Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Chimichurri
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a bright citrus blend, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant garlic and herb chimichurri sauce. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, orange juice, lime 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 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade, pat dry with paper towels, and season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Grill pork for 15-18 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri by combining 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir well.
- Step 4: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch medallions and drizzle generously with garlic herb chimichurri before serving.
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 Herb Chimichurri 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 Herb Chimichurri?
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 pounds pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Chimichurri?
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 Herb Chimichurri 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 Herb Chimichurri?
Latin American grilling 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.