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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Pork Tenderloin Recipes

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

Updated: Apr 3, 2025 ยท Published: Jul 13, 2013 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 9 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 30 minutes mins

Balsamic pork tenderloin has the savory balsamic flavor you love from a simple marinade made with balsamic vinegar and garlic. After marinating, cook this tender and moist pork tenderloin on the grill or in the oven for about 30 minutes.

๐Ÿ–Ingredients

Pork tenderloin
Balsamic Marinadeโ€”Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, crushed garlic, kosher salt, black pepper

A cut pork tenderloin on a white plate.
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • ๐Ÿ–Ingredients
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Grill Balsamic Marinaded Pork Tenderloinโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
  • โฒ๏ธHow long to grill pork tenderloin
  • โ™จ๏ธGrilling Tips
  • โ™จ๏ธHow to Oven Bake Balsamic Marinade Pork Tenderloin
  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing
  • ๐Ÿ–Pork Tenderloin Recipes
  • โ„๏ธStorage of leftovers
  • โ“FAQs
  • ๐Ÿ–A pork loin is not a pork tenderloin
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

quote mark
Featured Comment by Chris:
"Love this one, so simple yet perfectly flavored. Can't wait to try it on the next pork tenderloin that I do."

Pork tenderloin is always moist and tenderโ€”the perfect meat for a smaller household due to its size. Add the savory goodness of balsamic vinegar, and you have a classic dinner everybody will love.

This recipe will fit a healthy diet like a low-calorie or low-fat diet or even a low-carb keto diet.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Grill Balsamic Marinaded Pork Tenderloinโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

Raw pork tenderloin with other ingredients.
Start with a nice pork tenderloin. The quality of balsamic vinegar is very important.
Trimmed pork tenderloin on white board.

1. Trim the tenderloin of fat and the silver skin.

Pork tenderloin in bag with marinade.

2. Mix marinade ingredients, add the tenderloin, and refrigerate for 1 hour, which is enough, but overnight is fine. Do not rinse

Placing pork tenderloin on grill surface.

3. Grill on a medium hot grill (surface temperature of 400ยฐ to 450ยฐ).

Cooked pork tenderloin on white plate.

4. Pork tenderloin is three-sided. Grill about 4-5 minutes per side, then rotate every 3-4 minutes until an internal temperature of about 145ยฐโ€”about 25 minutes.

For more details, keep reading. See the Recipe Card below for complete instructions and to print.

โฒ๏ธHow long to grill pork tenderloin

The recommended medium rare internal temp of 145ยฐ will take about 25 minutes on a 450ยฐ grill surface.

  • Rare(less than 145ยฐ)โ€”Not recommended due to USDA safety recommendations
  • Medium-Rare (145ยฐ-150ยฐ) will take about 22-27 minutes
  • Medium (150ยฐ-155ยฐ) will take about 27-30 minutes
  • Medium-Well(155ยฐ-160ยฐ) will take about 29+ minutes
  • Well Done(160ยฐ+)โ€”Not recommended due to dryness and texture.

Times are provided to help with planning only. Be sure to check the final internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer and allow for a few degrees of increase in the temperature when removed from heat.

โ™จ๏ธGrilling Tips

  • Realize that pork tenderloins are triangular, so a "flip" on the grill is a one-third rotation.
  • Grill surface temperature must be in the range of 400ยฐ-450ยฐ. You need a grill surface thermometer. Never trust a hood thermometer. See my discussion about BBQ Temperature for a detailed discussion.
  • Cook to the correct final internal temperatureโ€”145ยฐ minimum.

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โ™จ๏ธHow to Oven Bake Balsamic Marinade Pork Tenderloin

Even though this is a grilling recipe, it can be easily done in the oven after a short searing on the stovetop.

When ready to cook after the marinade (do not rinse or pat dry.)

  1. Preheat your oven to 375ยฐ convection or 400ยฐ conventional oven.
  2. Over medium-high heat, add 2 teaspoons of oil to an oven-safe pan. When hot, sear all sides of the tenderloin for about 2-3 minutes each to get a nice color. Remember, it has three sides.
  3. Move to the preheated oven and roast until an internal temperature of 145ยฐโ€”about 15-20 minutes.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing

Serve with Green Bean Almondine, Roasted Cauliflower, Parmesan Baked Potatoes, or Oven Roasted Red Potatoes.

๐Ÿ–Pork Tenderloin Recipes

For other variations, see Chipotle Lime Pork Tenderloin, Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin, Memphis BBQ Pork Tenderloin, and Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallions.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

My complete tutorial for grilling pork tenderloin on a gas grill. With a touch of char outside and juicy and tender meat inside, we love this fool-proof recipe, and so will you.

pork tenderloin on blue platter

โ„๏ธStorage of leftovers

Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container, refrigerated for 4 days, and frozen for 3 months.

โ“FAQs

Can I use the marinade to baste?

Yes, if you reserve some before adding the meat to the marinade. But any used marinade should be considered commentated.

When is pork tenderloin done and safe to eat?

Pork tenderloin is safe to eat when cooked to 145ยฐ in the thickest part, measured with an instant-read meat thermometer, according to the USDA.

What balsamic vinegar to use?

Balsamic vinegar varies widely. Supermarket-quality balsamic can be acceptable but is usually poor quality. You need to use vinegar you like. If available in your area, go to a specialty store, which also will have oils and cheese, for taste testing.

