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)

Preparing the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the zest of 1 lime (finely grated), ½ cup fresh lime juice, ¼ cup honey, 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro until well combined.

Marinating the Pork
Place 1 pound pork tenderloin in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or up to overnight for deeper flavor), turning occasionally so the pork absorbs the marinade evenly.

Cooking the Pork
Preheat your oven to 400°F or heat a grill to medium-high. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Roast in the oven for about 20–25 minutes, or grill for about 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Resting the Pork
Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving
Slice the pork and serve warm, garnished with additional fresh chopped cilantro and an optional drizzle of any reserved (boiled) marinade or fresh lime juice for extra brightness.