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Home » Main Course » Meat

Published: Apr 27, 2020 · Updated: May 1, 2024 · May contain affiliate links

Best Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Jump to Recipe·5 from 1 review
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This marinated grilled pork tenderloin, (Mexican style)  is  quickly grilled. Great on its own, or perfect for tacos, nachos, quesadillas and even burritos, this pork is marinated with a delectable spice paste, sliced into thin strips and quickly grilled.

Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This post may contain affiliate links of which I may or may not be paid a small commission at no cost to you.

Marinated grilled pork tenderloin is so easy to make.

With Cinco de Mayo coming up and grilling season, it's high time you discovered this simple recipe.

And if you want a great grilling cookbook, I highly recommend this one from Steven Raichlen.

Why this Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin is Amazing!
How do you make this simple Mexican Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
What to Serve with Mexican Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Grilled Marinated Pork Tenderloin (Mexican Style)

Why this Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin is Amazing!

Besides the fact that everyone loves it, this pork tenderlin can be used in so many dishes.

Slice it for burritos, use it in enchiladas or tacos or chimichangas, or just serve it over rice with salsa and tortillas on the side.

P.S. Use this on nachos and watch the crowd go wild!

Made with ingredients that are found in every kitchen, this is an easy dish to put together!

How do you make this simple Mexican Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin?

Basically this simple spice paste of chile powder, garlic and vinegar is rubbed on sliced and pounded tenderloin slices and is quickly made in a blender.

This pork tenderloin can marinate for 4-6 hours though longer doesn't hurt it a bit, and just adds extra savory flavor.

Combine pure chile powder of your choice with vinegar, which makes the pork extra tender.

I like using ancho chile powder, because I love its rich flavor but guajillo is great, too.

Add garlic, salt, fresh ground black pepper, oregano, cinnamon and cloves and you have an amazing marinade paste.

What is a Mexican Marinade?

A Mexican marinade or adobada is often made with vinegar and oregano. Many countries have their own version of adobos.

What temperature should pork be cooked to?

This grilled pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Because this pork is sliced thin into vertial strips, it only needs about three minutes per side.

What to Serve with Mexican Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin?

In my case I may not be smelling freshly mowed grass this weekend, but at least I can fill the neighborhood with the savory scent of this grilled Mexican pork tenderloin. This super easy to prepare pork tenderloin, is tangy and spicy and perfect weekend food.

Topping it with avocado cream and pickled onions sure sounds mighty good as does my grilled salsa which tastes superb. Adding some elote corn helps round things out.

I’m not sure about you, but sometimes it is good to be different. I know it’s easy to go the market (maybe it's not so easy now!) and pick up a package of dogs or some premade burgers, but the truth is it is just as easy to pick up an unadorned pork tenderloin and stick it in a marinade. 

I love bbq chickens and ribs, but I adore great Mexican food and grilled meat is a Mexican specialty. It isn’t always about tortillas, though this dish could easily be wrapped in one.  

Marinated grilled pork tenderloin is so good. The uses for it are many. Yes, it's great in tortillas or also on top of rice. Perfect for tacos, on salads and even on nachos. 

Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin (Mexican Style)

I can already smell the grills smokin’ in our neck of the woods. This week is supposed to be gorgeous and very warm which frankly worries me a bit since our sprinkler system is broke.

This morning I looked for someone to help us and so far two of the six I've called don't have appointments until May 20th. My grass can't wait that long!

This grilled and marinated pork tenderloin would be perfect on a rice bowl with lots of cilantro, sour cream and  black beans.

Truth be told, I think I’ve found a new favorite. I keep finding myself heading to the fridge and opening up the zip lock bag and taking a few slices out. It could be worse. I could be taking out chocolate or potato chips or heaven forbid …cookies. No, much better to munch on this, than that!

Now get your tenderloin marinating. So easy to do and such a great change from other marinades. This magical mixture is my cup of tea! But really meant to go with an awesome margarita!

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Mexican Pork Carnitas

carnitas dinner ideas

Chicken with Chipotle Sauce

Chipotle Red Sauce Recipe over chicken breast on white plate with knife and fork

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!

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Recipe

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Mexican Grilled Pork

Grilled Mexican Pork (Oaxaca Style)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 4 - 24 hours to marinate
  • Cook Time: 6 - 10 Minutes
  • Total Time: 5 Hours
  • Yield: 4 -6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: Mexican
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Description

This Grilled Mexican Pork is marinated and  quickly grilled which makes it perfect for tacos, nachos, quesadillas and even in a burrito. It also is superb with beans and rice on the side!


Ingredients

Scale

¼ c pure chile powder (I used ancho and guajillo)

½ c white vinegar

4 cloves garlic

1 t salt

1 t freshly ground black pepper

1 t dried oregano

½ t cinnamon

¼ t ground cloves

1 ½ lbs boneless pork tenderloin


Instructions

Combine everything, except the pork, in a blender or use an immersion blender to process this to a smooth wet paste.

Cut the pork loin into 4 broad, thin sheets, about ¼" thick. I'm not sure I got mine that thin! Pound to even out the thick pieces! Spread each piece of pork with the seasoning mixture and stack in a non reactive dish, or in my case a big zip lock bag.

Marinate as long as you want, but a minimum of 4- 6 hours in the refrigerator.

Preheat grill to high and while grill is preheating bring pork to room temperature. Oil the grill grate and grill, turning with tongs, until nicely browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Pork can be served a bit pink in the middle. Do not overcook! Serve with condiments and enjoy!


Notes

Actual Prep time is about 20 minutes but does not include time to marinate
From: The BBQ Bible

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Comments

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    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Healthy World Cuisine says

    April 29, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Bring on the grilling and chilling season. Excited to try this marinade. The vinegar must really tenderize the pork. Just in time for cinco de mayo.

    Reply
  2. Chef Mimi says

    April 28, 2020 at 5:55 am

    And just like that, there’s a box for a comment! I don’t understand how they are so random. In any case, I just love this. And that photo with all of the stuff? Fabulous.

    Reply
  3. Holly says

    April 27, 2020 at 7:35 pm

    Isn't this an inviting dish and a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! LOVE your photo!

    Reply
  4. Balvinder Ubi says

    July 19, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    Such a fabulous entry into grilling season,Abbe! Absolutely gorgeous. I love Mexican flavors.

    Reply
  5. Biz says

    July 18, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    I love the idea of slicing the pork thin so it's quick on the grill - looks amazing!

    Reply
  6. Rachel says

    July 16, 2016 at 1:17 am

    This looks so good! Especially those pickled onions!

    Reply
  7. Sue/the view from great island says

    July 15, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    I'm so excited about this because pork tenderloins are something we love but I usually just broil them and that's that. This is going to be so much more interesting!

    Reply
  8. Cheri Savory Spoon says

    July 14, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    We love Mexican food Abbe, looks like you grilled the pork perfectly!!

    Reply
  9. mjskit says

    July 13, 2016 at 4:44 am

    Good call on the pork tenderloin. Your plate of fixins looks perfect. I'd love to grab a tortilla right now and make me a taco. YUM!

    Reply
  10. Holly @ abakershouse.com says

    July 11, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    A beautiful meal, Abbe! I'd prefer this to burgers on the grill any day of the week!

    Reply
  11. Jessie Moore says

    July 10, 2016 at 11:51 am

    OMG, this looks incredible. Every Oaxacan style dish I have ever tried has been delicious, and this looks like no exception!

    Reply
  12. Sippity Sup says

    July 08, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    That's quite a fiesta! GREG

    Reply
  13. SavoringTime in the Kitchen says

    July 05, 2016 at 10:34 pm

    This sounds wonderful, Abbe. I love all the fixin's you serve it with too. Hope you had a Happy Fourth. I'll be adding this to my This Little Piggy board 🙂

    Reply
  14. Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    July 04, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    Oh wow! What a stunning spread, Abbe. Perfectly pickled onions and guacamole is just wow! And the thought of that spicy marinade is something which is making me drool. YUM!

    Reply
  15. Unknown says

    July 03, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    This looks fantastic, I could jump right into that delicious platter. And I love the sound of the marinade, a wonderful combination of spices! Happy 4th of July! 🙂

    Reply
    • nicole (thespicetrain.com) says

      July 03, 2016 at 6:39 pm

      Didn't think about the fact that I recently got rid of my G+ profile, hence the "unknown." 🙂

      Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      July 03, 2016 at 6:42 pm

      So now I know! Thanks Nicole!

      Reply
  16. Kitchen Riffs says

    July 02, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    The other meat meat might be my favorite meat. So versatile, and takes so well to any spice/herb/seasoning you can throw at it. This looks great -- perfect for the 4th. Thanks!

    Reply
  17. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

    July 02, 2016 at 7:22 pm

    That platter of pork, pickled onions and guac is a sight for sore eyes. Beautiful! And I must try this recipe very soon. Happy Holiday Weekend!

    Reply
  18. Tricia Buice says

    July 02, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    This spread is gorgeous Abbe - the meat looks like it has the perfect char 🙂 Hope you enjoyed your time outside with the pups. It is a beautiful day here in Virginia - happy 4th of July to you and yours!

    Reply
  19. Adam J. Holland says

    July 02, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    I think I'll be adding this to me repertoire. Looks wonderful! Hope all is well. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Angie Schneider says

    July 02, 2016 at 9:34 am

    This looks fabulous. I must try that spicy marinade.

    Reply
  21. La Table De Nana says

    July 02, 2016 at 1:51 am

    Geesh you are good at colourful..this looks so good..the only thing ..s we buy pre made is Costco rotisserie chicken..and this only the last 2 years..and the smoked meat:)

    Reply
  22. Liz Berg says

    July 02, 2016 at 1:49 am

    Whoa, this pork sound amazing! Especially served with all your fixin's!!!

    Reply
Abbe Odenwalder - The Great American Recipe Season 2

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You may have spotted me on Season 2 of the PBS series “The Great American Recipe.” Being part of a group labeled “the best home cooks in America” is a lot to live up to, but I’m up for the challenge! I'm glad you are here and hope I can set a place for you at my table!

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Grilled Marinated Pork Tenderloin
Grilled Marinated Pork Tenderloin (Mexican Style)