Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe (2 Easy Marinades for Oven or Grill)

Pork tenderloin is one of those dinners that feels a little nicer than chicken but takes almost no effort. It cooks fast, stays juicy when you don’t overcook it, and soaks up a good marinade beautifully.

These are the two marinades for pork tenderloin I make most often. One is bright and citrusy with lime and honey. The other leans savory with Dijon, maple, herbs, and garlic. Both work whether you grill the pork or roast it in the oven.

In the videos below I grilled the citrus version and baked the maple Dijon one, but either pork tenderloin marinade works with either cooking method depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and spoon the juices over the top. It’s simple, flavorful, and the leftovers make great sandwiches, salads, or grain bowls the next day.

Why You’ll Love These Pork Tenderloin Marinades

• Two marinades with completely different flavor profiles
• Bright and citrusy or savory and herby
• Minimal prep with maximum flavor
• Works for both oven or grill
• Juicy, tender pork every single time

Ingredients for Pork Tenderloin Marinade

• Pork tenderloin: Look for two small tenderloins (about 1 pound each). They cook quickly and stay tender!
• Citrusy garlic seasoning (Trader Joe’s): Adds instant flavor to the citrus marinade, but you can sub with a mix of garlic powder, oregano, and citrus zest if needed.
• Fresh citrus (lime + lemon): Brightens both marinades and helps tenderize the meat. Just don’t over-marinate the citrus version!
• Maple syrup or honey: Balances acidity and helps create a slight caramelization when cooking.
• Dijon mustard & Worcestershire sauce: This is key for the savory marinade. It adds depth and that classic “roasty” flavor.
• Fresh herbs (thyme & rosemary): Bring a fresh, earthy finish to the garlic herb marinade.
• Avocado oil: A neutral oil that works well for both grilling and roasting.

How to Marinate Pork Tenderloin

Start by whisking together your marinade until fully combined. Coat the pork tenderloins well and let them sit — this is where all the flavor happens.

The citrus version works quickly, while the garlic herb marinade benefits from a longer rest. Once marinated, cook in the oven or on the grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then let it rest before slicing to keep everything juicy.

How Long to Marinate Pork Tenderloin

This really depends on the marinade you’re using.

For the citrus garlic marinade, keep it on the shorter side — about 30 minutes up to 4 hours. Since it has lime juice, letting it sit too long can start to change the texture of the pork.

For the garlic herb marinade, you have more flexibility. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight if you want deeper flavor.

If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will still make a difference — just make sure the pork is well coated.

Just don’t skip the resting time after cooking — that’s what keeps it juicy.

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin (Oven or Grill)

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

This marinated pork tenderloin cooks quickly in the oven and stays incredibly juicy with a simple high-heat roast.

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Place the marinated pork tenderloin in a baking dish or on a sheet pan and roast for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
3. Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Watch how I cook this below:

How to Grill Pork Tenderloin

Grilling pork tenderloin gives it a little char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the pork tenderloins for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
3. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Watch how I cook this below:

Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipes:

Recipe:

Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade (Citrus Garlic + Garlic Herb)

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Citrus Garlic Pork Tenderloin Marinade

This marinade started with a shortcut I grab at Trader Joe’s — their Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend. It’s bright, garlicky, and citrusy, which works really well with pork. I add lime zest, honey, and a few extra spices to round it out.

Bright, slightly sweet from the honey — this is my go-to pork tenderloin marinade for grilling.

Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin Marinade

This marinade leans a little more savory and herb-forward. Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, garlic, and paprika give the pork deeper flavor, while the maple syrup adds a little sweetness to balance everything out.

Especially good as an oven pork tenderloin marinade, but just as great on the grill.

• Author: Anca Toderic
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes (oven) / 12–15 minutes (grill)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pork

2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)

Citrus Garlic Marinade

1 1/2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic Seasoning Blend

zest of 1 lime

juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

3 tablespoons avocado oil

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Herb Marinade

1/4 cup avocado oil

juice of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons paprika

salt and black pepper to taste

fresh thyme leaves

fresh rosemary leaves

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Instructions

1. Choose one of the marinade options above.
2. In a bowl whisk together the marinade ingredients until well combined.

3. Place the pork tenderloins in a dish or large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the meat, turning to coat evenly.

4. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator. For the citrus marinade, marinate 30 minutes to 4 hours. For the garlic herb marinade, marinate at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

5. Cook using either the grill or oven method below.

How to Cook Marinated Pork Tenderloin

Oven Method

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Place the marinated pork tenderloin in a baking dish or on a sheet pan and roast for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

3. Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Grill Method

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the pork tenderloins for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
3. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Because the citrus marinade contains lime juice, it’s best not to marinate overnight. The garlic herb marinade can marinate overnight for deeper flavor.

Both marinades also work great with pork chops or pork loin — just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Serving Ideas

One of my favorite ways to use leftovers is for pork tenderloin sandwiches. I pile the slices onto toasted bread and slather them with my Calabrian chili mayo.

Slice the pork thin and spoon the juices over the top. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, or a simple salad. Leftovers are great for sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls the next day.

If you love these pork tenderloin marinade recipes, you might also love my broiled chicken thighs, crispy chicken schnitzel, or creamy bolognese sauce! They all make wonderful dinners!

Pork Tenderloin Marinade FAQs

Tips From My Kitchen

• Don’t over marinate citrus-based pork! The lime juice can start to break down the meat too much if left too long. Stick to 30 minutes to 4 hours for the best texture.
• Use a meat thermometer. Pork tenderloin cooks quickly, and going past 145°F can dry it out. A thermometer takes the guesswork out completely.
• Let it rest before slicing. Give the pork at least 5 minutes to rest so the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat!

What to Serve With It

• Spinach Arugula Salad
• Burrata with Marinated Tomatoes
• Sweet Potato Wedges
• Roasted Carrots & Asparagus with Pesto