of the marinade ingredients, and submerge the pork tenderloin in them. Seal, and refrigerate for 3 hours or so. (You can also marinate the pork using a large bowl, covered with plastic wrap. Make sure to turn the meat several times so that it gets evenly soaked in the liquid.)
  • Brown the Pork Tenderloin on the Grill. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill. Next, take the tenderloin out of the marinade, and discard the marinade along with the bag. Place the tenderloin on the hot grill, and allow it to sear/brown on all sides. This will take 3 to 5 minutes per side.
  • Cook, Covered, on Medium Until Done. Once the meat has browned on all sides, turn the heat down to medium. Close the lid of the grill, and allow it to cook for 40 minutes. Turn the tenderloin every once in a while during this part of the cooking.
  • Let the Tenderloin Stand. When done, take the tenderloin off of the grill and place it on a serving dish. Let it rest for about 20 minutes, before cutting and serving.
  • Enjoy!
A whole pork tenderloin on a grill.

Helpful Tips for Success

  • Be Careful Not to Overcook: This is probably the most important tip of all! To avoid overcooking and drying out the tenderloin, I recommend checking it with an Instant Read thermometer about halfway through cooking. Pork is done when it registers 145°F, but you should take it off the grill when it reaches about 135°F or 140°F, since the temperature will continue to rise while it rests.
  • Time Your Sides: Don’t forget that the pork will need a lengthy resting time – which gives you time to make some easy side dishes! You can even make grilled side dishes, since your grill will be hot and ready once the pork is cooked. Maybe pineapple?
  • Double Up: This is a really easy recipe to double, which gives you easy-to-use sliced pork for meal prepping! Add it to a sandwich, salad, or rice skillet for an easy meal in minutes.
Slices of grilled pork on a bed of mashed potatoes with carrots.

Serving Ideas

So just what sides should you make to go with your juicy grilled pork? I’m so glad you asked. You really can’t go wrong here, but I do have a few special favorites. Let’s take a look:

  • Sweet and Spicy Veggies: I am obsessed with the flavors in this recipe for Sweet and Spicy Carrots and Green Beans! These simple, versatile veggies take on a whole new level of mouthwatering flavor when cooked with tart apples, thick-cut bacon, and a special sauce. Make this for a special occasion!
  • A Colorful Veggie Salad: Want something more summery? I got you! This Grilled Zucchini Salad with Corn and Tomatoes is utterly fresh and bursting with flavor.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Packed with nutrition and tons of naturally sweet flavor, these easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a combination of sweet potatoes and Yukon gold, mashed with butter, sour cream, brown sugar, and a hint of cayenne for a little kick. Crave-worthy!
  • Mashed Cauliflower: One of my favorite alternatives to creamy mashed potatoes. You’ll never know the difference!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • To refrigerate your leftovers, place them in airtight containers or food storage bags, or just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
  • To freeze, wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Mark with the date, and freeze for 3 to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • To reheat, slice the leftover tenderloin and place the slices in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon or so of water or oil, and cover. Allow the slices to heat, stirring and flipping occasionally, until they are hot all the way through, and then take them off the heat immediately to avoid drying out the pork.

More Easy Pork Recipes

Close-up of grilled pork tenderloin on a serving platter, garnished with fresh rosemary. Some of the pork is sliced into medallions.

Grilled Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Katerina | Diethood
This easy recipe for Grilled Rosemary Pork Tenderloin is sure to become one of your favorite dinner ideas. You'll love the juiciness of lean pork tenderloin, marinated in olive oil and red wine vinegar, and then cooked to perfection on a smoky grill.
5 from 1 vote
Servings : 8
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Marinating Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
  • garlic powder , to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a large ziploc bag; refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
  • Preheat grill.
  • Remove tenderloin from bag and discard marinade.
  • When your grill is hot and ready, place the loins on the hot grill and brown on all sides; about 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
  • Once its browned, turn down the heat to medium, close the grill, and come back once in a while to flip it around.
  • Continue to grill for 40 minutes.
  • Remove meat from grill and allow to rest for 20 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition

Calories: 161 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0 g | Protein: 23 g | Fat: 6 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 73 mg | Sodium: 59 mg | Potassium: 445 mg | Sugar: 0 g | Calcium: 7 mg | Iron: 1.1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy recipes for pork tenderloin, rosemary pork tenderloin
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44 comments on “Grilled Rosemary Pork Tenderloin”

  1. Oh, men. My husband is the same way, he’s such a pack rat with really weird appliances and technology. Just yesterday, as I was packing the living room and threw away a cord we had NO idea it was going to, he freaked out and kept it. Like, a cord that belongs to nothing. So I’m with you there!

