Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in bright citrus juice with garlic and thyme, grilled to perfection with a lightly charred crust and tender interior. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs trimmed 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 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, trimmed pork tenderloin
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs trimmed pork tenderloin in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 4: Grill pork tenderloin for about 15-18 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes, until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached and the exterior is nicely charred.
- Step 5: Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch thick medallions. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme 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-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme?
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 trimmed pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme?
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-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme 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-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme?
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.
