This Pork Tenderloin Marinade is quick and easy to make, and it adds so much delicious flavor. This is a great recipe to use for summer grilling, but it works just as well in the oven or on the stove!
I love marinades – they are such an easy way to add flavor to otherwise plain meat. It’s pretty amazing how just a few ordinary ingredients can completely transform your meal.
As much as I like a Ranch Baked Pork Tenderloin – when we grill out in the backyard during the summer, nothing beats having pork tenderloin waiting in the fridge in this yummy marinade!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Herbs: I highly recommend using the fresh herbs (they just taste so good here!), but the marinade is still very good using dried herbs instead. Use ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes and ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary in place of the fresh.
- Mustard: I like to use both whole grain and smooth Dijon mustard here, but you can just use one kind if you prefer.
- Honey: I highly recommend using a clear, mild, runny honey here for best results.
- Lemon juice: Either fresh or bottled lemon juice are fine in this recipe.
How to make the best Pork Tenderloin Marinade
1. Start by placing all of the marinade ingredients in a large measuring jug. Whisk well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Trim any visible fat off your tenderloin, then place it in a large zip-top bag together with the rosemary sprig. Pour the marinade on top.
3. Remove any excess air from the bag, then zip it close. Spend a minute carefully massaging the marinade into the meat, then place it in the fridge for at least one hour, and up to 3 days.
4. Once ready to cook, remove the tenderloin from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard the bag and remaining marinade and prepare the tenderloin to your preference!
Recipe tips
I prefer to marinate pork for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. According to the USDA, it’s fine to let pork marinate for 3-5 days in the fridge. The meat will not break down or get brittle, as it is firm enough to endure a few days in the acidic marinade.
The minimum safe internal temperature for pork, according to government guidelines, is 145°F followed by a 3 minute rest. The national pork board has a great overview of different levels of doneness at different temperatures, you can find it here.
My favorite ways to cook pork tenderloin are either the grill or the oven.
When making it in the oven, sear it first on the stove in an oven-safe skillet over high heat for about 1-2 minutes per side. Then, transfer it to a 400°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred internal temperature.
Alternatively, you can use a Dutch oven with a lid, or wrap the pork tenderloin in foil. Bake it at 350°F for around 40-45 minutes, or until done to your liking.
On the grill, cook it over high direct heat, covered, for 5-7 minutes per side. Then, move it to indirect heat and finish grilling until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
Always allow your pork to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing it to serve. This helps to keep the meat as juicy as possible.
Yes, you can easily prepare this ahead and store it in the freezer.
Make sure you use a freezer-friendly bag. Squeeze out any excess air before zipping the bag close to help avoid freeze burn. Label it with name and use-by date, then freeze for up to 5 months.
Defrost in the fridge overnight, then cook according to the recipe instructions.
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Pork Tenderloin Marinade
Recipe details
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey mild and runny preferred
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard either smooth or whole-grain, or a mix of both
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh or bottled are both fine
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ground black pepper to taste
Pork
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 2 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
Instructions
- Make marinade: Combine ingredients for marinade in a measuring jug. Whisk well.
- Add pork: Place pork tenderloin in freezer bag and pour marinade on top. Close bag well, then lightly massage marinade into pork.
- Marinate: Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, and up to 3 days.°F.
- Cook: Remove pork tenderloin from bag, discarding marinade, rosemary and bag. Cook tenderloin on the grill or in oven until cooked to a minimum temperature of 145°F, followed by a 3 minute rest (see cooking instructions in notes below). Slice to serve.
Notes
- If using dried herbs, use ½ teaspoon dried parsley and ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary in place of the fresh.
- Pork tenderloin can be frozen in marinade for up to 5 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then prepare as directed in the recipe.
Candice says
Great recipe. Grilled on charcoal and it was so flavorful. I marinated in refrigerator approx 4 hrs.
Lisa says
Best pork tenderloin marinade I’ve tried! We loved the flavors. It made excellent sandwiches with a big slice of tomato! Delicious
Mia says
I used this marinade on boneless pork chops and grilled on the Blackstone. It was so flavorful! Tender chops and great taste. Highly recommend.
Pauline B says
I eliminated the salt and brown sugar, used low sodium soya sauce since hubby is on renal diet and diabetic.
The pork tenderloin was tender and flavourful.
Vicki says
I made this tonight and it tasted like it was cooked at a steakhouse.
Barb Lowe says
This makes a very yummy grilled pork tenderloin. I will definitely use it again.
Sandra D says
Every one loved loved the flavors! The char on the outside added visual perfection!
I subbed in stone ground mustard, not a problem.
Let marinate about 5 hours, plenty!
Debbie says
Just made this for dinner tonight
Everyone loved it
Thanks
Jean L. says
I’m more of a baker than a cook, but my 1st attempt at this recipe was both easy & delicious…thank you!
Shirley says
It was absolutely delicious. I will definitely add this to my recipe box!
Janet Emmerson says
This is the best marinade ever! I added a small tsp of Calabrian hot pepper seed for a touch of sweet heat. Grilled a pork tenderloin. It was so good! I want to try it on chicken…
Karen Flewelling says
Absolutely delicious. Great on charcoal for grilling. So flavourful
John says
Great flavor!!
Joni Shepard says
This marinade is so tasty!! It adds wonderful flavor and makes the pork so tender and juicy!!
Emma Donaldson! says
My favorite Pork loin recipe! I’ve made it several times and it’s the talk at the dinner table!
Jacquie says
Delicious! My recommendation is not to marinade and cook same-day. This recipe tastes INCREDIBLE after the pork chops have been marinating 24+ hrs
Cathy Carlson says
I have not made this yet but I know it will be great! because I have used a similar recipe which I have misplaced. I alson appreciate that there are several options for cooking as I can marinate the same way and then use either cooking method depending on the weather. Thank you for Sharing!!
Maggie S. says
Absolutely Incredible. I never leave reviews but this was so good I just had to.
Paul says
I make this marinade EVERY single time I make pork loin for the family. It’s always a hit! The last time I made it I took out the Dijon and added orange peel and fresh orange juice. Very good!
Kristina says
So delicious and easy. We’re soy and gluten free so I used coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce and omitted the brown sugar. Marinated for 2 hours and then grilled. Best pork tenderloin!
Beth says
Excellent marinade! I love mustard, but this was a welcome change. My kids devoured it! I use my le crueset dutch oven, and it is so incredibly easy to cook this lovely tenderloin. And, I did the freezer method with a 2nd tenderloin and it came out just as well as the first.
kay says
The recipe worked great. I used more fresh chopped parsley to soak up and carry the flavors. Also, searing the tenderloin in the cast iron pan and then using that same pan to roast it in the oven were grand ideas. The tenderloin looked so delicious, and it was.
Rita Graham says
made this tonight and only had time to marinade for maybe 20-30 minutes, so I poked holes in it with a fork. seared then baked at 400 degrees till internal temp 140 degrees, let it rest and it was PERFECT.
Mieczysław says
Loved it!! The pork ended up absolutely delicious! I added a few sprigs of thyme and two sprigs of rosemary instead of one and cooked it with the sauce and herbs instead (removed herbs halfway). It was juicy and very flavourful! Will definetly make again in the future 😀
Jessica P says
quick, easy, flavorful!