    Oh and I LOVE pork, but sadly my husband doesn’t eat it 🙁 So can I come over and eat?

  2. Avatar photo
    Magic of Spice

    Your tenderloin looks perfect! My kids just love grilling season and are big meat eaters, well one is more chicken than red…but they grill and grill 🙂 As I am always behind I think I will get to see your chutney momentarily 🙂
    P.S. loved your tips for the frozen bananas, a must to do for me 🙂

  3. ROFL we also have one of the 1980 grills in our back yard 🙂 BTW I love your grill it’s cute 🙂 Your garden is amazing, I love it!

    And the pork looks delicious 🙂 wish I had some now!!!

  4. Avatar photo
    Kristi Rimkus

    I’m so jealous! My garden here in Seattle is barely moving thanks to all the cold weather and rain. Hopefully it will catch up soon! Love the tenderloin!

  5. We grill lots of pork around here. Your’s has the perfect crust on it, and lucky you with the beautiful garden. The only thing growing around here is our impatience with this nasty weather.

  6. Avatar photo
    The Harried Cook

    Hi… Haven’t been to your site in a while! I thought I had subscribed, but just now noticed I hadn’t! Now I have tons of recipes to catch up on… I love the pictures of your garden. I’m so jealous! It’s something I’ve always wanted… It’s gorgeous. Speaking of gorgeous, how beautiful are those slices of pork! They look moist and very, very tasty! Thank you for sharing 🙂 Signing up for email subscription now so I don’t miss out on this chutney recipe!

  7. I really love your R2D2 ! As for your husband’s grill — well, I know quite a few guys who have exactly the same, so I guess it’s a male thing 🙂

  8. My little grill looks like your hubby’s! Sad, but it does the trick most of the time. I’m excited for the day when I can get a big girl grill like you! The pork tenderloin looks incredible!

  9. Avatar photo
    Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet}

    YES! Getting my grill on this weekend. Yeah! Your pork tenderloin looks supreme and I am excited for the rubarb chutney – I am mad about a great chutney.

  10. LOL at your second grill! We still do only charcoal…I’ve been dying for a gas grill so I can whip up a BBQ dinner quickly. Maybe by our 50th wedding anniversary??! OK, back to your yummy pork…pork tenderloins are one of our favorites to grill. Rosemary, garlic, wine vinegar and olive oil? Sounds like the perfect marinade. I will try soon 🙂 xo

  11. Avatar photo
    Lauren@LittleYellowKitchen

    I am sooo jealous of your garden. I long for the day when I have a backyard and not just a basil plant in the window! Love pork tenderloin too, thanks for the Memorial Day inspiration 🙂

  12. your garden looks so beautiful .. wish I had a backyard or knew something about gardening to start in a pot at least ! Pork is one of my fav protein and when i make such grill dish.. i too can’t remember exact measurements!!

  13. The pork looks so juicy and melt-in your-mouth good! I am also excited to see pictures of your beautiful garden. My kids and I just potted some chilies and herbs on our deck outside the kitchen. We check every day to see if we have little sprouts. I know you’ll have some wonderful meals with those veggies growing in your garden. : )

  14. I have never grilled with wood or charcoal. How spoiled I have been with gas! That pork looks delicious. What a great Memorial Day choice!

  15. Haven’t been here in quite a while, but I can say one thing hasn’t changed — your lovely posts!
    Your grilled pork tenderloin looks superb…and your garden looks lovely! I’m so envious! 🙂

  16. The return of R2! Thanks for mentioning you let pork tenderloins rest at least 20 minutes. I normally don’t do them on the grill because I feel they dry out, but I know it’s likely due to not enough juicy rest. I’m another serial eye-baller when it comes to marinades and dressings 🙂

  17. Avatar photo
    Mina @ Angellove's Cooking

    This tenderloin looks awesome!! And what a beautiful garden :)! I love your photos so much, Kate 🙂

  18. Avatar photo
    Sandra's Easy Cooking

    This sounds like a wonderful meal all together Kate..what a lovely photo sof your garden..wonderful, nothing beat your own produce right, and you got green thumb my friend unlike me :)))
    Love it, everything is just made with the perfection..

