Perfectly Juicy Grilled Pork Tenderloin

What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?

Pork loin is a large, lean piece of meat cut from the back area. It is commonly sold boneless, but can also be purchased bone in. It is best suited for cooking over a medium heat, or slow roasted in the oven.

Pork tenderloin is a small, thin strip of meat that comes from the backbone area. It is always sold boneless and only weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds. Pork tenderloin is the most tender cut of pork. It is best suited for quick cooking using high heat.

Pork tenderloin and pork loin cannot be used interchangeably.  

How long does it take to grill Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloins are all roughly 1 to 1/2 pounds and take approximately 15 minutes to cook over a high heat of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pork needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can pork tenderloin be a little pink?

Yes! And it actually SHOULD be a pale pink color in the middle. The USDA now recommends that pork be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit , where previously it was 165 degrees Fahrenheit. At 145 degrees Fahrenheit you will have the juiciest pork tenderloin possible which will be a pale shade of pink in the center, but still fully safe to eat. Pork tenderloin that is not pink in the middle has been overcooked and can easily dry out.

If you liked this recipe, you may be interested in these other pork recipes:

• Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin
• Perfectly Grilled Pork Chops
• Easy Baked Pork Chops
• Apple Glazed Roasted Pork Loin
• Honey Dijon Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin