A quick and easy asian marinade is perfect for a lean and flavorful pork tenderloin. The marinade combines soy sauce, sesame oil, and a few great spices to pack a punch.
The Flavors and Fun of This Recipe
More than anything, we need a long list of easy meal options. A flavorful weeknight dinner that doesn't take forever to cook or produce a million dishes is my jam.
The combination of soy sauce and a few fresh key ingredients make this simple asian pork tenderloin marinade a regular on my dinner rotation.
Asian Marinade Ingredients
I pretty much always have these simple ingredients on hand and I bet you do too. If not, throw them in the next grocery order.
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup cooking oil - whatever you prefer (ie olive oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil)
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar or honey
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
After you combine the marinade ingredients, remove about ½ of a cup to a small bowl. You can turn it into a tasty sauce by reducing it in a small sauce pot for serving when your tenderloin is finished.
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How Long to Marinade the Pork tenderloin
Minimum- one hour. You can go up to 4 hours. This asian-inspired marinade packs an intense savory flavor and you don't want to over do it.
Helpful Supplies
Just a couple basics will get you going:
Resealable plastic bag is the easiest vessel for marinated meat. Or you can use a glass snap ware container large enough for a pork loin.
Digital meat thermometer is the smartest way to know the tenderloin has reached the desired temperature.
A large cutting board and proper knife. I really like my Cangshan BBQ Knife Set if you need one.
Grill Temp and Cook Time
When you are cooking pork tenderloin, you can choose to cook it fast at a high temperature or use a lower temp and cook a little longer.
I like to fire up the grill and set it to 375F. Once the grill is preheated, lay the tenderloin directly on the grill grates and cook for about 25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145F. When you take it off the grill, cover it with aluminum foil while it rests and you assemble the rest of your delicious dinner.
For more temps and cook times, check out my Traeger Pork Tenderloin post.
Slicing and Serving
Make sure you let the pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This is an underrated step for a moist main dish.
Slice the pork on a diagonal and transfer the slices to a serving plate. Drizzle your favorite teriyaki sauce from the grocery store and garnish with thinly sliced green onions to bring it all together.
Make this a meal
For starters, an easy fried rice is a no brainer, but I also like this with ramen noodles. For veggies my two favorites are Traeger Roasted Brussels Sprouts that cook alongside the pork tenderloin in a cast iron pan. The other is a green salad with Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing.
Freezer Friendly Marinade
You can also vacuum seal and freeze a pork tenderloin to save time on busy weeknights.
Saving and Reusing Leftovers
Sometimes I look forward to the leftover lunch I am going to have as much as the meal I had last night. Transfer leftover pork tenderloin to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To repurpose this juicy asian pork tenderloin, dice the leftovers into bite sized pieces and saute in a large skillet on medium heat with white rice any any leftover vegetables you have available.
Recipe Modifications
When you are feeling a little spicy, red pepper flakes or Sweet Chili Thai Sauce are a great addition to brighten this marinade and break up the salty not from the soy sauce.
If you don't have rice vinegar, you can also substitute for lime juice which also very tasty.
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Easy Asian Marinade Recipe Card
Quick Asian Marinade for Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Equipment
- zip top bag or airtight snap ware container
Ingredients
- 2 pound pork tenderloin
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar substitute honey
- 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce optional
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the marinade ingredients and whisk well or stir with a fork.
- Pour the marinade over a 4-5 pound pork tenderloin in an airtight container such as snap ware or releasable bag.
- Marinade the pork tenderloin in the refrigerator of 1-4 hours.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade and grill on medium high for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F.
- Once the pork tenderloin hits the desired internal temperature, remove from heat, cover and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice and serve.
Nutrition
Other Popular Pork Recipes
I really like pork tenderloin to mix up our usual protein routine AND it's a less expensive option which my wallet loves more.
Jane says
how would you do this in the oven if you don't have a grill?
Alexis says
I would sear it in a pan on both sides and finish in the oven. Set the oven temp to 375F. After searing, I think it would take 12-15 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 145F depending on the thickness of the tenderloin. Let me know if that helps. I'm sure others will have the same question!