Pork Tenderloin Marinade is a flavorful, easy marinade option for however you want to cook your pork tenderloin! This one is the best!
Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade
After testing and testing we finally perfected our easy pork tenderloin marinade!
What You Will Need
- ketchup: use whatever kind of ketchup you want, but we prefer the kind that is sweetened without high fructose corn syrup! Feel free to use a paleo option!
- soy sauce: this adds a bit umami flavor – feel free to use coconut aminos or tamari instead. .
- garlic: because you can never have too much garlic.
- oil: we recommend an olive oil or an avocado oil.
- lemon juice: to add in a little acid to round out the flavors here.
- oregano, basil, thyme: the combination of these spices!
How to Marinate Pork Tenderloin
To marinate pork tenderloin you simply need to combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisk them together and then pour them over the pork tenderloin (place the pork tenderloin in a large silicone bag or gallon freezer bag first). Ensure the pork tenderloin is full coated and then squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Let it sit anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours.
How Long to Marinade Pork Tenderloin
How long you marinate pork tenderloin depends on what ingredients you use in your marinade. If you are using an acidic ingredient (like vinegar, lime juice or lemon juice) then you don’t want to over-marinate your pork tenderloin as the acidity will start to break down the meat. Since we use lemon juice (only a little) in this marinade we don’t recommend marinating past 4 hours. However, if you want to marinate overnight (or just longer than 4 hours) you can simply omit the lemon juice at first and add that in about 30 minutes before you cook.
Different Ways to Cook Pork Tenderloin
Pork Tenderloin is such a flavorful, juicy cut of meat and there are so many ways to cook it – here are a few:
- Smoking: we love smoking pork tenderloin – that smokey, delicious flavorful is just unmatched.
- Grilling: so many people have grills these days – this grilled pork tenderloin is a popular recipe!
Can I Freeze Pork Tenderloin in the Marinade?
It depends! If you are using an acidic ingredient your marinade (like lemon juice or lime juice) then you do not want to freeze your pork tenderloin in this particular marinade. However, if you simply omit the lemon juice (it’s only a tablespoon) from this recipe that you can freeze your pork tenderloin in the marinade! To do so, simply place your pork tenderloin in a freezer-safe, gallon-size bag and pour the marinade over top. Ensure the pork tenderloin is fully coated and then press as much air out as possible as you seal the bag. Place in the freezer for 3-6 months. To thaw simply place in the refrigerator overnight – add the lemon juice about 30 minutes before cooking!
How to Make Pork Tenderloin Marinade
Step One: Gather your ingredients!
Step Two: add them to a small mixing bowl.
Step Three: whisk to combine.
Step Four: Place the pork tenderloin in a bowl or in a sealable bag – if you are using a bowl cover it tightly while letting the pork tenderloin marinate.
Step Five: let the pork tenderloin marinate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. I love using these Stasher Bags for marinating things!
Step Six: cook your pork tenderloin however you want! We like smoking it and grilling it!
Recipe FAQs and Tips
- Note: this marinade makes enough for two 1.5-2lb pork tenderloins.
- Paleo/Whole30: if you want to keep this Paleo/Whole30 then simply use a compliant ketchup (check the ingredients) and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: feel free to use tamari if you want!
- Extra Flavor: if you want even more flavor feel free to use a tablespoon or two of our pork tenderloin dry rub before marinating!
- Spice: if you want a little spice you can add a dash of red pepper flakes!
Other Recipes You Might Like
Cilantro Lime Marinade
Smoked Pork Shoulder
Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Pot Roast Seasoning
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Pork Tenderloin Marinade
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 batch of marinade 1x
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Counter/Fridge
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pork Tenderloin Marinade – the most amazing and flavorful pork tenderloin marinade! Perfect for grilling or smoking your pork tenderloin!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Instructions
- Combine ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, oil, oregano, basil and thyme into small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Place pork tenderloin in a silicone storage bag or gallon-sized plastic bag and pour marinade over top ensuring it is fully coated. Try and remove as much air as possible and close the bag.
- Let pork tenderloin marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, but at least 30 minutes.
- Once the tenderloin is done marinating you can remove it from the marinade and cook it however you want, but we recommend grilling it or smoking it!
- You can reserve some of the marinade to brush on during the grilling or smoking process of you want, otherwise discard any remaining marinade.
Notes
- Note: this marinade makes enough for two 1.5-2lb pork tenderloins.
- How to Cook Pork Tenderloin: we love grilling it or smoking it!
- Paleo/Whole30: if you want to keep this Paleo/Whole30 then simply use a compliant ketchup (check the ingredients) and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: feel free to use tamari if you want!
- Extra Flavor: if you want even more flavor feel free to use a tablespoon or two of our pork tenderloin dry rub before marinating!
- Spice: if you want a little spice you can add a dash of red pepper flakes!
Reb says
I’ve tried a lot of marinades for pork tenderloin and this is hands-down the very best! After marinading, I brown each side of the tenderloin for 1-2 minutes in an oiled frying pan and then place on a tinfoil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes at 400°. Thanks!
Erin says
So glad to hear that, Reb!