Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

Nothing makes my mouth water quite like the sizzle of teriyaki sauce as it meets a succulent, juicy Pork Tenderloin.

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Pork tenderloin has earned a special place in the hearts of many chefs and at-home cooks for its delicious taste and unexpected health perks. It’s a lean cut of meat, so it won’t shrink much when cooked, which is helpful when planning to feed a crowd. When pork tenderloin is cooked properly, it’s tender and juicy, which makes everyone happy. Now, add teriyaki sauce to the mix and you’ve got a new family favorite.

When you cook teriyaki pork tenderloin at home, you not only get to enjoy its flavor and health benefits, but you also have the freedom to tailor the ingredients to match your dietary choices. Whether you like a sauce, a tangier marinade, or a bit of spice, this dish’s flexibility makes it perfect for family meals or hosting friends.

Several ingredients, including soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and garlic, are used to create the delicious teriyaki sauce. Think about all of those ingredients for a minute, and you can imagine how delectable this teriyaki pork tenderloin tastes. Teriyaki sauce is one of my favorites. It’s sweet with a little tang, and invites you to add as much (or as little) garlic and spice as you like!

Is Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin Healthy?

Let’s start by discussing the star attraction: pork tenderloin. Renowned for its texture and lean nature, pork tenderloin is a protein source perfect for those aiming to maintain or increase muscle mass. It’s also relatively low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. Additionally, it’s rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium, and supports metabolism and your immune system.

Traditional teriyaki sauce can be high in sodium and sugar; however, as mentioned, this recipe uses a combination of low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and garlic. The low-sodium soy sauce, of course, cuts down on the sodium in the recipe, and using apple cider vinegar creates a sweetness that reduces the need for sugar.

The secret to the most flavorful teriyaki pork tenderloin

The secret is in the marinating process. Mix all ingredients for the marinade together as instructed. Then marinate the pork tenderloin in the mix for as long as possible. We all have those evenings where dinner is rushed and we are in a hurry to get it done. It’s critical that you don’t skip the step of marinating the pork tenderloin; don’t just pour the teriyaki sauce over the meat. The longer you marinate it, the more the marinade will soak into the pork tenderloin, yielding incredible results.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed

INSTRUCTIONS

Marinate

Whisk teriyaki ingredients and marinate pork.

Prep

Preheat the broiler, and prepare pork for cooking.

Broil

Cook pork until proper temperature, let rest, then slice.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I prep and store this pork?

Wrap up your leftover pork tenderloin in plastic wrap, put it in a Ziploc bag or in an airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze your leftover pork tenderloin by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then placing it in an airtight container or food storage bag. You can expect it to be safe in the freezer for as long as six months.

Why is my pork tenderloin dry?

There is nothing more disappointing than smelling that tenderloin cooking with the teriyaki sauce only to slice into it and find that it’s dry. If this happens to you, you may have overcooked it. Everyone’s oven is different, and although the recipe says to cook for 15 minutes, your broiler may be hotter than most, and therefore, require a shorter cooking time. You may have also failed to marinate the pork long enough. Marinating does help to tenderize the meat and keep it moist, so marinate as long as possible.

How can I add more spice to the teriyaki marinade?

With the red pepper flakes and garlic already in the marinade, there is a decent amount of flavor. Still, we all have a different spice tolerance, and some people will want more of a bite. A couple of suggestions: add more garlic and red pepper flakes. You could also add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to spice up the teriyaki sauce.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve my pork with a side of noodles or mashed potatoes. Drizzle some of that yummy teriyaki sauce right on top of your chosen side. Roasted veggies and roasted potatoes are also a classic to go alongside any pork tenderloin. If the season is right, add some grilled asparagus and glazed carrots to the meal. If you prefer to keep things light, a fresh green salad will complement a teriyaki pork tenderloin nicely.