  19. Avatar photo
    Katie@Cozydelicious

    Your graden looks amazing! We are in the process of buying a house and I just want the whol ething to go faster so I can plant my veggies!!! I’m so jealous! And your tenderloin looks yummy too.

  20. Many times a little bit of this and a little bit of that make the best recipes – especially for a marinade. Your grilled pork tenderloins look moist and cooked to perfection, congrats and the rhubarb chutney does sound good;-)

  21. Avatar photo
    Happy When Not Hungry

    I love grilled pork tenderloin! So glad nice weather is finally here so we can use our grills. Looks delicious!

  22. Avatar photo
    Biren @ Roti n Rice

    Pork tenderloins are tender and delicious! I’ve (oops!…I mean hubby) has never done it on the grill. Will have to give it a try one of these days.

  23. Avatar photo
    Nami @ Just One Cookbook

    Haha I like your R2D2! Lots of garlic sounds so yummy with tenderloin. I’m looking forward to your chutney recipe! 🙂

  24. Avatar photo
    sheila @ Elements

    What a wonderful grill you have! As for your husband’s grill…well…let’s just say I’d be more inclined to use yours. LOL! 🙂

    I don’t think I’ve ever had pork tenderloin before but it looks really good. We’re working all weekend so we won’t be grilling out unfortunately. 🙁 But we may end up grilling out at our friends’ house. My husband is wanting to make cevapi and veggie kabobs.

    But I’m dying to know what kabapi is. I can’t wait to find out! Your garden looks awesome by the way. 🙂

  25. Love grilled pork & this looks fabulous. The pictures of your garden are amazing. We’re grilling steaks this weekend. Taking the boat out for the first time this year so I want something easy when we get home.

  26. Love the grill, the garden and the pork tenderloin. Don’t be surprised if I show up at your door this holiday weekend to see what else you are grilling! Great post.

  27. This sounds wonderful! Pork Tenderloin is one of the best meats out there. The marinating sounds great!

  28. Avatar photo
    Shea Goldstein

    Cedar plank salmon! Your tenderloin looks divine – I love the fact that your a griller…so am I 😉

  29. Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing.

    Well I intend on getting my grill on too this weekend. Hubby was so awesome and he put my together my Char-Broil American Gourmet Charcoal Smoker! So can’t wait to try it out, starting with Ribs! So watch this space lol.

  30. Avatar photo
    Lora @cakeduchess

    Your pork loins will be delicous! I love this recipe, Kate:) Your hubby’s grill must make THE best burgers!

  31. Avatar photo
    Megan @ pipandebby

    Sooo jealous of your raspberry bush! And your husband’s grill looks like something MY husband would gush over. 🙂
    Your tenderloin looks so juicy and delicious! (oh dear, I think that warranted some giggles, too.)

  32. Avatar photo
    The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time

    As soon as I saw the instruction to “turn down the heat to medium,” I knew why your husband won’t let go of the little grill. CHARCOAL. The real way to grill. 😛

    That being said, your loins are perfect (yes, more giggles). Seriously, that is one great recipe, even if it’s not exact.

  33. Avatar photo
    Lindsey@Lindselicious

    I love pork tenderloin! I’m coming over to have some with that great sounding chutney. LOL

  34. Pictures are gorgeous. Love this. Don’t be knocking the 80’s now! That is GREAT for smoking Salmon 🙂

  35. Nice! That tenderloin looks outstanding! And my husband and your husband totally share a brain. Our grill pretty much looks just like that 🙂

    Thanks for sharing, and for the well wishes for my mom!

  36. Oooh! I want to try the rhubarb chutney! The tenderloin looks amazing too. Great garden photos and I’m totally jealous that you have raspberries. I’d be out there snacking all day long once they come in! 🙂

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