This grilled Asian pork tenderloin recipe is an easy dinner to throw together on busy summer nights!
The other day I was driving in the car when “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam came on. I turned it up and sang all the words, not because I’m really that into 90s grunge music, but because it’s nostalgic for me. I was 5 or 6 when Pearl Jam was big. But my older siblings (I’m the youngest of 5) loved it, just like they loved huge flood pants and pegging their jeans. (Kiiinda glad I missed that trend.)
But anyway, I’ve been listening to PJ since I was in the cradle practically, so of course I had to turn it up. I was belting out the chorus when the station suddenly went silent. Then the automated DJ came on–“Okay, we heard you. We got SO MANY dislikes on that song that we’ve decided to play something else. Tell us if you like this song better.”
Can you believe that?? First of all, that’s an awesome way to run your radio station. You can text “like” or “dislike” during any song. “Jeremy” got so many dislikes that they wouldn’t even finish playing it. It’s like the thumbs-down thing on Pandora. But somehow it feels like more of a community. Such a fun idea.
But what about poor Pearl Jam?? Okay so maybe I’m alone here. Any other PJ lovers out there?
Okay well even if we can’t bond over 90s grunge, we can probably bond over this pork tenderloin. I love pork tenderloin, especially for company. I feel like it’s just a little bit fancy but still super easy to put together.
This recipe is no exception. Throw the marinade ingredients in a bag with the pork, wait a while, toss it on the grill and you’re done. (Have you guys grilled pork tenderloin? It’s hard to beat.) The sauce is so flavorful and has a little kick to it. I love the cilantro (I pile it on) but you can leave it out if you’re not a fan. Happy weekend everybody!
Do you guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?
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Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Peanut-Lime Sauce
Serves 3-4 adjust servingsIngredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound)
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine apricot preserves, garlic, coriander, soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, lime juice, orange juice, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Make sure you break up the peanut butter.
- Add the pork tenderloin and the marinade to a large ziplock bag. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 48 hours.
- Heat your grill to high heat. When it is hot, add the pork tenderloin (reserve the marinade) and close the lid. Set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Flip the tenderloin, (don't change the temperature), close the lid, and set the timer for 6 minutes.
- Turn the grill off but don't open the lid. Set another timer for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, check to make sure the pork has reached 145 degrees F in the center.
- Remove from the grill and let sit for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Meanwhile, add the remaining marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until it looks like all the bacteria is dead. Just kidding, about 1 minute will do you. Add water or more orange juice if you like a thinner sauce.
- Slice the pork, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with remaining sauce. I like to eat this with cauliflower rice (or regular rice) and grilled vegetables.
by The Food Charlatan
Source: Recipe slightly adapted from Tide and Thyme. Grilling tips from Fine Cooking.
I like to use a fresh orange since I’m juicing a lime anyway.
Make sure you whisk in all that peanut butter!
You might like these too:
Brown Sugar Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Wraps
Other pork tenderloin recipes you might like:
Grilled Cumin Spice Pork Tenderloin from Skinnytaste
Grilled Chili Lime Pork Tenderloin from A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
Roasted Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
I actually have a zillion pork tenderloins in my freezer….I, uh, went to Costco..
Anyway.
Peanut lime sauce is my fav, but I have never tried it on pork..only chicken. MUST EAT. Pinned!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness recently posted…Easy Vegetarian Stir Fry with Honey Ginger Pineapple and Cashew Cream Sauce {Gluten Free}
I’m the youngest of 5 too! My siblings were more into New Kids on the Block and Dave Mathew’s Band so I only remember a couple of PJ songs but I would honestly listen to that over some of the terrible ghetto crap that’s somehow popular and called music. Anyway, this pork looks freakin amazing! Gorgeous pictures Karen!
Melanie | Garnish & Glaze recently posted…Pork Pad Thai
Karen, this pork tenderloin looks sooooo good! Pinned and hot damn, love this marinade. I’m all about marinades with meat. . love!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…The Best Zucchini Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cake . . . Ever.
Well, your taste in food is exquisite! I really want to make this pork recipe and serve it with some homemade applesauce.
Julia @ Swirls and Spice recently posted…Blueberry Lime Applesauce with Ginger
This looks and sounds completely amazing! That peanut lime sauce! I’d be all over that in two seconds :) Have a great weekend!!
