Grilling a 2 pound pork tenderloin to perfection requires knowing the right temperature and cook time. With some simple tips, you can have juicy, flavorful pork coming off your grill.
Quick Overview
For a 2 pound pork tenderloin, you’ll want to grill it over direct medium-high heat for about 12-15 minutes total. Use a digital instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Detailed Grilling Instructions
Here is a more detailed step-by-step guide on how to grill a perfect 2 pound pork tenderloin:
- Take the pork tenderloin out of the fridge and let it come closer to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grates.
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels and season all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you want. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin make great additions.
- Place the tenderloin on the hot grill and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, getting nice grill marks. Move to a cooler part of the grill if it seems to be browning too quickly.
- Continue grilling, turning every 5 minutes or so, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 140-145°F. This will take around 12-15 minutes total cooking time.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into medallions.
- Slice the tenderloin into 1/2 inch thick pieces and serve. Goes great with grilled veggies or a salad!
Factors Affecting Cook Time
There are a few factors that can affect the total grill time for a 2 pound pork tenderloin:
- Thickness – A thicker or fatter tenderloin may take a little longer to cook through to the proper internal temp.
- Bone-in or boneless – Boneless tenderloin will cook faster than bone-in.
- Grill temperature – Hotter heat will cook faster; lower heat will require more time.
- Whether indirect or direct grilling – Indirect heat will slow the cooking process.
Taking these into account, the cook time can vary from as little as 10 minutes for a thin boneless tenderloin on high heat up to around 18-20 minutes for a very thick, bone-in cut using indirect heat.
Internal Temperature
It’s crucial to cook pork tenderloin to the proper internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat. Here are the recommended final internal temps:
| USDA Recommended Internal Temp | Level of Doneness |
|---|---|
| 145°F | Medium-rare |
| 160°F | Medium |
| 170°F | Well-done |
Pork should always reach at least 145°F internally, but many people prefer to cook tenderloin to around 150-155°F for a slightly pinker result. Use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to check multiple spots.
Resting
After grilling, it’s important to let the pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and eating. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat. Skipping this step can result in dry, tough pork. Tent it loosely with foil while resting.
Tips
Here are some extra tips for perfect grilled pork tenderloin every time:
- Choose uniform, lean tenderloins for even cooking.
- Season well with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, and rubs for maximum flavor.
- Use a two-zone fire and move to a cooler area if browning too fast.
- Turn frequently while grilling to prevent burning.
- Brush with a glaze or sauce in the last 5 minutes if desired.
- Allow to rest before slicing for moist, tender meat.
Conclusion
Grilling a 2 pound pork tenderloin takes about 12-15 minutes over direct medium-high heat, cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F. Let rest before serving. Monitor thickness, grill temperature, and use a meat thermometer for best results. Season boldly and grill quickly for a flavorful weeknight dinner.