This savory pork tenderloin marinade transforms ordinary meat into an extraordinarily tender and flavorful main dish. With just 5 minutes of prep time and 2 hours of marinating, you’ll create a protein-packed meal that’s both convenient and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this marinade recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. The blend of seasonings infuses the pork with rich flavors while keeping it incredibly moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.
Ingredients for Perfect Pork Tenderloin Marinade

- Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Base of marinade that helps tenderize meat
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): Adds brightness and helps break down proteins
- Lemon Zest (1 lemon): Enhances citrus flavor profile
- Garlic (6 cloves): Minced fresh garlic for robust flavor
- Dijon Mustard (1 Tbsp): Adds tanginess and helps emulsify marinade
- Fresh Rosemary (2 sprigs): Optional but adds wonderful aromatics
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste for perfect flavor balance
- Pork Tenderloin (2.5 lbs): Two pieces of lean, tender meat
Preparation Steps
- Season: Generously coat tenderloins with salt and pepper on all sides
- Mix Marinade: Combine oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, mustard, and minced rosemary in a bowl
- Marinate: Place meat and marinade in a ziplock bag, ensuring even coating
- Rest: Let marinate for 2 hours minimum or overnight for best results
- Cooking Options: Choose your preferred method – grill, oven, or slow cooker
Cooking Techniques
This marinade works beautifully with three main cooking methods. On the grill, cook the tenderloin for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until it reaches 145°F internal temperature. For oven cooking, roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. If using a slow cooker, let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Each method brings out different qualities in the marinade – grilling adds a lovely char, oven roasting creates a nice crust, and slow cooking makes the meat extra tender.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
You can mix up this marinade up to 3 days before using it – just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Once you’ve added the pork, let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight works even better! After cooking, store leftover pork in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for sandwiches or salads the next day. Quick tip: slice the meat thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.
Easy Substitutions
No fresh lemons? Use 1/4 cup of bottled lemon juice, but skip the zest. Fresh rosemary can be swapped with 2 teaspoons dried rosemary or fresh thyme. Don’t have Dijon? Regular yellow mustard works too! The garlic can be replaced with 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder in a pinch. The magic of this recipe is how flexible it is while still tasting amazing.
Serving Ideas
This juicy pork tenderloin pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes and a green vegetable like asparagus or broccoli. For a lighter meal, slice it over a big salad with mixed greens. It’s also amazing in sandwiches – try it on crusty bread with some arugula and a smear of extra Dijon mustard. The leftover meat makes wonderful cold lunch portions too!

Pork Tenderloin Marinade
Equipment
- Ziplock bag
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary minced (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pork tenderloin about 2.5 lbs total
Instructions
- Season the pork tenderloins with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Whisk remaining marinade ingredients together.
- Add meat and marinade to a ziplock bag and marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Cook as desired, on the grill, in the oven, or crock pot.