๐Ÿ–A pork loin is not a pork tenderloin

Over the years on this blog, many commenters have confused pork loin and tenderloin. It is obvious when they have a โ€œ4-pound pork tenderloinโ€. No, they do not.

loacation of pork tenderloin - Image licensed May 17, 2017, from Fotolia. Copyright by foxysgraphic - Fotolia. Image modified in accordance with the license.
Image licensed from Fotolia. Copyright by foxysgraphic - Fotolia. The image was modified in accordance with the license.

The tenderloin refers to the psoas muscle along the lower back. It is chicken tenders in the chicken or beef tenderloin (filet mignon) in cattle. The psoas is generally the most tender cut since it is not used for movement.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

Grilled Balsamic Pork Tenderloin on white plate

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
Balsamic pork tenderloin has the savory balsamic flavor you love from a simple marinade made with balsamic vinegar and garlic. After marinating, cook this tender and moist pork tenderloin on the grill or in the oven for about 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Marinade: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :4 servings
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Ingredients

  • 1 ยฝ pound pork tenderloin
Balsamic Marinade Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves crushed garlic
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ยผ teaspoon pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Start with a nice pork tenderloin. The quality of balsamic vinegar is very important.
    raw pork tenderloin with other ingredients
  • Trim the tenderloin of fat and the silver skin.
    trimmed pork tenderloin on white board
  • To a 1-gallon zip lock bag, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of good balsamic vinegar, 2 cloves of garlic - crushed, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ยผ teaspoon of pepper. Add the tenderloin and refrigerate for 1 hour is enough, but overnight is fine.
    pork tenderloin in a balsamic marinade
  • Preheat grill to medium (surface temperature of 400ยฐ to 450ยฐ). Move tenderloin from the bag to a well-cleaned ad oiled grill. Do not rinse.
    clean and oil grill crates
  • Pork tenderloin is three-sided. Grill about 4-5 minutes per side, then rotate every 3-4 minutes until an internal temperature of about 145ยฐโ€”about 25 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
    Grilled Balsamic Pork Tenderloin on white plate
  • Oven instructions are in the recipe notes below.

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips:

  1. The quality of the balsamic vinegar makes this recipe. DO NOT use the cheap stuff.
  2. Be sure you are using pork tenderloin and not pork loin.
  3. Remember, it is triangular meat, not round. So a flip is โ…“ of a rotation.
  4. A final internal temperature of 145ยฐ is medium rare with a bit of pink. See the post for more options.

Oven Instructions are in the post

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.

To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 220 kcal (11%)Carbohydrates : 1 gProtein : 36 g (72%)Fat : 7 g (11%)Saturated Fat : 2 g (10%)Cholesterol : 111 mg (37%)Sodium : 673 mg (28%)Potassium : 679 mg (19%)Sugar : 1 g (1%)Calcium : 9 mg (1%)Iron : 2 mg (11%)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Balsamic Pork Tenderloin, balsmic marinade, Balsmic marinade for pork tenderloin

Originally Published July 13, 2013. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

Lilly with purple puppy.

More Pork Tenderloin Recipes

  • Shredded pork tenderloin with BBQ sauce on a bun.
    Crock Pot Shredded Pork Tenderloin
  • graphic for Pinterest of Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
    Iowa Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • pork fajita on griddle
    30 Minute Pork Fajitas
  • grilled pork tenderloin cut on white plate
    Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

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  1. Deborah L says

    July 29, 2022 at 3:43 pm

    Dr. Dan, I have a pork tenderloin marinating for oven cooking. When you mention using an oven safe pan, then add two teaspoons - of what? teaspoons of marinade or teaspoons of more olive oil. Thanks. Deborah L.

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      July 29, 2022 at 4:18 pm

      That is two teaspoons of oil in the pan, then sear all sides, then bake.

      A case of my brain running ahead of my fingers and a proofreading failure.

      Thanks for asking... Fixed

      Dan

  2. Edie Benson Address Line 1 says

    January 05, 2022 at 3:27 pm

    What brand of balsamic vinegar do you recommend to use in this Balsamic Pork Tenderloin (grilled)? Since I live in a small Georgia town (few grocery stores!) I thought that I would look on Amazon for the vinegar.

    Thank you very much for all you do for us followers!

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      January 05, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      Hi Edie,

      Welcome to the blog.

      I find the only way to pick out a good balsamic is a taste test. If you like it on a salad, you will like it here. That limits your choices unless you have a brand you like. Around me, small town Michigan, there are still the occasional speciality stores for oil and vinegar. I buy both of those things in that sort of stores. I have never liked any I found at the local chain grocery store.

      Would I buy from Amazon... no unless I knew what I was getting.

      Dan

  3. Francesca says

    February 13, 2019 at 2:47 pm

    Can this be cooked in the oven? If so, how long and what temperature?

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      February 14, 2019 at 10:11 am

      Hi Francesca,
      Welcome to the blog.
      Sorry for the delayed response. I though I responded yesterday. There is a link near the top of the post to the original recipe that is oven based but you could as follow the cooking instructions in https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/pan-seared-oven-roasted-pork-tenderloin/
      Hope that helps.
      Dan

  4. Jeanette says

    September 22, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    Super easy and grate taste!!!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      September 23, 2015 at 9:15 pm

      Thanks for the note.
      DrDan

  5. Chris says

    July 22, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    Love this one, so simple yet perfectly flavored. Can't wait to try it on the next pork tenderloin that I do.

    Reply

DrDan imageHi, I'm DrDan.
Welcome to 101 Cooking for Two, the home of great everyday recipes with easy step-by-step photo instructions.
About DrDan

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