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 recipe for Cilantro Lime Marinated Pork Tenderloin has a tangy and sweet flavor profile with a zesty kick from the lime and the aromatic flavor of cilantro. The honey and salt give the marinade a nice balance of sweet and savory, while the garlic powder adds a depth of flavor. The pork tenderloin is juicy and tender, with a caramelized crust from the grill. The cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous note that ties everything together. Overall, this dish is a flavorful and 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

  • 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)

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 of the marinade mixture into a 1-gallon sealable plastic bag. Insert the pork tenderloin into the bag. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Ensure the pork is well-coated with the marinade. Place the sealed bag in a container to prevent any leaks and refrigerate for 6-24 hours. For even marinating, flip the bag over halfway through.

Prepare for Grilling: Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Preheat the grill to 400°F and lightly brush the grill grates with oil.

Grilling the Pork: Place the pork on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 2 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 140°F. Once cooked, remove the pork from the grill.

Rest and Serve: Lay a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a flat surface, fold the edges to create a basket shape, and place the grilled pork inside. Pour the reserved marinade over the pork and wrap the foil tightly around it. Let the pork rest inside the foil for 10 minutes. After resting, transfer the pork to a cutting board and slice. Garnish the sliced pork with freshly chopped cilantro and serve.

Tip: For a complete meal, consider pairing the pork with roasted vegetables, cilantro lime rice, or a refreshing salad.