If you've never tried grilled pork tenderloin on a pellet grill, you're missing out on a delicious and easy summer dinner! Pellet grill pork tenderloin provides the best juicy and delicious meat quicker than smoking! This Traeger grilled pork is cooked at 400°F in under 20 minutes!
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Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Traeger Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Ingredients & Marinade Suggestions
- Why Pork Tenderloin is a Great Choice for Grilling
- Pork Tenderloin Flavor, Rub, and Marinade Combinations and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilling Pork Tenderloin on a Pellet Grill
- Temperature and Timing Recommendations
- What to Serve with Pellet Grill Pork Tenderloin
- Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Smoked Pork Tenderloin
- Expert Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- Other Summer Dinner Recipes to Try!
- Traeger Pork Tenderloin Recipe (Pellet Grilled)
Why You'll Love This Traeger Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Perfect main dish summer dinner for summer BBQs, picnics, and parties.
- The best easy cooking method to get juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin with a smoky flavor.
- A tender piece of meat with perfect texture.
- A 20-minute quick and easy recipe that takes less cook time than smoking!
- Great option to make ahead and freeze for busy weeknight dinners.
- Traeger pellet grill pork tenderloin has a quick prep time!
- A healthy main course dinner that is low-fat, low-carb, and gluten-free.
Ingredients & Marinade Suggestions
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Boneless Pork Tenderloin: Select a fresh pork tenderloin, not a boneless pork loin roast. Look for even thickness across the tenderloin with minimal silver skin.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil will help the seasoning and herbs stick. Use avocado oil for an alternative.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, fresh thyme leaves, and sage are all great choices for fresh herbs to marinate with pork.
- Garlic: Garlic adds flavor and bite. Minced or roasted garlic is delicious in this recipe.
- Seasoning: Simple seasonings like salt and black pepper work well in this recipe. You can also add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for additional flavor.
Why Pork Tenderloin is a Great Choice for Grilling
- Grilling pork tenderloin on a pellet grill like Traeger or a pellet smoker helps to cook the meat to juicy perfection.
- Choosing pork tenderloin for grilling is a great choice since it is a lean cut of meat that cooks quickly and evenly.
- Pellet grills are great for cooking pork tenderloin (and smoked chicken!) because they provide an even heat source and create tender pork. The Traeger grill maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Pork Tenderloin Flavor, Rub, and Marinade Combinations and Variations
We used minced garlic, olive oil, fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper to marinate the meat.
You may select another type of dry rub or pork rub seasoning. Traeger pork & poultry rub would be a great seasoning to use.
A few ideas for rub or marinade combinations could be sweet and spicy, garlic powder and onion powder, apple juice, Worcestershire sauce, Asian ginger, dijon, soy sauce and brown sugar, Greek, teriyaki, BBQ sauce, or balsamic.
For pork with citrus flavors, try our air fryer pork tenderloin or this pineapple pulled pork.
To make it easy, select seasoned pork tenderloins like Smithfield.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilling Pork Tenderloin on a Pellet Grill
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
Step 1 - Prepare the Tenderloin
Remove the silverskin and trim the excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Then season the pork with a rub or marinade - we started with olive oil before seasoning.
Step 2 - Season and Oil
Season pork with salt and black pepper.
Step 3 - Add Garlic and Herbs
For this Traeger grilled pork tenderloin, we created our garlic rosemary pork marinade.
Place minced garlic and chopped rosemary over the pork loin and rub the marinade into the meat.
Step 4 - Marinade
Place pork in the refrigerator to marinate for 4 hours or up to 1 day.
Step 5 - Preheat the Pellet Grill
Once you are ready to grill, plug in your electric pellet grill or Traeger. Ensure you have enough wood pellets in the hopper and turn on the Traeger.
Turn the heat up to high (450°F on most models, up to 500°F on some) and allow it to heat up for 15 minutes.
If using a gas grill, heat the grill to medium or medium-high heat (whatever is around 400°F for your grill).
