We love pork tenderloin around here — it’s easy to cook and comes together quickly! We’ll be using honey and garlic in this marinade for pork tenderloin (one of my favorite combinations!). I’ve used the combination before with my Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin Recipe (and this Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin here!), but this time we add in some sweet and spicy notes. Pork Tenderloin is considered one of the best cuts because it is so tender, but it is easier to cook than you think! When you are shopping, be sure that you have pork tenderloin and not pork loin — they are different and will cook differently! This sweet-and-spicy marinade for pork tenderloin is quick and easy to make. It will go well with other types of red meat and even chicken, so it’s a great recipe to keep on hand! It is fancy enough for a dinner party or special occasion, but it’s quick and easy enough that you can make it for an easy weeknight meal! We love cooking it up on the grill in the summer while the kids are running around outside. For more inspiration on how to cook your tenderloin, check out my list of 25 Flavorful Pork Tenderloin Recipes or my new Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin. If you love pork, you need to try these Smothered Pork Chops, Baked Pork Chops and my Honey & Balsamic Pulled Pork recipe too!

Ingredients Needed:

Pork Tenderloins: you’ll need two pork tenderloins equalling about 2-2.5 pounds. Be sure they’re both trimmed and ready to go. Oil: use a non-stick cooking oil spray so that the meat doesn’t stick to the pan. Seasoning Salt: seasoning salt is a simple way to add a ton of flavor to the pork. Honey and Brown Sugar: use liquid honey and light or dark brown sugar to add sweetness to this pork marinade. It also helps to thicken the marinade to coat the pork as it cooks! Garlic: use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor. Balsamic Vinegar: adds tangy, savory flavor to balance out the sweetness. Salt and Pepper: kosher salt enhances all the flavors within the sauce while freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of spiciness. Red Pepper Flakes: adds a wonderful heat to the pork and contrasts the sweet flavors so well!

How to Make Pork Tenderloin Marinade

Here is a brief over view of how to make this simple marinade. Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

Marinade

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin with Marinade

Oven

Grill

Grill: Cook the marinaded whole pork tenderloins on the grill. Turn them at least once for even cooking. Rest and serve: Let the meat rest before slicing and serving hot.

Tips and Notes

Fresh ingredients. Use freshly ground black pepper and fresh garlic cloves that you can mince yourself for the best flavor with this recipe. Thermometer. Use an instant-read thermometer to get an accurate reading of the internal temperature of the meat to be sure it is fully cooked through. Resting time. Make sure to let the pork tenderloin rest at room temperature after being cooked through for 10 minutes. While resting, the internal temperature of the pork will continue to rise slightly, and the juices will settle to make the meat evenly flavored. Tenderloin size: This recipe is made for pork tenderloin, around 1 pound in weight (each). You will not get the same results with a different cut of meat, or if the tenderloin is too large. The sauce can burn if cooked for too long, so if your tenderloins are larger than 1.25 pounds each, you may want to add the sauce for just the last 15-20 minutes of cook time.

Pork Tenderloin Marinade Variations

Add some heat. Add some red pepper flakes on top when you’re serving, or add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade bit of extra heat if you wish. Fresh herbs. Try mixing up the seasoning a bit with some fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Slow Cooker. Find out how to slow cook a tenderloin cut of meat in this recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Honey Balsamic Glaze. Instant Pot. Cook pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot with this great recipe for Pork Tenderloin with Garlic & Herb Rub. Air Fryer. Make this meal in the Air Fryer too! Check out my recipe for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin to find out how.

Serving Suggestions

Make a complete, easy dinner by serving this main dish with a variety of side dishes to make a full meal. Any of these 25 Easy Sides for Pork Chops would go perfectly! We also love having bread as a side dish with almost any meal. Some great options are my Mom’s Homemade Buns, these Homemade Crescent Rolls, or this Easy No Knead Artisan Bread. Pork Tenderloins can be served with carbs like Garlic Mashed Potatoes, cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, or my no-fuss Instant Pot Jasmine Rice. Add some veggies for a full meal to add color and nutrients. Try my Roasted Vegetables, or these Green Beans with Bacon, Honey Glazed Carrots, or this quick and easy Air Fryer Broccoli.

More Easy Dinner Ideas!

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet

French Toast Casserole

Insanely Delicious Cheeseburger Sliders recipe

Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again. Register Now Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel —
I love to see what you’re making!

Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 86Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 17Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 65Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 71Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 65Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 91Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 96Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 56Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 96Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 8Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 72Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 65Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 10Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 7Pork Tenderloin Marinade - 75