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.