Juicy citrus-marinated mojo pork tenderloin topped with sweet and spicy mango salsa is one of those easy dinners that tastes like summer on a plate. This flavorful pork tenderloin recipe is packed with bright garlic-lime flavor, perfectly grilled until tender, and finished with a fresh tropical salsa that makes every bite irresistible.
If you’re looking for an easy grilled pork tenderloin recipe that feels fresh, vibrant, and restaurant-worthy without a ton of effort, this is the recipe to make. It’s light enough for warm weather but still hearty and satisfying enough for family dinner.
The combination of savory mojo pork and sweet mango salsa creates the perfect balance of smoky, citrusy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
More Pork Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Mojo Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Packed with bold Cuban-inspired mojo flavor
- Perfect for grilling season
- Naturally gluten-free
- Fresh mango salsa adds bright tropical flavor
- Easy enough for weeknights
- Great for meal prep
- High-protein and family friendly
- Pairs perfectly with rice, black beans, or grilled vegetables
What Is Mojo Marinade?
Mojo marinade is a classic Cuban-inspired citrus and garlic marinade traditionally made with sour orange, garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s bright, tangy, garlicky, and perfect for pork.
In this easy version, bottled mojo marinade keeps things simple while still delivering incredible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mojo Pork Tenderloin
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 2–3 pounds total)
- 2 cups mojo marinade
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
For the Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 jicama, diced
- 2 plum tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mojo Pork Tenderloin
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
Place the pork tenderloins into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
Add the mojo marinade, lime juice, smashed garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Seal and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours for the best flavor.
Step 2: Bring Pork to Room Temperature
Remove the pork from the refrigerator about 30–45 minutes before grilling.
This helps the pork cook more evenly and stay juicy.
Step 3: Grill the Pork Tenderloin
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Remove pork from the marinade and place directly onto the hot grill.
Cook for about 15–20 minutes total, rotating every few minutes until all sides are nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Rest Before Slicing
Transfer the pork tenderloin to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
How to Make Fresh Mango Salsa
While the pork cooks, combine the diced mango, jicama, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, vinegar, agave, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
The salsa tastes even better after sitting for a few minutes because all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This mojo pork tenderloin pairs perfectly with:
You can also slice the pork thinly for tacos, rice bowls, salads, or sandwiches.
Print
Mojo Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Mango Salsa
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
Juicy mojo pork tenderloin marinated in citrus and garlic, grilled until tender, and topped with fresh mango salsa. This easy summer pork recipe is bright, flavorful, and perfect for cookouts or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Mojo Pork Tenderloin
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 2–3 pounds total)
- 2 cups mojo marinade
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
For the Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 jicama, diced
- 2 plum tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the pork tenderloins in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
- Add the mojo marinade, lime juice, smashed garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Seal and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Remove the pork from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove pork from the marinade and grill for 15–20 minutes total, rotating every few minutes until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- While the pork cooks, prepare the mango salsa by combining mango, jicama, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, vinegar, agave, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Slice the pork tenderloin and spoon fresh mango salsa over top before serving.
Notes
- Marinating overnight gives the pork the best flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh ripe mango works best for the salsa.
- Delicious served with cilantro lime rice or black beans.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Marinate Time: 6 Hours
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, DINNER | PORK | SAUSAGE
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: CUBAN INSPIRED
Tips for the Best Pork Tenderloin
- Don’t overcook the pork or it can dry out.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly juicy pork.
- Let the pork rest before slicing.
- Marinate overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Fresh mango works best for the salsa.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The mango salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for about 1–2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the pork tenderloin instead?
Yes. Bake at 425 degrees for about 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
Is mojo pork spicy?
Traditional mojo pork is more citrusy and garlicky than spicy. The jalapeño salsa adds a little heat, but you can easily adjust it.
What does pork tenderloin pair well with?
Rice, beans, grilled vegetables, salads, sweet potatoes, and tropical fruit flavors all pair beautifully with mojo pork.
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the salsa several hours ahead and refrigerate until serving.
Final Thoughts
This easy mojo pork tenderloin with mango salsa is one of those recipes that tastes like you spent hours making it, even though it’s surprisingly simple. The citrusy garlic marinade keeps the pork juicy and flavorful while the fresh mango salsa adds the perfect bright, tropical finish.
It’s fresh, colorful, packed with flavor, and perfect for everything from casual summer dinners to backyard cookouts with family and friends.
