How to Cook Pork Tenderloin With Indirect Heat

By: Caryn Anderson

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There are two ways to cook pork tenderloins on a grill: over direct heat, similar to how you would grill a steak, or over indirect heat, which places the tenderloin away from the heat source. Grilling over indirect heat is a low and slow method that's more like oven roasting. As an added benefit, your meat is less likely to become overcooked and dry. The end result is a tender, juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin that's easy enough to make any day, but delicious enough to serve on special occasions.

Step 1

Clean your grill’s grates and turn the grill on to preheat it. If you're using a gas grill, set the heating elements to medium or medium-high.

Step 2

Remove the silverskin from the pork tenderloin, if necessary, by cutting if off with a boning knife. Rub the pork tenderloin with your herbs or seasonings, if you are using them, or simply season the meat with black pepper and salt. You could also marinate the pork for 15 minutes at room temperature before cooking or, for maximum flavor, overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3

Prepare the grill for cooking over indirect heat by turning off one or more of your heating elements, if you’re using a gas grill, or by moving your hot coals to one side. Carefully remove the grill’s grates with tongs and place a drip pan under the grates where the pork tenderloin will cook. The drip pan will catch the pork’s juices while it cooks, preventing the juices from causing a flare up.

Step 4

Place the pork tenderloin on the grates that aren't directly over the heating element or hot coals.

Step 5

Grill the tenderloin for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, turning it once midway through. You'll know that the meat is fully cooked when a meat thermometer reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit.