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

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 pork tenderloin

Citrus

  • Zest of 1 lime, finely grated
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice

Sweeteners

  • ¼ cup honey

Seasonings

  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Herbs

  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a lidded jar, combine lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt, and garlic powder. Shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Marinate the Pork

Pour half the marinade into a 1-gallon sealable bag. Add pork tenderloin to the bag, seal tightly, and coat the pork evenly. Refrigerate for 6-24 hours, flipping the bag halfway through for even marination.

Prepare for Grilling

Let the marinated pork sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Preheat grill to 400°F and lightly oil the grates.

Grilling the Pork

Grill pork for 12-15 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140°F. Remove from grill.

Rest and Serve

Place the grilled pork on heavy-duty foil, pour reserved marinade over it, and wrap tightly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tip

Pair with roasted vegetables, cilantro lime rice, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.