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Juicy sliced pork tenderloin made with a garlic soy pork tenderloin marinade on a white plate

Pork Tenderloin Marinade

A simple garlic, soy sauce, and lemon pork tenderloin marinade that produces juicy, flavorful pork whether you grill, bake, or air fry.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinate Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 272
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin recommended
  • 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed preferred
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar light or dark both work
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 6 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1.25 lbs pork tenderloin 1 to 1.5 lbs, silver skin trimmed before marinating

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large zip-top bag
  • Meat thermometer
  • Oven-safe skillet for baking method
  • Air fryer for air fry method
  • Grill for grilling method

Method
 

  1. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. If brushing during cooking, set 2 tablespoons aside in a clean separate dish before the marinade touches raw meat.
  2. Trim silver skin from the pork tenderloin using a sharp knife. Place trimmed pork in a large zip-top bag, pour marinade over it, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours. Do not exceed 24 hours. Discard used marinade after removing pork.
  3. To Grill: Heat grill to medium heat. Grill with lid closed for 15 to 25 minutes, turning every few minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. Brush with reserved clean marinade in the last few minutes. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. To Bake: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes. Air fry pork for 10 minutes, flip, then cook an additional 8 to 16 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not marinate longer than 24 hours as lemon juice will break down the meat texture. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer at 145 degrees F. Reserved marinade used for basting must be set aside before the marinade contacts raw pork. Leftover sliced pork keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is great in wraps, bowls, or salads.