This 6-ingredient pork marinade is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and is the secret to cooking the most juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin!
Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin Marinade
Here is a fabulous and easy pork tenderloin recipe that provides so much flavor. It is special enough for company, but simple enough to make a for a weeknight dinner.
This recipe was given to me by my best friend almost 20 years ago. Once a week, my husband and I would have dinner with her and her husband. Instead of going out, we usually took turns cooking.
This was one of her recipes that I fell in love with and she kindly shared her recipe. It’s a keeper and one that never gets old!
I like this recipe because I can quickly put the marinade together in the morning and let the tenderloin marinate all day until I am ready to cook it. At that point, it only takes 30 minutes to be ready for the table.
Pork tenderloin is one of my go-to cuts of meat because it is usually quite tender and its small size makes it easy and quick to cook. It makes a great dinner for two or you can use more tenderloins if you are feeding a crowd.
I’ve tried buying tenderloins that are sold in marinade and I’ve never tasted a flavor as good as our homemade one. Most pre-marinated ones have too much seasoning and it overpowers the meat. Our homemade marinade is simple, yet perfect.
With a recipe this simple, you might think it would just be so-so. However, this combination of flavors really takes the pork tenderloin flavor to a new level. The marinade infuses the pork with savory and just a little bit of sweet. It is the most flavorful pork tenderloin you’ll ever taste!
— Sara
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons chopped onion
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Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a jar or add directly to a plastic bag to use for marinating. Place the tenderloin inside the bag and marinate in fridge for several hours before cooking.
- Remove tenderloin from marinade and let drain on paper towels. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat small amount of oil in oven-safe skillet. Brown tenderloin on all sides.
- Place browned tenderloin in oven for 12 to 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Tips
- Marinade Amount – This pork tenderloin marinade recipe was easily enough for two tenderloins but could probably stretch to three. Also, be sure to save the the liquid that remains in the pan after cooking the pork, as it can be drizzled over the sliced pork before serving.
- Oil –Â You can use your favorite neutrally flavored cooking oil to make the pork tenderloin marinade. Vegetable oil, avocado oil, or olive oil
- Soy Sauce Alternatives – The original recipe calls for soy sauce. I used coconut aminos instead; they are similar in flavor, but maybe slightly sweeter. You could also use tamari sauce if that’s what you keep on hand. I didn’t add salt because when you use soy sauce that usually provides enough salt. If you are using a low sodium product you may want to add a small amount of salt.
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Is It OK To Eat Pork That Is A Little Pink?
Pork tenderloin tastes best when it is not overcooked. In the past, it was recommended that pork be cooked until “well done,” however these days that is not the case.
The current recommendation for safe cooking temperature for a pork loin is a minimum internal temp of 145°F, which is medium rare. My preference is more of a medium cook, with just the tiniest bit of pink in the middle. As long as you check the inner temperature with a meat thermometer and it is at least 145°F, it is ok if there is some pink and that does not mean it is unsafe to eat.
What Should You Serve With Pork Tenderloin?
Here are some ideas for side dishes to pair with your brown sugar soy marinated pork:
- Steamed rice – A classic pairing, rice is perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices.
- Roasted vegetables –Â Roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts add a touch of sweetness and earthiness and make a complete meal.
- Asian-inspired slaw –Â A light and refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing is a great accompaniment for the sweet and savory flavors of the pork. Try our Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad recipe here!
- Apples –Â Pork and apples are a traditional pairing (and a favorite in our family!) Try Granny’s Stovetop Cinnamon Apples recipe here.
More Pork Recipes To Try:
Marinated Pork Tenderloin Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
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Marinated Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- Oven safe skillet
- Large ziplock bag
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins
- 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari or coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 TB oil
- 1 clove chopped garlic
- 2 TB brown sugar
- 2 TB chopped onion
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a jar or add directly to a plastic bag to use for marinating
- Let tenderloin marinate for several hours before cooking
- Remove from marinate and let drain on paper towels
- Preheat oven to 375
- Heat small amount of oil in oven-safe skillet
- Brown tenderloin on all sides
- Place browned tenderloin in oven for 12 to 15 minutes until inside temperature reaches 145 degrees
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes
- The liquid that remains in the skillet can be drizzled over the sliced pork before serving
- Slice and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
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