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The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Name: The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons honey; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; Ground black pepper to taste; 2 cloves garlic; 2½ pounds pork tenderloin; 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Susan Roberts August 12, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Let’s get started with a lineup of remarkable side dishes that will perfectly complement your pork tenderloin.

Lively roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad can elevate your meal. For those who prefer something light, pastas tossed with garlic and olive oil add a delectable touch.

The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe

There’s something magical about a well-marinated pork tenderloin. My journey with pork tenderloin marination began not in the heart of Italy, but in my own kitchen, where I found that the right marinade transforms an ordinary dish into something that gets raved about.

After countless trial and error sessions, I landed on a marinade recipe that perfectly balances sweetness and savory notes. Trust me; you’ll want to get your hands on this one.

What is the Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe?

This recipe packs flavor into the tender, juicy pork tenderloin. It combines honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to create a delightful fusion that your taste buds will applaud.

Why This Recipe Works?

Here are four reasons you’ll love this marinade:

Balanced Flavors: The honey and brown sugar bring a natural sweetness, while the garlic and Dijon mustard add depth. Together, they create a flavor profile that’s downright irresistible.

Simple Ingredients: There’s no need to hunt down exotic spices. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry. This accessibility makes it quick to whip up.

Versatile Use: This marinade isn’t just for pork. You can use it on chicken, tofu, or veggies, making it a one-size-fits-all recipe.

Tenderizing Magic: The olive oil keeps the meat juicy. Plus, the acid from the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce works wonders in breaking down tough fibers in the pork, ensuring a tender bite in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe

For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons honey (mild and runny preferred)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (either smooth or whole-grain, or a mix of both)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled are both fine)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Pork:
- 2 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary

How To Make This Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by gathering everything you need. Measure out all the marinade ingredients to ensure you have the proper proportions. This makes the process a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the honey, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Whisk until the mixture is well-blended and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Prepare the Pork

Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin. This helps it cook evenly and reduces unwanted grease.

Step 4: Marinate the Pork

Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s fully coated. Try massaging the marinade into the meat for maximum flavor penetration. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time.

Step 5: Preheat Your Grill or Oven

If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For the oven, set it to 400°F (205°C).

Step 6: Cook the Pork

Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the tenderloin for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning it halfway through. If you’re using the oven, place it in a baking dish and roast for about 30-35 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices. Serve sliced with your favorite sides and watch as everyone marvels at your cooking prowess!

How to make The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and herbs. They elevate the dish in flavor and brightness.
Don’t Skimp on Marination Time: Letting the pork marinate overnight produces the best results. Plan ahead for a flavor-packed dish.
Temp Check: Trust your meat thermometer. This instrument takes the guesswork out of cooking meat perfectly.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano for added depth.
Double the Marinade: If you love the flavor, make extra marinade. It works great as a dressing for salad or vegetables.

Nutrition Information

Calories: Approximately 320 per serving (based on 6 servings)
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 5g

How to Store The Leftovers?

Allow the leftover pork tenderloin to cool completely. Wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Recommended Side Dishes for Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes pair splendidly with pork. Toss them in olive oil and herbs, then roast until crispy.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Who doesn’t love creamy mashed potatoes? Make them extra special by adding cream cheese or butter. Their rich texture complements the tender pork beautifully.

3. Fresh Green Salad

A crisp green salad provides a refreshing balance. Load it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for that added zing.

4. Garlic Bread

Add some garlic bread to the meal for a bit of crunch. Its buttery, garlicky goodness acts as the perfect palate cleanser amid the robust flavors of the pork.

Substitute Options for Ingredients

Honey: If honey isn’t on hand, maple syrup makes a great alternative, providing similar sweetness.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari. It has a similar flavor profile and works excellently in marinades.
Dijon Mustard: If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard can be used in a pinch. It won’t have the same sophistication, but it will do the trick.
Olive Oil: Canola or avocado oil serves as a suitable alternative if you’re looking for a neutral oil.

Conclusion

Now that you have this delicious marinade in your arsenal, you’re ready to take dinner to new heights. Cooking can feel daunting, but this recipe proves it doesn’t have to be. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dish that leaves a lasting impression.

Paired with your favorite sides, this pork tenderloin will become the centerpiece of your meal. So, roll up your sleeves, grab that pork tenderloin, and create something marvelous today! Happy cooking!

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The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Author: Susan Roberts Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 320

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

After countless trial and error sessions, I landed on a marinade recipe that perfectly balances sweetness and savory notes. Trust me; you’ll want to get your hands on this one.