Family-Friendly Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This easy grilled pork tenderloin is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a great way to bring the family together around the table.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 5 min

Cook Time 1 hr

Total Time 1 hr 5 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/6

½ cup light brown sugar ½ tablespoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 pound pork tenderloin, or more to taste ½ cup barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray's®)

Why This Recipe Is So Enjoyable

Perfect for a family meal because it is flavorful, tender, and easy to make. It cooks quickly on the grill, making it great for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Everyone will enjoy the juicy pork and simple seasoning.

Kitchen Tips

- Let the pork rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F for safe and juicy results.
- Avoid flipping the tenderloin too often; turning it once or twice helps develop a nice crust.

Step 1

Whisk together the sugar, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to cover every side. Let it sit out at room temperature for about half an hour to soak up the flavors.

Step 2

Meanwhile, get your grill going on low heat and give the grates a light coating of oil to keep things from sticking. Place the pork on the grill and cook it slowly, turning it every 10 minutes so it cooks evenly on all sides. This should take around 30 minutes.

Step 3

Once the pork is nicely cooked on all sides, start brushing it with barbecue sauce. Keep turning and saucing it every 10 minutes for another half hour or so. You'll know it's done when the center is just a little pink and a meat thermometer reads 145°F.

Step 4

Take the pork off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat nice and tender. Enjoy!

Serving Options

Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or rice also pair well and help soak up any extra juices. A light dipping sauce like a honey mustard or barbecue sauce can add extra flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. You can also slice and freeze the cooked pork for up to 2 months for quick meals later.

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By Sophia Martinez

Kitchen Specialist

Sophia develops recipes that are quick, practical, and perfect for daily meals.