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The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe

The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe - Sweet Mama's Kitchen

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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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:
  • 2½ pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Method
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin. This helps it cook evenly and reduces unwanted grease.
Step 4: Marinate the Pork
  1. 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
  1. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For the oven, set it to 400°F (205°C).
Step 6: Cook the Pork
  1. 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
  1. 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!

Notes

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.