Paleo Lemon Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Bright citrus, fragrant herbs, and a golden sear make this one of those weeknight dinners that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. The marinade layers lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and a touch of turmeric with minced garlic and good olive oil — every ingredient is clean, whole, and completely grain- and legume-free. That makes it a natural fit for anyone eating ancestrally, with zero need to swap or substitute a single thing. The technique is straightforward: marinate, sear hard in a hot skillet to build a caramelized crust, then finish in a 425°F oven until the center hits a juicy 145°F. Resting the meat before slicing into medallions keeps all those herb-and-citrus juices locked in. A scatter of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon at the table ties the whole plate together beautifully.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!