Cinnamon Free Lemon Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Bright, herby, and deeply savory, this pork tenderloin is the kind of weeknight centerpiece that feels far more impressive than the effort required. The marinade layers fresh rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and garlic into something genuinely aromatic — no warm spices needed, just clean, bold flavor that lets the pork shine. For anyone navigating a cinnamon sensitivity, pork dishes can be a minefield since so many marinades and spice rubs sneak in warming blends that contain it; this one keeps things refreshingly straightforward with ingredients you can easily verify. A quick sear in a hot skillet builds a gorgeous crust before the tenderloin finishes in the oven, giving you that restaurant-quality result without any guesswork. The turmeric adds a subtle earthiness and a beautiful golden hue without any of the usual suspects hiding in a pre-mixed seasoning packet. Sliced into tender medallions and finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, it's bright, satisfying, and genuinely hard to resist. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple salad and you've got a complete meal that nobody at the table will believe was this easy.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the marinade
- 1 ½ lb pork tenderloin (1 large or 2 small)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 3 tbsp juice)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp of the olive oil, the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, turmeric, black pepper, and salt until combined.
- 2
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then place it in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, turning to coat on all sides. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
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