Teriyaki Grilled Pork Tenderloin: 1 Quick Meal

Name: Teriyaki Grilled Pork Tenderloin: 1 Quick Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine); 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Sesame seeds for garnish; Sliced green onions for garnish

by Jannet Lisa

1 de August de 2025

---Advertisement---

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Teriyaki Grilled Pork Tenderloin has become my go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying meal, especially on those busy weeknights. I remember the first time I tried making it myself; I was worried it would be too complicated, but this easy teriyaki pork tenderloin recipe proved me so wrong! The aroma of the sweet and savory marinade caramelizing on the grill is absolutely divine, and the tender, juicy pork just melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect solution for a quick teriyaki pork tenderloin dinner that feels special enough for guests too. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this fantastic dish.

Incredible Flavor: The sweet and savory notes of the teriyaki glaze create a truly delicious experience.
Super Quick Prep: With minimal prep time, you can have this marinated and ready for the grill in minutes.
Healthy Choice: Pork tenderloin is lean, making this a wonderful healthy teriyaki pork tenderloin option.

Budget-Friendly: Pork tenderloin is an economical cut of meat, perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
Family Approved: Kids and adults alike adore the classic teriyaki taste of this grilled pork tenderloin with teriyaki sauce.
Versatile Meal: It pairs perfectly with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Easy Cleanup: Grilling means less mess in the kitchen, and this grilled pork tenderloin with teriyaki sauce is no exception.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

Gathering these simple ingredients will help you create a fantastic teriyaki pork tenderloin marinade that infuses the pork with amazing flavor. This recipe focuses on fresh, accessible components for a truly delicious meal.

1.5 lbs pork tenderloin – a lean and tender cut perfect for grilling

1/4 cup soy sauce – the salty base for our marinade
1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) – adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar – for that signature sweet glaze

2 tablespoons rice vinegar – provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness
2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for a punch of savory flavor
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – adds a bright, zesty kick

1 tablespoon sesame oil – for that unmistakable nutty aroma
1 tablespoon vegetable oil – helps distribute the marinade evenly
Sesame seeds for garnish – adds texture and visual appeal

Sliced green onions for garnish – for a fresh, sharp finish

Teriyaki Grilled Pork Tenderloin - ingredients laid out

How to Make Teriyaki Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Learning how to grill teriyaki pork tenderloin is simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely fantastic. Follow these straightforward steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful pork every time.

Step 1: Begin by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat, around 400-425°F (200-220°C). While the grill heats up, prepare your pork.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. This creates your vibrant teriyaki pork tenderloin marinade.
Step 3: Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour about half of the marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let those flavors really sink in.

Step 4: Remove the pork from the refrigerator. Take the pork out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, but be sure to reserve the remaining marinade. This reserved liquid will be used to baste the pork as it cooks, adding extra glaze and moisture.
Step 5: Place the marinated pork tenderloin directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning the tenderloin every 5 minutes. As you turn it, brush it generously with the reserved teriyaki marinade. You’re looking for a beautiful caramelization on the outside.
Step 6: Continue grilling, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. This is the key to juicy, perfectly cooked pork. These teriyaki pork tenderloin cooking instructions ensure a safe and delicious result.

Step 7: Once the pork reaches the target temperature, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.
Step 8: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a beautiful presentation and a burst of fresh flavor.

Teriyaki Grilled Pork Tenderloin - sliced and garnished

Pro Tips for the Best Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this teriyaki pork tenderloin absolutely perfect. Follow these tips and you’ll be grilling like a pro!

Don’t skip the marinating time! The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the pork will be.
Use a meat thermometer. It’s the most reliable way to ensure your pork is cooked perfectly to 145°F (63°C) without overcooking.

Keep a close eye on the grill. The sugars in the teriyaki glaze can cause flare-ups and burn quickly.
Let the pork rest after grilling. This is crucial for keeping the juices locked inside, ensuring a moist bite every time.

What’s the secret to perfect teriyaki pork tenderloin?

The real secret to achieving the best teriyaki grilled pork tenderloin is a balance of marinating time and precise grilling. Ensuring the pork marinates overnight allows the flavors to deeply penetrate, while careful temperature control on the grill prevents drying out. For more information on grilling techniques, check out these grilling tips.

Can I make teriyaki pork tenderloin ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can marinate the pork tenderloin up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it closer to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with teriyaki pork tenderloin?

A common pitfall is overcooking, which leads to dry pork. Always use a meat thermometer. Another mistake is not letting the pork rest; this is essential for juicy results. Lastly, avoid direct high heat for too long, as the sugars in the glaze can burn.

Best Ways to Serve Teriyaki Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This sweet and savory grilled pork tenderloin is so versatile, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic Japanese-inspired meal, serve it alongside fluffy steamed rice and some crisp, blanched broccoli or snap peas. I also love to serve it with a fresh Asian-inspired slaw, which adds a wonderful crunch and tang. Another favorite is serving it with grilled pineapple slices, which echo the sweet notes in the glaze.

Nutrition Facts for Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

When you’re enjoying this delicious teriyaki pork tenderloin, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. This lean and flavorful dish offers a great balance of nutrients for a satisfying meal.

Calories: 280
Fat: 9g

Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 12g

Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1000mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

Properly storing your delicious marinated pork tenderloin teriyaki ensures you can enjoy its amazing flavor for days to come. After grilling, allow the pork tenderloin to cool completely on a clean surface. Once cooled, slice it and store the pieces in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze the cooked and sliced pork tenderloin in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but be sure to do it in short intervals to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

Can I use chicken or beef instead of pork tenderloin?

Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with chicken breasts or thighs, or even flank steak. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly, as different proteins cook at different rates. The sweet and savory glaze is delicious on any of them!

What can I serve with this teriyaki pork tenderloin?

I love serving this with steamed jasmine rice and some stir-fried broccoli or asparagus. Grilled pineapple also complements the sweet and savory notes perfectly, giving you a complete meal. For a lighter option, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw is fantastic!

Is this a healthy teriyaki pork tenderloin recipe?

Yes, it’s quite healthy! Pork tenderloin is a lean protein, and the marinade uses natural sweeteners like honey or brown sugar, along with fresh aromatics. It’s a great choice for a balanced meal, especially when paired with plenty of vegetables.

How do I make a homemade teriyaki pork tenderloin marinade from scratch?

Making your own homemade teriyaki pork tenderloin marinade is easy! The recipe provided uses simple ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Whisking them all together creates that classic sweet and savory flavor you love, without any preservatives. For a deeper dive into Japanese cooking, explore resources on Japanese cuisine.

Variations of Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

Once you master this basic teriyaki pork tenderloin recipe, you can have a lot of fun experimenting with different flavors and methods. It’s a versatile dish that adapts beautifully!

Healthy Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin: For a lighter take, you can reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar slightly and opt for a lower-sodium soy sauce. Serving it with steamed vegetables instead of rice also contributes to a more healthy teriyaki pork tenderloin meal.
Sheet Pan Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin: No grill? No problem! You can create a delicious teriyaki glazed pork tenderloin grilled-style by roasting everything on a single sheet pan. Toss chopped pork tenderloin with vegetables like broccoli florets and bell peppers, coat with the teriyaki marinade, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through.

Spicy Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to your teriyaki marinade. This adds a lovely kick to the classic sweet and savory profile.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin: For a hands-off approach, place the pork tenderloin in a slow cooker and pour the teriyaki marinade over it. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender. This method yields incredibly moist and flavorful pork, perfect for shredding or slicing.