Pellet Grill Pork Tenderloin (Traeger Grilled)

When it comes to grilling meats, pork tenderloin is a popular choice. This lean cut of meat is versatile and can be cooked using different methods such as grilling, smoking, or roasting.

However, if you want to elevate the flavor of your pork tenderloin and achieve perfect results every time, then pellet grilling is the way to go. The best cooking method for pork tenderloin is cooking it on a pellet grill like Traeger!

Pellet grills like Traeger are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and ability to infuse smoky flavors into the meat, even when opting to grill pork tenderloin rather than smoke it.

If you like this pellet grill pork tenderloin, try our other healthy pork recipes like our Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin or Hawaiian Pulled Pork a try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfect dinner for summer BBQs, picnics, and parties.
• Best easy cooking method to get juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin with a smoky flavor.
• Takes less time than smoking! Only 20 minutes.
• Great to make ahead and freeze for busy weeknight dinners.
• Pellet grill pork tenderloin has a quick prep time!
• Healthy dinner that is low fat, low carb, and gluten-free.

Why Pork Tenderloin is a Great Choice for Grilling

Grilling pork tenderloin on a pellet grill like Traeger helps to cook the meat to juicy perfection, thanks to indirect cooking.

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. The Traeger grill maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

Choosing the right cut of pork, in this case, pork tenderloin, is also very important. For a recipe serving four, look for a 1.3 or 1.5-pound pork tenderloin.

Note that many grocery stores sell pork tenderloin in packs of two. This pellet grill pork tenderloin recipe has enough marinade for doubling the recipe.

You may grill two pork tenderloins or freeze one for later use.

Pork Tenderloin Flavor, Rub, and Marinade Combinations

For this recipe, we opted for minced garlic, olive oil, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Depending on your preference, you may select another type of dry rub or pork rub seasoning. A few ideas for rub or marinade combinations could be sweet and spicy, Asian ginger, dijon, soy sauce and brown sugar, Greek, teriyaki, BBQ, or balsamic.

To make it easy, select a pre-marinated pork tenderloin 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. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

Step 1

Prepare the pork tenderloin by removing the silver skin and excess fat. Then season the pork with a rub or marinade - we started with olive oil before seasoning.

Step 2

Season pork with salt and pepper.

Step 3

For this Traeger grilled pork tenderloin, we created our own garlic rosemary pork marinade.

Place minced garlic and chopped rosemary over the pork loin and rub the marinade into the meat.

Step 4

Place pork in the refrigerator to marinate for 4 hours of up to 1 day.

Step 5

Once you are ready to grill, begin by setting up and plugging 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 (450F on most models, up to 500F 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 400F for your grill.)

Step 6

Once the pork tenderloin has marinated for at least 4 hours, turn the heat down to 400. Place the meat on the grates and close the top.

Cook the meat with the top closed for 6-8 minutes, depending on if you are using a 1-pound, 1.3-pound, or 1.5-pound pork tenderloin.

Flip the meat and allow it to cook for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145F.

Step 7

Allow meat to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.

Temperature and Timing Recommendations

How long to grill a pork tenderloin on a pellet grill will depend on the size of the meat.

A 1-pound pork tenderloin will take about 6 minutes per side, while a 1.3-pound one will take about 7 minutes per side, and a 1.5-pound piece will take about 8 minutes per side.

The cooking temp for this pellet grill pork tenderloin is 400F. If cooking at 350F or 450F, adjust the grill time accordingly.

The safe internal cook temp of pork is 145F, according to the National Pork Board. For medium-rare pork, cook to 145F-150F. Medium pork should be cooked to 150F - 155F.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating

Serving: Pellet grill pork tenderloin pairs well with sides such as veggie pasta salad, jiffy corn casserole, or steamed seasoned broccoli.

For added flavor, you can also drizzle some dipping sauce like honey mustard over your medallions.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

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

Add more wood pellets before turning your Traeger grill on.

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it into medallions for serving.