Grilled Tex-Mex Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork tenderloin marinated in a zesty cilantro-lime mixture, grilled to perfection with a hint of smoky Tex-Mex flavor. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends pork tenderloin, olive oil, fresh lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch medallions and serve garnished with additional chopped cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tex-Mex Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Tex-Mex Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tex-Mex Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

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 Tex-Mex Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Marinade 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 Tex-Mex Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Marinade?

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.

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