Ashley recently posted…Coconut Oil Dark Chocolate Zucchini Cookies
What a gorgeous Pork Tenderloin! I love the asian flavors!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch recently posted…Blackberry Crumb Bars
Okay, I kind of love that idea for a radio station, but yikes! That’s some serious thumbs down for Pearl Jam! This pork looks fabulous! The sauce? I’d like to eat it with a spoon please!
Courtney @ Neighborfood recently posted…Waffle Fry Slider Burgers
That sauce is so crazy awesome, can’t wait to make it!!
Wow! This looks amazing! I almost always cook pork tenderloin the same way, I love how different this is!
Annie @Maebells recently posted…Kale and Red Pepper Fried Rice
Bonkers gorgeous!!! And pretty scrumptious looking too!!
Why do I always forget about pork tenderloin? This looks absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to try that marinade – I’m guessing it would probably be good on just about anything!
Julie @ Lovely Little Kitchen recently posted…Maple Almond Oat No Bakes
I love grilled pork tenderloin. It’s so easy. I started using the 7-6-5-grilling method (which is essentially what you did here!) and it’s so easy. I never mess it up (and trust me, I could mess it up!). Love this sauce!!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen recently posted…Grilled Potato and Fig Salad with Maple-Almond Clusters
How amazing is this!!! sweet, salty, citrus-y..what more could you ask for? Pinned!
Min recently posted…Southwestern Salad in Mason Jar {+a Giveaway}
I love your stories! I think that’s why we were roomies in my dream. <3
I don't grill nearly enough and I don't cook pork nearly enough (or ever…)…but only because I don't really know how! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Sara recently posted…Tropical coconut mango chia pudding
This looks amazing, Karen! I have a pork tenderloin in the freezer just waiting to be used and now I know just what to do with it. Love the pics, by the way!
Kayley | The Kitchen McCabe recently posted…Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Pots de Creme
I wasn’t a huge PJ follower back in the day but those songs sure take me back now. We are actually going to see them at Austin City Limits this year so I’m looking forward to hearing them live :) And pinning this recipe now (as usual), the husband will LOVE this!
Emily @ Table + Hearth recently posted…First Week Favorites
You’re right, that is an interesting way to run a radio station. Um, I’m not sure I like the idea or not. I do love PJ. I’ve been listening to it since middle school. Oh my, this tenderloin rocks! Love that sauce.
Jennie @themessybakerblog recently posted…Cranberry Orange Granola
A lovely recipe. Thank you.
Thanks for the feedback Liz! I’m glad you liked it.
Made this (along with your cauliflower rice) last night for my husband. He is a wonderful cook so I always receive lots of “constructive” criticism when I actually make a meal meal. Not last night! He LOVED it. thought the marnade/sauce was spot on and was especially blown away by the concept of the cauliflower rice. Thank you, thank you!
Awesome Jill! Glad you all liked it!
We made this on friday night and haven’t stopped talking about it since. It’s our new favorite pork recipe. We’ve made grilled chicken with a similar peanut sauce, but this pork is way better!!!
Bri | Bites of Bri recently posted…Tuscan Vegetable Soup with Mini Meatballs
Awesome Bri! So glad you found a winner! I need to bust out the grill and make this again :)
I made this pork tenderloin tonight for company and was told it was the BEST pork they had ever had!! Thank you for making me look good. :)
This recipe was super easy–I made it exactly as specified. (The only thing I didn’t do was add the cilantro at the end, and that was just because I got busy and forgot! Oops.)
I served this tenderloin with the sauce and white rice, steamed snow peas, and a huge Asian slaw salad. The whole dinner was a hit! Thank you!
I’m always forgetting the garnishes at the end! I finish the meal and then am disappointed that it could have been even a little bit better. :) I’m so glad you liked this pork! I love you’re meal plan, I think I will make this with a big Asian salad next time!
Made this tonight. Delicious. Used marmalade as I didn’t have apricot preserves. Added some ginger and sriracha. Served with a mango/coconut/lime couscous salad. Turned out perfectly!
Mango Coconut lime couscous salad!! That sounds awesome! Glad you enjoyed the pork :)
I think this meal with pork tenderloin looks absolutely delicious, I will try this tonight, Thank for sharing this recipe
No problem Nicolai! I hope you enjoy it!
Hey Karen,
I can feel the taste of its deliciousness. I really can’t wait to try this at home. Really looks yum! Urgh! Can’t wait to eat this. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! AWESOME! :)
Cheers,
Oliver
I know I love it when I can feel the taste of the deliciousness ;) Thanks Oliver!