Lemongrass Pork Tenderloin is an easy way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table. The marinade infuses the pork with bright notes from lemongrass, lime, and garlic, balanced by the umami of soy sauce and fish sauce, with a touch of heat from Sambal Oelek. We grill it at 350°F, which locks in moisture and still gives you a slight char, making it juicy with just the right texture. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides and can be prepped in advance for a convenient meal option.
Lemongrass Pork Tenderloin
This recipe was loosely inspired by the pork that comes in my favorite Spring Rolls at our local Pho spot, which we adore. They put this super flavorful pork in their dish, and while it is definitely cooked differently than this one, we wanted to play around a bit and finally came up with something that we love and that we can use in more than just our Spring Rolls and Spring Roll Bowls.
This tenderloin would be great served on its own, with a bowl of steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables too.
Why you’ll love it!
- Balanced Flavor: Lemongrass, lime, and soy sauce create a beautiful harmony of citrusy, savory, and spicy elements.
- Easy Prep: Minimal prep and overnight marination give you flavorful results with little effort.
- Healthy & Lean: Pork tenderloin is low in fat but still tender and full of flavor.
- Great for Entertaining: Grilled meat always impresses guests, and this recipe delivers without needing elaborate techniques.
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Lemongrass Pork Tenderloin shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
- Pork Tenderloin
- Garlic Paste
- Lemongrass Paste
- Soy Sauce
- Fish Sauce
- Sambal Oelek
- Lime Juice
- Honey
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How to make a Lemongrass Pork Tenderloin
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Trim the Pork: Remove excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin.
- Make the Marinade: Combine garlic paste, lemongrass paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, Sambal Oelek, lime juice, and honey in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Marinate Overnight: Place the tenderloin in a gallon-sized plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag, ensuring the pork is fully coated.
- Grill the Tenderloin: Preheat the grill to 350°F. Cook the pork directly on the grates, turning every 5-10 minutes. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Rest and Slice: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
FAQ
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the pork without drying it out?
Reheat slices gently in a covered pan over low heat or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until just heated through.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the pork for up to 24 hours, making it ideal for advance preparation. You can also grill it and slice it shortly before serving.
What substitutions can I use?
- Lemongrass Paste: Fresh minced lemongrass can replace paste.
- Sambal Oelek: Use chili garlic sauce for similar heat.
- Fish Sauce: Soy sauce can be increased if fish sauce isn’t available.
Serve This With…
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Complements the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a charred side.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing Asian-inspired cucumber salad is perfect with this!
This Lemongrass Pork Tenderloin is an ideal choice for grilling season or weeknight meals. The marinade delivers vibrant flavors, while grilling ensures a tender texture. With easy preparation and versatile serving options, this dish is both practical and delicious.
More great pork tenderloin recipes to love!
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Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Cut any excess fat or silver skin off of the tenderloin. Place it into a gallon-sized plastic baggie.
- Combine of the marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until they are all evenly incorporated. Pour over the tenderloin.
- Marinate the tenderloin overnight.
- Preheat your grill to 350°F. Place the meat directly onto the grill grates. Turn every 5-10 minutes, and remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
