Our simple Pork Loin Marinade is a go-to recipe whether you are grilling, smoking or roasting your pork loin it will be juicy, tender and full of great flavor! Made with real, simple ingredients an easy homemade marinade is always the way to go!
The Best Marinade For Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a lean and delicious main dish option that pairs so well with a good marinade! No matter if you are smoking, grilling or roasting your pork loin in the oven – this pork tenderloin marinade recipe works so well. We love to mix up this homemade pork loin marinade so that our pork loin can marinate overnight for the most tender meat. Perfect for your next backyard cookout, an easy weeknight meal, or family gathering!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy: you probably have all these pantry staples on hand for this quick marinade!
- Flavorful: the garlic, soy sauce and other herbs just come together beautifully.
- Paleo-Friendly: just a few little tweaks make this recipe can be paleo + Whole30!
What You Will Need
- ketchup: use any kind you want, but we love Primal Kitchen ketchup if you are keeping this paleo!
- soy sauce (or coconut aminos): we pretty much love anything with soy sauce in it, but if you are keeping it paleo then opt for some coconut aminos!
- fresh garlic: because pretty much every good recipe has some garlic in it!
- olive oil: gotta have a little olive oil in there to help thin things out.
- lemon zest: a little bit adds some much-needed acidity. Lemon juice or lime juice would work too!
- dried basil leaves, oregano leaves, thyme leaves: we love this combination of dried herbs!
- kosher salt + ground black pepper: because you always have to season things a little bit to bring out the flavor.
How To Make A Pork Loin Marinade
The first steps to making this easy recipe are to gather all of the ingredients.
Place all of the marinade ingredients in a large bowl, shallow baking dish, or ziplock bag and mix the marinade together. Then pour it over the entire pork tenderloin and cover with aluminum foil. Ensure it marinates for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight in the refrigerator.
How Long Should Pork Marinate
Pork tenderloin can marinate for up to 24 hours, but you should really make sure you have a marinating time of at least 30 minutes for it to absorb some of the savory flavors. This process will also ensure that your fully cooked pork loin is perfectly juicy every time!
Once you are ready to cook your pork loin, remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and then discard the extra marinade. Some of the best ways to cook pork tenderloin are on a pellet grill, electric smoker, charcoal grill, roast in an oven-safe skillet, the options are endless! Just make sure you check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s fully cooked.
Recipe FAQ
- Make Ahead: the fact that the pork loin can marinate overnight makes this the perfect main dish to prep ahead of time for a delicious family dinner!
- Bring the heat: simply toss in a little bit of red pepper flakes if you are looking to add some kick.
- Best results: allow the marinated pork tenderloin to come up to room temperature before cooking.
- Other cooking methods: you could also easily make a juicy pork tenderloin in an Instant Pot, sous vide, or slow cooker! There are so many easy pork recipes that can be made using this delicious marinade!
- Can I freeze a marinated pork loin: absolutely! Just mix up the marinade, pour it over the pork loin in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Other Marinade Recipes You Might Like
Best Chicken Marinade
Best Steak Marinade
Easy Shrimp Marinade
4 Pork Chops Marinades
Pork Loin Marinade
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Counter/Refrigerator
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pork Loin Marinade – a go-to recipe for grilled pork loin, smoked pork loin or roasted pork loin! Easy, flavorful and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in small bowl.
- Whisk to combine.
- Place pork loin in a silicone storage bag, plastic bag, or glass container and pour marinade over top.
- Let marinate at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Cook however you want – smoked pork tenderloin or grilled pork tenderloin!
Notes
- Paleo/Whole30 – simply use complaint ketchup (Primal Kitchen is a great option) and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
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