This pork tenderloin marinade is a sweet and savory blend of olive oil, garlic, mustard, brown sugar and herbs. Marinated pork tenderloin can be grilled, broiled or sauteed for an easy dinner that the whole family will love!
Pork tenderloin is one of the most versatile cuts of meat, it’s great in the slow cooker, stuffed with savory fillings, or simply cooked in a flavorful marinade. This marinade is also great on chicken and pork chops.
I am all about using marinades to infuse flavor into my meats, and this pork tenderloin marinade is one of my all time favorites. It produces tender and juicy results every time, and can easily be doubled or tripled if you’re cooking a lot of meat for a crowd.
How do you make pork tenderloin marinade?
This recipe is a blend of olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, herbs and Dijon mustard. The marinade is whisked together, then poured over the pork loin. You can marinate your meat in a large bowl, or in a resealable gallon sized bag.
HOW LONG DO YOU MARINATE PORK TENDERLOIN?
Pork loin should be marinated for at least one hour. I recommend marinating your meat for a longer period of time for the best flavor, I try to let my pork marinate for at least 6-8 hours.
TIPS FOR PORK TENDERLOIN MARINADE
- This marinade can be made up to 3 days before you plan to use it. Simply store the marinade in the fridge until you’re ready to add your pork.
- You can really use any cut of pork for this marinade such as bone in pork chops, boneless pork chops or a pork loin roast.
- This marinade contains a little bit of brown sugar which adds great flavor, but can easily burn. Make sure your grill or pan is not overly hot before you add your meat!
PORK TENDERLOIN MARINADE VARIATIONS
While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can add other ingredients to customize it to your tastes.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade to taste.
- Asian: Use a blend of olive oil, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic. Omit the parsley, thyme, lemon zest and Dijon mustard.
- Mexican: Use a blend of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder and onion powder. Omit the thyme, lemon zest and Dijon mustard.
How do you cook marinated pork tenderloin?
You can pan sear, grill, broil or bake your marinated pork. I typically sear my pork in a pan on the stove and then finish it in the oven, or I grill it. If the weather is nice, I grill outdoors. If it’s cold outside, I use my indoor grill pan on the stove top.
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD PORK BE COOKED TO?
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The easiest way to gauge if your pork is done is to insert a thermometer into the thickest part of your meat. Once you’ve reached the correct temperature, remove the pork from the heat and let it rest for 3 minutes before you slice it.
This is some of the best pork I’ve ever had – it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors and the meat pairs well with almost any side dish.
More fabulous pork recipes
Pork Tenderloin Marinade
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon parsley leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Place the pork tenderloin in a bowl or resealable gallon sized bag.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper and garlic.
- Pour the marinade over the meat. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.
- Grill, broil or saute the pork over medium high heat until a thermometer inserted into the center of the meat registers 145 degrees F. This typically takes about 15 minutes depending on the size of your tenderloins.
- Let the meat rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
jack says
I’m smoking the tenderloin to 145 then let rest for three min before slicing. using the marinate this should be great
Luci says
Smells wonderful. I didn’t have brown sugar so I used molasses and agave syrup. I baked the tenderloin. So tasty!
Jacqlyn Birbas says
What temp do you bake at and for how long after pan searing?
Sara says
Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until desired level of doneness, I cook to 140 degrees internal temperature.
Lorna says
What is the recipe for the rice shown with the pork and broccoli? Thank you
Sara says
It’s just a boxed wild rice pilaf with parsley mixed in!
Chris says
I made this and the marinade was delicious. For leftovers, I made another batch of marinade, heated it and then poured it over the slices. Delicious.
Michele says
The marinade made the pork very tender. Grilling the pork was the way to go. I am very picky about recipes and this was very good. Was a big hit with the family! Adding it to my core meals!
Linda says
Great marinade my fiancé absolutely loved it. Will definitely make again
Jen Reilly says
The lemon and the Dijon mustard added such an awesome flavor to the meat; love this pork marinade over anything I’ve had in the store! It’s delicious!
Caroline says
That pork looks mouthwateringly good, and the flavors sound tasty too.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I have a pork tenderloin in the freezer right now, so I am definitely putting this recipe into dinner rotation this week. The marinade sounds so flavorful, I know this one will be a big hit! Thanks for sharing.
Demeter says
This sounds perfectly flavorful! Such a great way to boost flavor and change up dinner.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
I know for sure this would be a huge hit in my house!
Beth Pierce says
Another marinade that hits it out of the park!!!! So tasty; my whole family loved it!
Krista says
This marinade is the perfect blend of flavors! So good!
Jade Manning says
Pork Tenderloin, one of my favorite Sunday Roast treats, I’ve never thought of marinading it before, will definitely be trying this!
Catalina says
This marinade look soo good! I am sure I will love it!
Chrissie Baker says
Just grilled mine…. yummy!!! Will definitely use this marinade again and again and again !!!
Elizabeth Selsky says
Can I marinate my meat for a couple of days before I cook it or is that too long.
Sara says
I wouldn’t go past 2 days!
Jacque Hooper says
What a tasty blend of flavors! This was one of the best marinades I’ve ever had! WAY better than anything I’ve had in the store!