Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin marinated in fresh cilantro, lime juice, and garlic, then grilled to juicy perfection with a bright finish. This caribbean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh cilantro, chopped, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill the pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes, until an internal thermometer reads 145°F and the outside has nice grill marks.
- Step 5: Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions. Serve with extra cilantro leaves if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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