Let’s do this!
Look, I get it. Sometimes you just want a quick and easy dinner that’s also delicious. And pork tenderloin is one of those cuts of meat that’s perfect for that. It’s super tender and cooks up fast, and it’s so versatile that you can really flavor it up any way you like.
But today, we’re going for citrusy goodness! This marinade is going to give your pork tenderloin a little bit of zing and a whole lot of flavor. It’s also going to help keep the meat super moist and tender.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 pork tenderloin, about 1.5 pounds (you know, the average size)
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought is fine too!)
1/4 cup lime juice (again, freshly squeezed is best, but hey, don’t stress it)
2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff, baby!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or crushed, whatever works for you)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste, you know, the way you like it)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best, but, again, no stress)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little kick, if you’re feeling adventurous)
Let’s get cooking!
1. First things first, let’s make that marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous, remember?).
2. Now, grab your pork tenderloin and give it a good pat dry with some paper towels. You know, make it feel good and clean.
3. Next, place that tenderloin in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Then, pour the marinade over it. Close the bag tightly and make sure to get all the air out. Give it a good shake so that the marinade coats the entire tenderloin.
4. Now, here comes the important part – let that tenderloin chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for even longer, up to 4 hours. This will give the marinade time to really work its magic and infuse the pork with all that citrusy flavor.
5. After the marinade party, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and get ready to cook!
6. Remove the pork tenderloin from the bag and place it on a baking sheet. You know, the one you use for baking cookies, but hey, this is pork time now.
7. Cook the tenderloin for 25-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
8. Now, let that tenderloin rest for 10 minutes before slicing it up and serving.
Here’s a tip: If you want to give your pork tenderloin a nice golden-brown crust, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time. But watch it carefully, so it doesn’t burn.
Serving suggestions:
This tenderloin is so versatile, you can serve it up with just about anything! Here are a few ideas:
Grilled asparagus and a lemon-herb couscous salad – Super light and fresh!
Roasted sweet potatoes and a side of green beans – Classic and comforting!
A creamy mashed potato and a simple green salad – Always a crowd-pleaser!
Let’s talk sides:
Here’s a quick table that breaks down some side dish ideas based on the flavor profile you’re going for:
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Earthy, Sweet |
| Grilled Asparagus | Bright, Light |
| Green Bean Salad | Fresh, Crisp |
| Creamy Mashed Potatoes | Rich, Comforting |
| Lemon-Herb Couscous Salad | Bright, Citrusy |
| Quinoa Salad | Hearty, Versatile |
And finally, a few more things to consider:
This recipe is super easy to adjust to your taste. Want more garlic? Go for it! Don’t like red pepper flakes? Leave them out! It’s your dish, baby!
You can also use different citrus fruits in this marinade, like grapefruit or lemons. Experiment and see what you like!
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, but it’s also great for entertaining.
So, what are you waiting for? Go grab your ingredients and get cooking!
Let me know what you think! What are your favorite sides to go with pork tenderloin?
