Citrus Garlic Pork Marinade (Bright, Fresh & Flavor-Packed!)

This Citrus Garlic Pork Marinade is vibrant, zesty, and packed with fresh flavor from orange juice, lime, garlic, and warm spices. The acidity naturally tenderizes pork while the citrus adds brightness that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled pork chops to oven-baked tenderloin. It’s the perfect marinade for summer dinners, meal prep nights, and cozy family meals. Serve your citrus-marinated pork with sides like Crispy Roasted Potatoes, Mexican Rice (Restaurant-Style), or a fresh Apple Pecan Salad for a complete, delicious plate.

Why You’ll Love This

• Bright citrus flavor paired with savory garlic

• Bold marinade that keeps pork juicy and flavorful

• Simple ingredients blended quickly

• Perfect for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing pork

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1.5–2 lbs pork (chops, tenderloin, or shoulder strips)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Add pork to a zip-top bag or dish and pour the marinade over the meat.

3. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for best flavor.

4. Remove pork from the marinade and discard the excess.

5. Grill, pan-sear, or bake until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (then rest 3 minutes).

6. Slice and serve.

Marinade Time:

• Minimum: 1 hour

• Best: 4–8 hours

• Max: 12 hours (citrus can over-tenderize if left too long)

Cook Time:

10–20 minutes, depending on cut and method

Storage

• Unused marinade: Up to 4 days refrigerated

• Raw pork in marinade: Up to 12 hours

• Cooked pork: 3–4 days in the fridge

• Freezer: Freeze pork + marinade up to 3 months

Best Cuts for This Marinade

• Pork chops (bone-in or boneless)

• Pork tenderloin

• Pork shoulder strips

• Pork steaks

• Pork kebabs

FAQ

Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes! Lemon adds brightness but is slightly less bold. Use 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Can I use this marinade on chicken?

Absolutely — it works great on chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts.

Does citrus make pork mushy?

Only if marinated for over 12 hours. Stick to 4–8 hours for best results.

Can I reuse the marinade?

Only if boiled for at least 3–5 minutes.

Can I cook the pork in the marinade?

Yes — boil the marinade to make a glaze or sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Citrus Garlic Pork Marinade brings fresh, vibrant flavor to pork while keeping it tender and juicy. The combination of bright citrus, garlic, and warm spices creates a balance that feels both light and comforting. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in the oven, this marinade adds bold flavor without overpowering the dish. It’s a dependable, flavorful recipe that makes everyday pork dinners feel fresh, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious.