Grilled Mediterranean Backstrap Pork with Za'atar and Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork backstrap marinated with za'atar and lemon, then grilled to perfection, delivering vibrant Middle Eastern flavors. This Middle Eastern-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs pork backstrap, olive oil, za'atar seasoning 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp za'atar seasoning, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb pork backstrap in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the meat is nicely charred and juicy.
  4. Step 4: Rest pork for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve with lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mediterranean Backstrap Pork with Za'atar and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Mediterranean Backstrap Pork with Za'atar and Lemon?

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 backstrap from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mediterranean Backstrap Pork with Za'atar and Lemon?

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 Mediterranean Backstrap Pork with Za'atar and Lemon 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 Mediterranean Backstrap Pork with Za'atar and Lemon?

Middle Eastern 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.

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