Citrus-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Carrots
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a zesty citrus and spice blend, roasted alongside sweet carrots for a colorful, Whole30-friendly dinner. This whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 70 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a citrus-spice marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss 4 medium peeled and cut carrot sticks with 3 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, then spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Step 4: Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the baking sheet alongside the carrots. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Step 5: Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced pork with the roasted carrots.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 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 Citrus-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Carrots?
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 Citrus-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Carrots?
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 Citrus-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Carrots 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 Citrus-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Carrots whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.