Step 6 - Grill
Once the pork tenderloin has marinated for at least 4 hours, turn the Traeger temperature down to 400. Place the meat on the grill grates and close the top.
Cook the meat with the lid closed for 6-8 minutes, depending on the size.
Flip the meat and allow it to cook for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Step 7 - Rest and Slice
Allow meat to rest on a cutting board (tent with aluminum foil) for about 5 minutes before slicing into medallions with a sharp knife.
Temperature and Timing Recommendations
How Long Should You Cook a Pork Tenderloin on a Pellet Grill?
- 1-pound pork tenderloin - about 6 minutes per side.
- 1.3-pound - about 7 minutes per side
- 1.5-pound - about 8 minutes per side.
- The grill temperature for this pellet grill pork tenderloin recipe is 400°F.
- The safe internal cook temp of pork is 145°F. For medium-rare pork, cook to 145°F- 150°F. Medium pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of the meat of 150°F - 155°F.
What to Serve with Pellet Grill Pork Tenderloin
Pellet grill pork tenderloin pairs well with side dishes such as sweet potatoes, garlic green beans, veggie pasta salad, jiffy corn casserole, or steamed seasoned broccoli.
Cold pasta salads like tortellini pasta salad, avocado couscous salad, and bowtie caprese salad all work as delicious sides for pork.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Sauce Ideas: Drizzle dipping sauce like honey mustard over your medallions for added flavor.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Use leftover pork in sandwiches or wraps, tacos, grain bowls, or add to a pasta or simple stir fry.
Freezing: Freeze leftover pork tenderloin in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: The best way to reheat pork without drying it out is to place it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or broth and heat it over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.
Expert Tips
- For best results, follow the recipe card as written.
- Add more wood pellets before turning your Traeger grill on.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Allow the meat to rest at room temperature for at least 5 minutes before slicing it into medallions for serving.
- Avoid cooking past and internal temperature of 150°F to avoid dryness.
- Remove the silver skin prior to grilling.
- Don't skip the marinade step.
Recipe FAQs
Grilling pork tenderloin is a quick and easy way to enjoy the best and most versatile meat there is. Follow this pellet grill pork tenderloin recipe to make pork for dinner!
According to FoodSafety.gov, pork tenderloin should not be marinated in the fridge for more than five days.
Yes! When comparing pellet grills vs. gas grills, my choice goes to pellet grills due to the temperature control, consistent cooking results, and ability to smoke meats or grill.
Hickory pellets, apple, or cherry all work well for pork.
Aim to serve about ¼ to ⅓ of a pound of pork tenderloin per person.
For a pork recipe serving four, look for a 1.3 or 1.5-pound pork tenderloin.
Many grocery stores sell pork tenderloin in packs of two. This pellet grill pork tenderloin recipe has enough marinade to double the recipe.
Other Summer Dinner Recipes to Try!
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Traeger Pork Tenderloin Recipe (Pellet Grilled)
Equipment
- 1 pellet grill
- 1 wood pellets
- 1 instant read thermometer
- 1 grilling tool set
Ingredients
- 1 1.5 pound pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparing the pork tenderloin, removing the silver skin and excess fat.1 1.5 pound pork tenderloin
- Place pork in a large dish and cover with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.2 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper
- Add garlic and rosemary to the top of the pork and press into the meat. Cover all sides with the herbs and oil.2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, 4 cloves garlic
- Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Turn on the Traeger grill to high (450°F) and allow it to heat up for 15 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to 400° and place the meat onto the grates. Close the lid and cook the pork for 6-8 minutes.
- Use tongs to flip the meat and then cook for another 6-8 minutes with the lid closed.
- Carefully remove the pork to a plate and allow the meat to rest before cutting it into medallions.
Notes
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Kent Gaya says
Tasted very good, took longer to cook to reach 145. Smaller tenderloin took about 10 minutes per side, bigger one 15 minutes per side
Lyndsey Piccolino says
So glad you liked it Kent!