With summer in full effect, what better way to enjoy warm evenings than by gathering your loved ones for a mouthwatering family meal? As the sunny season continues, you can’t go wrong with grilled pork tenderloin: It’s the perfect choice to elevate your grill game and leave everyone wanting more.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about preparing your favorite pork tenderloin recipe successfully, and how high-quality pork and the 7-6-5 cooking method can simplify the process and improve your results!
Why choose grilled pork tenderloin as your next family meal?
Why grilled pork tenderloin? The better question is why not! The versatility of pork is unmatched, giving you the perfect opportunity to prepare this main dish to you and your family’s preferences and serve it with your favorite sides. With a burst of flavor in every juicy bite, you can rest assured this meal will please everyone at the table. Even the pickiest eaters can find something to love about tenderloin’s delicate texture and sweet taste.
Introducing the 7-6-5 rule for grilling pork to perfection
If you’re new to the grill, the cooking process can be daunting. Fortunately, with the 7-6-5 tenderloin grilling method and best practices to keep in mind along the way, you can become the family grill master in no time. Follow these step-by-step instructions to use this grilling technique successfully:
- First, preheat your gas grill to high heat or around 450.
- Next, place your pre-seasoned pork, like Hatfield® Tuscan Herb Pork Tenderloin, on the grill grate.
- Close the lid and let cook for seven minutes.
- After this, flip the pork and close the lid. Let this sizzle for six more minutes.
- Turn off the heat and leave the lid closed for five minutes.
- Finally, remove your tenderloin from the heat and let rest for five to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How can you be sure your pork is safe to eat?
While this timing is likely to do the trick, the tenderloin meat you use can vary — meaning your cook time can deviate as well. Luckily, a meat thermometer is all you need to ensure your pork is ready and safe to consume. According to the USDA, pork tenderloin needs to reach an internal temperature of 145 (before removing from the heat source) to be safe to eat. You can check by inserting your thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin. For safety and quality, it’s best to allow your pork to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.
Grilling tips to keep in mind
Whether you feel like a seasoned expert or a novice to the grill, you can always brush up on your skills to make sure every meal is a resounding success. With the following essential tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to elevate your outdoor cooking game and impress your guests and loved ones:
- Invest in a quality meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Ensure you have the propane or charcoal for your grill before getting started.
- If you plan to add a sauce (e.g., barbecue sauce or a brown sugar glaze), do so at the end of the grilling process.
- When cooking vegetables or fish to pair with your tenderloin, make sure to use separate utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
There’s more where that came from! Read the rest of Chef Jen’s tips for mastering the grill and create an unforgettable mealtime experience for your friends and family all summer long.
Ready to get started? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® products for a simply delicious result.
Introducing the 7-6-5 rule for grilling pork to perfectionWhat to serve with grilled pork tenderloin
As you grill pork tenderloin, you might be wondering how you can serve a well-rounded and delicious family dinner — and luckily, the options are abundant and enticing. You can complement the mouthwatering flavors of pork with a variety of delectable side dishes that will leave your loved ones satisfied. Here are some of our favorites to get you started:
- A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and your preferred dressing.
- Roasted garlic-parmesan fingerling potatoes.
- Chopped Brussels sprouts salad.
- An assortment of grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini and bell peppers.
- A medley of seasonal grilled fruits like peaches or pineapple.
Whether you and your loved ones prefer a light and refreshing option or a hearty accompaniment to your grilled tenderloin, the right sides can take an already amazing dish to the next level.
Answering a few FAQs for the best results
Can you use the 7-6-5 technique on a charcoal grill?
Absolutely! While our instructions are for a gas grill, the 7-6-5 method is not limited to a specific type of grill. Many grilling enthusiasts even enjoy the unique flavor and smokiness that a charcoal grill can bring to their dishes. Consider the following steps to apply this cooking technique on your charcoal grill:
- Light your charcoal and let it burn until it reaches medium-high heat.
- Arrange your coals to create direct and indirect heat zones.
- Sear the tenderloin over the coals (i.e., direct heat) for seven minutes with the lid closed.
- Then, flip and cook for six minutes.
- Lastly, move your meat to the cooler side of the grill grate and leave the lid closed for five minutes.
- Now, you can remove your pork from the heat, let rest and serve.
How do you store pork tenderloin correctly?
If you want this dish to last, it’s important to store it properly. After grilling, allow the meat to cool to room temperature. Then, wrap your tenderloin tightly in aluminum foil or move it to an airtight container. The pork will stay fresh for three to four days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, follow our guide below for freezing pork.
Can you freeze pork tenderloin?
Yes, you can easily freeze any leftovers or double the recipe and save one for later. Here’s everything you need to know to maximize the shelf-life and flavor of your grilled meat:
- Freeze for later: After grilling pork tenderloin, move the meat to a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out any air and seal tightly. This will last for up to three months.
- Prepare from frozen: Once you’re ready to serve this frozen meal, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then use the oven or grill to reheat. Remember, it’s essential to cook until the internal temp reaches the USDA’s recommendation of 145
What’s the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?
Before you start grilling, make sure you know the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin, as they’re distinct cuts of meat. A pork loin is typically a larger and wider cut, while tenderloin, on the other hand, is a smaller, more slender cut with a milder flavor. So, with this in mind, is the 7-6-5 method applicable to both types of pork? The short answer is, kind of.
Essentially, the 7-6-5 grilling technique is specifically designed for pork tenderloin — but, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when preparing a roast. You can adapt this system for pork loin with a few modifications. Due to the larger size and thickness of a loin, it will likely require longer cooking times to yield the same juicy and delicious results.
Regardless of the pork you choose to grill, one thing remains constant: The internal temperature must reach 145 for it to be completely cooked.
How do you make a dry rub at home?
While we recommend a perfectly pre-seasoned tenderloin from Hatfield®, like this Honey Garlic Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin, you can always make a dry rub to flavor your pork at home — using simple ingredients you likely already have laying around your kitchen. Here are the ingredients for a dry rub to get you started:
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar.
- 1 Tbsp. paprika.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder.
- 1 tsp. onion powder.
- 1 tsp. chili powder.
- 1 tsp. salt.
- ½ tsp. black pepper.
- ½ tsp. dried oregano.
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional for added heat).
Keep in mind, you can always adjust the spice levels and seasonings according to you and your loved one’s preferences. You might even experiment with additional herbs or spices that are staples in your home to ensure you have a tenderloin coating that’s just right.
How Hatfield® can help
Pork tenderloin has a unique and delicious taste that everyone can enjoy, making it the perfect centerpiece for your next family meal. By embracing its versatility, you can elevate dinner and savor an effortless process with outstanding results.
Indulge in the succulent offerings of our juicy Hatfield® pork tenderloin options which are expertly dry-rubbed and pre-seasoned to deliver a tantalizing burst of flavor to your dining experience. With our premium pork products, meals with loved ones become more than just laboring over the grill, they’re an opportunity to cherish family moments.
Hatfield® is dedicated to providing quality pork products while staying committed to our passion for animal care and treating our farmers, the environment and our animals with respect. We believe mealtimes should be spent not only enjoying delicious food, but also spending quality time with the whole family. That’s why our branded flavorful bacon, hams and ham steaks, boldly seasoned marinated pork and variety of sausages and hot dogs help minimize your time in the kitchen so you can spend time with the people who matter most.
Ready to try out the 7-6-5 technique for grilling pork successfully and make mealtime a breeze with high-quality pork? Use our store locator to find your favorite Hatfield® products in a supermarket or grocery store near you.
