The BEST Pork Tenderloin Marinade Recipe

This recipe for the Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade is my go-to when I want tender, juicy pork packed with great flavor.

Trust me, once you try the Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade you’ll wonder how you ever cooked pork without it. It’s THAT good!!

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly marinated pork tenderloin sizzling on the grill or roasting in the oven. Am I right?

If you’re looking to impress your whole family with minimal effort, you’ve come to the right place! This marinade makes all the difference in the world.

The combination of balsamic vinegar, dark brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Plus, with a hint of garlic and rosemary, it’s like a flavor explosion that you won’t soon forget. Seriously. I’m drooling just thinking about it. 

It’s a 5-ingredient recipe (excluding the pork and basic pantry items), so it’s super simple to whip up. Simple is the best way to go.

So, fire up your grill or preheat your oven, and let’s make the Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade you’ve ever tasted. Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be asking for the recipe!

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors: The balsamic vinegar and dark brown sugar create a savory marinade that’s both sweet and tangy.
2. Easy to Make: With simple marinade ingredients you probably already have, it’s an easy recipe for any night of the week.
3. Tender and Juicy Pork: Marinating the pork tenderloin ensures it stays juicy and flavorful during cooking.

• Balsamic vinegar
• Dark brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Dried rosemary leaves
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground pepper
• Pork tenderloin

1. Trim the pork tenderloin of any fat and silver skin.
2. Place the pork tenderloin in a zip gallon size bag.
3. Mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl then pour the marinade over the pork. Refrigerate overnight or for at least eight hours.
4. Bring the pork tenderloin to room temperature about a half an hour before grilling. Reserve the marinade.
5. Fire up the grill to medium heat and grill the tenderloin until the internal temperature measures 145°F, about 20 minutes.
6. Remove the tenderloin to a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Bring the reserved marinade to a gentle boil over medium heat on the stove top and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Drizzle the marinade over the sliced pork tenderloin and serve.

CAN THIS BE BAKED INSTEAD?

Yes, absolutely!

If you prefer baking over grilling, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Place the marinated pork tenderloin in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Remember to let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

CAN I USE THIS ON A PORK LOIN?

Yes, you can use this marinade on a pork loin as well.

Heck, use it on whatever you want! Keep in mind that pork loin is larger and thicker than a tenderloin, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

Using a meat thermometer will help ensure you cook it to the perfect internal temperature.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GRILL A PORK TENDERLOIN?

Grilling on medium low heat will prevent burning the brown sugar and leave a crystallized crust to the meat.

Letting the meat rest after grilling helps redistribute and lock in the juices.

ANY ADDITIONS?

​While I stand by this recipe as the best there is (haha!) please don’t hesitate to make it your own.

• Soy Sauce: Add a splash for extra umami flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze can brighten up the marinade.
• Fresh Rosemary: Use fresh instead of dried for more intense flavor.
• Honey: For a sweeter glaze, mix in some honey.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Swap out balsamic for a different tang.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth to the marinade.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick.
• Pineapple Juice: For a tropical twist and tenderizing effect.
• Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds a zingy freshness.
• Garlic Powder: In addition to minced garlic for extra garlicky goodness.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

You got it! Here is a quick list to get your brain moving in the right direction.

• Maple Syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
• Grainy Mustard in place of Dijon mustard for texture.
• Avocado Oil instead of olive oil for a higher smoke point.
• White Wine Vinegar if you don’t have balsamic vinegar.
• Thyme instead of rosemary for a different herb flavor.
• Sea Salt instead of kosher salt if that’s what you have on hand.

Refrigerator: If you have leftover pork tenderloin, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

It makes for a great lunch the next day!

Freezer: You can freeze the marinated pork tenderloin before cooking.

Place it in a freezer-safe container or a large resealable plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

This Best Pork Tenderloin Marinade is a flavorful marinade that turns an ordinary pork tenderloin into something special.

It’s perfect for an easy dinner or a dinner party, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a pork tenderloin and give this recipe a try.