Learn how to make this irresistible grilled pork tenderloin rub by combining pantry staples. This pork recipe is made in a half hours time and feeds a family of four.
Change up your dinnertime with my easy recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloin with a homemade sweet brown sugar chili rub. We probably eat pork tenderloin at least twice a month in our home. I buy a 2-pack from Costco, make one while it’s fresh and the other goes in the freezer for a rainy day. I almost always make a Greek Pork Tenderloin… it’s easy to make and super flavorful. I also love to make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin as it comes out absolutely perfect every single time.
When I’m not roasting the tenderloin, I love to grill the it. This sweet and savory rub for the tenderloin is out of this world delicious. I combine chili powder, smoke paprika, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon. The rub and pork tenderloin turn out delicious every time and it’s always a crowd pleaser.
I like to pair this pork tenderloin with mashed sweet potatoes, wilted spinach, Southerns style green beans, and grilled asparagus. I’m all for making two vegetables with dinner each night and most nights I’ll make a salad too. I love to get our veggies in.
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Ingredients
- Pork Tenderloin – fresh pork tenderloin works best for this recipe.
- Spices – I like to use a combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of cinnamon.
- Sugar – A tablespoon of brown sugar gives this pork tenderloin the sweetness.
- Oil – I use grape-seed oil as it has a high smoke point, neutral in flavor, and is perfect for grilling.
Pork Tenderloin Rub
First, make the rub. In a bowl, combine the chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
Rinse and dry off the pork tenderloin, place on a plate. Then pour the grape seed oil on top of the pork tenderloin. Sprinkle half the rub on top, rub seasoning all over the pork tenderloin then flip the pork tenderloin over and use the rest of the rub on the pork.
Let the pork tenderloin marinate in the refrigerate for 2-4 hours or until your ready to grill.
Grilling Pork Tenderloin
Once your ready to grill the pork. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping once at the 10 minute mark. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve immediately.
FAQs
This recipe will feed 4 hungry adults.
A single pork tenderloin weights around 1-2lbs. Depending on the brand. Either of those sizes will work with this recipe.
Yes, you can easily double the rub for the pork tenderloins and grill them at the same time.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks whenever I’m making grilled pork tenderloin rub.
- Temperature of Pork – It is now safe for the internal temperature of pork to be a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, I still prefer my pork’s internal temperature to be closer to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pork Tenderloin Rub – Make a big batch of this rub to make this pork tenderloin recipe any time. Quadruple the rub recipe and store in a labeled mason jar.
- Oven Directions – If you don’t have a grill or maybe it’s too cold to grill. You can bake this pork tenderloin recipe in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow all the steps. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pork Recipes for Dinner
If you are still craving pork, check out these other pork recipes.
If you make this grilled pork tenderloin recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Tongs
- Grill
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1.5 pound pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon grape seed oil
Instructions
- Make the rub by combining the chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
- Rinse and dry off the pork tenderloin, place on a plate. Then pour the grape seed oil on top of the pork tenderloin. Sprinkle half the rub on top, rub seasoning all over the pork tenderloin then flip the pork tenderloin over and use the rest of the rub on the pork.
- Let marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours before grilling.
- Preheat the grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, clean it, and spray non-stick grill spray.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping once at the 10 minute mark. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Temperature of Pork – It is now safe for the internal temperature of pork to be a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, I still prefer my pork’s internal temperature to be closer to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pork Tenderloin Rub – Make a big batch of this rub to make this pork tenderloin recipe any time. Quadruple the rub recipe and store in a labeled mason jar.
- Oven Directions – If you don’t have a grill or maybe it’s too cold to grill. You can bake this pork tenderloin recipe in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow all the steps. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Steve
Has anyone ever used a pellet grill to smoke this
? If so what pellets, temp etc – thanks
Norah
Hi, This recipe looks amazing! Sadly I don’t have a grill. I am wondering how I might be able to do this on the stovetop. I don’t think I’ll have time to use the crockpot and honestly have no idea about the broiler in my oven. Any thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Katie
Hi Norah, this is a delicious rub! You could bake the pork tenderloin to enjoy all the flavors of the rub. I would suggest searing on the stove top first for a few minutes then pop in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until internal temperature is at least 145 degrees. Happy cooking!
Elizabeth
Would you please post the Greek Pork Tenderloin recipe! I am making this one today. Thanks
Katie
Hi Elizabeth, you can find the Greek Pork Tenderloin Recipe here: https://www.katiescucina.com/2013/06/grilled-greek-pork-tenderloin-giveaway/
Cari
Making this tonight, but I’m trying it in the slow cooker because I love how pork turns out in the slow cooker. Smells so good already!!!
Katie
Oh Cari, what a great idea! I think I’m going to need to give this recipe a try in the slow cooker!
Wendy
This was fantastic! Best meal we’ve had in a long time! We agreed we’d make it again but next time maybe add a pinch of cayenne. YUM!
Katie
Wendy–so glad you enjoyed my rub! Grilling pork tenderloin is my favorite!
Tricia A.
I’m going to make this tonight for dinner. What size tenderloin do you use that can be cooked on the grill in 20 minutes?
Katie
Hi Tricia, Just seeing this now. I just used a 1 lb. pork tenderloin. When in doubt use your thermometer and watch the internal temperature. Hope you enjoyed this recipe.
Kevin
Just finished dinner using this recipe. Wow, a fantastic meal! I doubled the rub recipe for my 4-lb loin and I used extra virgin olive oil instead of grapeseed oil. I grilled it to and internal temp of 150 degrees and it was succulent and flavorful. Will definitely make this again!
Katie
Kevin, thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m so glad you loved it! We love grilling our pork tenderloin and I love this rub recipe!!!
Tracy L.
Where do you get smoked paprika? I can’t find it at the grocery store.
Katie
Hi Tracy, My grocery store carries it in the spice aisle. You could also try ordering on Amazon.
JimRhino
I love the simplicity of the recipe for the WoW factor of the flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Only change is to cook the loin to 145*F internal temp and rest for 5 minutes before cutting. Mmm!
Katie
Thanks Jim. I’m old school and still like my pork cooked to 165! 😉 Yes–definitely let grilled meat rest for a few minutes. I need to add that into the recipe.
Dianna
This looks SOOO good. You don’t know how many times I’ve purchased a pork tenderloin and cooked both parts intertwined because I didn’t realize there were 2 to a pack. lol Now I know better. A few weeks ago I made an amazing Maple Syrup glazed version from another blog and it was delightful… however, the following day, my doctor was convinced I had gestational diabetes because I had such high glucose levels in my urine test. LOL As it turns out, I don’t… thank goodness! Will definitely have to give this recipe a try, I’ll just make sure I don’t have a doc visit the next day! 😉
Katie
Lol Dianna that is horrible. That was always my fear when I was pregnant. Give this a try just not before your next appointment! 😉
Suzanne
Yum! That rub looks fantastic.
Katie
It’s so good and easy to make! The photo’s don’t do this recipe justice!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Gorgeous. We love pork tenderloin and this looks fantastic!
Katie
Thanks Anna. It’s not “pretty” looking but it sure does taste good!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
That rub — WOWZA. Crossing my fingers it doesn’t rain this weekend so I can make this!
danielle
Just pinned this one – it looks and sounds great!