Grilled Citrus-Honey Pork Tenderloin
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a bright citrus and honey glaze, grilled to perfection with a caramelized finish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 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 320 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
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade, shaking off excess, and grill over direct heat for 12-15 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the exterior is caramelized.
- Step 4: Transfer pork to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions to serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Honey Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Honey 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-Honey 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-Honey 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-Honey 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.
