Cilantro Lime Marinated Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin marinated with honey and lime and garnished with fresh cilantro for a tangy and sweet flavor with a zesty kick.

This Cilantro Lime Marinated Pork Tenderloin combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with a zesty kick from lime and aromatic cilantro. Honey and salt balance the marinade, while garlic powder adds depth. Grilled to a juicy, tender finish with a caramelized crust, the pork is complemented by the fresh, herbaceous cilantro, tying all the flavors together. This dish is a delicious way to elevate pork tenderloin and is sure to be a hit at any meal.

Servings

2-4

Prep Time

10 minutes

Refrigerating the pork in marinade: 6-24 hours

Cook Time

Grilling the pork: 12-15 minutes

Resting time: 10 minutes

Total estimated cook time: 22-25 minutes

Total Time

Approximately 6 to 24 hours

1 pork tenderloin
Zest of 1 lime, finely grated
½ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup honey
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Preparation

  • Finely grate the lime zest and squeeze the fresh lime juice.
  • Chop the fresh cilantro and set aside for garnish.
  • In a bowl or jar, whisk together lime zest, lime juice, honey, kosher salt, and garlic powder until fully combined.
  • Pour half of the marinade into a sealable bag and reserve the remaining half separately for later.
  • Add the pork tenderloin to the bag, seal tightly, and turn to coat evenly.
  • Refrigerate and marinate for 6–24 hours, flipping the bag halfway through for even flavor.

Cooking

  • Remove pork from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
  • Preheat grill to 400°F and lightly oil the grates.
  • Place pork on the grill and cook 12–15 minutes total, turning every 2 minutes for even browning.
  • Grill until internal temperature reaches 140–145°F.
  • Transfer pork to a sheet of foil and pour the reserved marinade over the top.
  • Wrap tightly and let rest 10 minutes to finish cooking and retain juices.

Serving

  • Slice thinly against the grain.
  • Spoon any resting juices over the top.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve warm with rice, grilled vegetables, or salad.