This Peanut-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinade is so easy to throw together on busy summer nights! Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a simple meal that tastes like you spent far more time in the kitchen than you actually did. The peanut lime sauce is insanely good! Originally published August 28, 2014.
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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?
Try this peanut-lime pork tenderloin marinade at your next BBQ
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.
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“Pork loin is my husband’s favorite dish. I made this recipe exactly as written today, and he declared it the best he has ever had. So flavorful, moist, and yummy! Pretty sure it is going to have many repeat appearances at our dinner table! Thank you!” – Brynne
Key ingredients
- Creamy peanut butter makes the marinade rich and nutty. It also helps the sauce cling to the pork. I haven’t used chunky, but you definitely could.
- Apricot preserves add some sweet balance to the salty soy sauce and tangy lime juice. Plus, the sugar in the preserves will help create a lightly caramelized glaze on the outside, yes please
- The acid in the fresh lime juice will help tenderize the pork and bring out the rest of the flavors.
How to make peanut-lime grilled pork tenderloin marinade
Start by making the marinade.
Whisk together the apricot preserves, garlic, coriander, soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, lime juice, orange juice, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
I like to use a fresh orange since I’m juicing a lime anyway.
Make sure you whisk in all that peanut butter!
Place the pork tenderloin in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag, turning it a few times to coat the pork evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting it marinate for several hours, or even overnight if you can, will give you even more flavor.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later, and place the tenderloin on the hot grill until you get to 145°F in the thickest part of the tenderloin.
Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest before slicing. While it rests, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and cook for about 1 minute to ensure it’s safe to serve. If you’d like a thinner sauce, stir in a splash of water or extra orange juice.
Slice the pork and drizzle it with the warm sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve with the remaining sauce on the side.
If you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe doubles beautifully. You can even freeze an extra marinated pork tenderloin for an easy future meal. No grill? No problem. You can sear the pork on the stovetop and finish it in the oven for equally delicious results.
What to serve with this marinated pork tenderloin recipe
- My go-to is cauliflower rice. It´s a staple in our house.
- It would also be delicious with Asian cauliflower rice. A twist on the original.
- You also can´t beat fluffy steamed rice.
- I also like to serve this Marinated Asian Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar as a crunchy, healthy side dish.
How to store leftovers
You can store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If possible, store the pork and extra sauce separately for the best texture and flavor. When you’re reheating the sliced pork, be careful so you don’t dry it out. You can warm it in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, orange juice, or reserved sauce until heated. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, covering the pork with a damp paper towel to help keep it from drying out.
Can I freeze leftover pork or the marinade?
Yes! I think this recipe is perfect for freezing. You can freeze the uncooked pork directly in the marinade for up to 3 months. Simply place the pork and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze flat. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before grilling as directed.
The cooked pork can also be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
More pork recipes
Quick and Easy Dinners
Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Healthy Dinner
Apple Cider Pork Chops
Recipes for Dinner
Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
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Peanut-Lime Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinade
Ingredients
- 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 orange juice, fresh
- 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.
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!
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!!
How amazing is this!!! sweet, salty, citrus-y..what more could you ask for? Pinned!
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!!
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!
Bonkers gorgeous!!! And pretty scrumptious looking too!!
Wow! This looks amazing! I almost always cook pork tenderloin the same way, I love how different this is!
That sauce is so crazy awesome, can’t wait to make it!!
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!
What a gorgeous Pork Tenderloin! I love the asian flavors!
Pork loin is my husband’s favorite dish. I made this recipe exactly as written today and he declared it the best he has ever had. So flavorful, moist and yummy! Pretty sure it is going to have many repeat appearances at our dinner table! Thank you!
This looks and sounds completely amazing! That peanut lime sauce! I’d be all over that in two seconds :) Have a great weekend!!
Well, your taste in food is exquisite! I really want to make this pork recipe and serve it with some homemade applesauce.
Karen, this pork tenderloin looks sooooo good! Pinned and hot damn, love this marinade. I’m all about marinades with meat. . love!
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!
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!