Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a tangy citrus glaze, grilled to perfection with a caramelized crust and tender interior. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh orange juice, fresh 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
- 1/2 cup, fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup, fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme until well combined.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, turning occasionally.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade, reserving the marinade.
- Step 4: Grill the pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes, turning every 5 minutes and brushing with reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch thick medallions. Serve with any remaining grilled glaze.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Glazed 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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed 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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed 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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed 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.
What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.