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The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade

Whether you're firing up the grill for a summertime feast or prefer the convenience of the oven or stovetop, this quick and easy recipe for The Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade has got you covered!
5 from 13 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients  

  • 1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, fat trimmed 
  • 1/2 cup orange juice 
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce 
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar 
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking

Instructions 

  • Cut the tenderloin in half width-wise.
  • In a large sealable plastic bag, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, garlic powder and brown sugar.
  • Add the two tenderloin pieces to the bag, squeeze out any air and seal the bag shut. Move the tenderloin pieces around in the bag so that they are well coated in the marinade. Refrigerate the bag for 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
  • When ready to cook, remove the tenderloin pieces from the bag and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Add the vegetable oil to a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add both of the tenderloin pieces to the skillet. Let them cook, undisturbed, until they brown and release naturally from the skillet, about 5 minutes. Flip the tenderloin pieces and continue cooking them on all sides until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  • Remove the tenderloin pieces from the skillet and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes then slice and serve.

Kelly's Notes:

  • Remove any excess fat or silver skin from the pork tenderloin before marinating. This allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
  • Always marinate pork tenderloin in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
  • While marinating adds flavor, over-marinating can lead to a mushy texture due to sitting for too long in acidic liquids. I recommend marinating between 30 to 60 minutes.
  • If you desire a sauce or glaze, I recommend setting aside a portion of the marinade before adding the raw pork and then cooking it separately.
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