Description
This Ginger Lime Pork Tenderloin recipe features juicy, marinated pork tenderloins grilled to perfection with a zesty blend of fresh ginger, garlic, and lime. The pork is marinated in a flavorful mixture of avocado oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and spices, then grilled for a tender, juicy finish. Perfect for a main course that’s both easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 large cloves garlic, grated
- Zest of 2 limes
- Freshly-ground black pepper, a dozen twists
Meat
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each), silver skin removed
To Serve
- Juice of 2 limes (reserved from zest)
- Flaky sea salt
- Freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a large ziplock bag or mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, low-sodium soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, grated garlic, lime zest, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Marinate the pork: Add the pork tenderloins to the marinade, tossing them until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld. When ready to cook, remove the pork from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to high heat to get a nice sear on the pork.
- Grill the pork: Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, as the temperature will rise while resting.
- Rest the pork: Transfer the grilled pork to a clean serving platter and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps retain juices and ensures tenderness.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the rested pork with the reserved lime juice and season with flaky sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper. Slice the tenderloin and serve immediately for best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- Removing silver skin: The silver skin is a tough connective tissue on the pork tenderloin. To remove, slide a sharp knife under one edge and cut it away gently while pulling, to avoid chewy bites.
- Temperature tip: The USDA recommends cooking pork to 145°F, but removing it from the grill at 140°F allows carryover cooking during resting to reach a perfect doneness.
- Marinating time: Marinating for longer than 4 hours is not recommended as acidic components in the lime can start to break down the meat texture excessively.
- Lime zest vs. juice: Use lime zest in the marinade for bright flavor without too much acidity, reserving the juice to add fresh on the pork after resting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg