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Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin comes out juicy, flavorful, and ready in just forty minutes. It’s perfect for easy dinners or special meals.
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This recipe for a pork tenderloin comes out tender every time and packs so much flavor in every bite. It cooks quickly and makes a great weeknight dinner or weekend meal. You only need a few ingredients, and everything comes together in one pan. Everyone will ask for seconds, so make sure you’ve got plenty!
Follow the easy steps below to make this simple pork tenderloin recipe at home. We’ve included step-by-step photos, clear directions, and helpful pro tips and tricks. You’ll also find answers to the most frequently asked questions so you get perfect results every time.
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You can cook this juicy pork tenderloin in just forty minutes with only a few simple ingredients. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for an easy dinner or quick family meal.
The golden crust and tender center make this pork recipe stand out every time. Serve it at parties, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals—everyone will love it.
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this easy pork tenderloin recipe:
- 24-ounce pork tenderloin, about 1½ pounds
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of salted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon squares
- 1⁄4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
Substitutions and Additions
You can cook this juicy pork tenderloin in just forty minutes with only a few simple ingredients. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for an easy dinner or quick family meal.
The golden crust and tender center make this pork recipe stand out every time. Serve it at parties, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals—everyone will love it.
How to Make Pork Tenderloin
Follow along with our pictures and step-by-step instructions to make the best pork tenderloin. Check out the tips and tricks listed below to help along the way. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside.
SECOND STEP: Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on all sides and the end.
Rub the spice into the pork with your fingers to ensure it is evenly spread.
THIRD STEP: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
Once it is hot and shimmering, add the pork and sear until browned on all sides.
Once browned, remove from the skillet and place pork on the baking sheet.
FOURTH STEP: Place three squares of butter evenly on the top of the pork and wrap it in the foil tightly around the sides, top, and edges.
FIFTH STEP: Place in the oven and leave to roast for 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature is between 145 to 160°F.
Use an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the center of the meat to ensure it’s done.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pork as the suggested baking time approaches.
Use the following temperature guide to cook your pork:
Well done at or above 160°F
Medium-rare between 145 to 150°F
Medium between 150 to 155°F
Medium-well 155 to 160°F
SIXTH STEP: When the pork is at the desired temperature, remove it from the oven.
Sprinkle it with parsley, then tent it with aluminum foil.
SEVENTH STEP: Let the pork rest on a cutting board for five minutes before slicing against the grain to serve.
How To Serve Roast Pork Tenderloin
This juicy pork tenderloin works for any season and makes dinner feel special without extra fuss. You can serve it for holidays, weeknights, or even potlucks—kids and adults love it!
- Holiday dinners or Sunday family meals: This pork tenderloin looks fancy but stays easy to make, so it’s perfect for holiday dinners or weekend meals. Pair it with mashed potatoes and brown sugar glazed carrots for a comforting plate.
- Weeknight dinners with quick sides: It cooks fast, so it works great for busy weeknights when you still want something hearty. Try it with lemon rice and skillet corn.
- Potlucks, parties, or leftovers the next day: Slice it up for sandwiches or serve it warm at a potluck with cheesy hash brown casserole and warm dinner rolls. It always disappears fast!
Why You'll Love This Simple Recipe for Pork Tenderloin
This baked pork tenderloin recipe keeps readers coming back, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and works for any season or occasion.
- Quick and Easy:
It only takes about forty minutes to make juicy tenderloin in the oven, so dinner hits the table fast without skipping on flavor. You only need one pan, which means less mess and more time to relax after dinner. - Great for Any Season:
You can serve it year-round, whether it’s winter comfort food or a summer family dinner. - Simple Ingredients:
Everything comes from the pantry or fridge, so you won’t need to hunt down fancy extras. - Great for Beginners:
New cooks follow along with our step-by-step photos and tips and still nail it every time. - Works for Any Occasion:
From weeknight meals to holiday dinners, this pork tenderloin fits right in with no stress.
This is one of those go-to recipes you’ll make again and again—because it just works.
Recipe FAQ
What temperature should I cook pork to?
Cook pork tenderloin to 145°F in the thickest part to keep it juicy and safe to eat.
Do I need to sear the tenderloin before baking?
Yes, searing first locks in flavor and helps create a crispy, golden outside.
How do I keep pork tenderloin from drying out?
To keep your tenderloin from drying out, use a meat thermometer and don’t cook it past 145°F.
What’s the best pan to use for pork tenderloin?
Use an oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan to sear and bake all in one.
Can I add sauce to pork tenderloin while it bakes?
Yes, you can add sauce near the end of baking to avoid burning and still give it extra flavor.
Do I need to rest the pork tenderloin before slicing?
Yes, rest the meat for 5 to 10 minutes after baking so the juices stay in the meat.
What's the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
While the names are similar, pork loin and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of meat. Tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that is known for being a tender cut. Pork loin is wider, and while it is often sold boneless, it can also be purchased bone-in.
Can I use pork loin?
You can make this recipe with pork loin rather than tenderloin but plan on extending the cooking time. Use your meat thermometer to determine when the dish is finished cooking.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to slice pork tenderloin for serving?
Slice the tenderloin into ½-inch thick pieces for even portions and easy serving at dinner or parties.
Should I serve pork tenderloin hot or at room temperature?
Serve hot for the best texture and flavor, especially when pairing it with warm side dishes.
Can I serve pork tenderloin for a holiday dinner?
Yes,tenderloin works great for holiday meals because it’s easy, flavorful, and looks impressive on any dinner table. Slice and serve it on a platter so guests can help themselves.
Do kids usually enjoy pork tenderloin?
Yes, kids usually enjoy tenderloin because it’s tender, mild, and easy to cut into smaller bites.
Can I serve pork tenderloin for both casual dinners and special occasions?
Absolutely, it fits any meal—from weeknight dinners to birthdays—because it’s quick but still feels like something special.
Storage FAQ
What's the best way to keep leftover pork tenderloin?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it within three days.
Can I freeze leftover pork tenderloin?
Freeze cooked pork in a sealed container for up to one month.
How should I reheat pork tenderloin in the oven?
Place pork in an oven-safe dish and bake at 325°F for twenty minutes, or until it reaches 145–160°F inside.
Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin comes out juicy, flavorful, and ready in just forty minutes. It’s perfect for easy dinners or special meals.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 24 ounces pork tenderloin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (cut into 1 tablespoon squares)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and onion powder. Whisk to combine.
- Pat pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Sprinkle seasoning mixture on all sides, and on the ends of the pork. Rub into the pork with your fingers to evenly distribute seasonings.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once olive oil is hot and shimmering, add the pork tenderloin and sear the pork until browned on all sides. Once browned on all sides and ends, remove from the skillet and place on the aluminum foil.
- Place 3 squares of butter evenly spaced on top of the pork tenderloin and wrap aluminum foil tightly around the sides, top, and edges.
- Place in the oven and let roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 145 to 160°F in the middle of the tenderloin when tested with a meat thermometer.
- When the pork tenderloin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, and tent with aluminum foil.
- Allow meat to rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain to serve.
Notes
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pork as the suggested baking time approaches.
- Use the following temperature guide to cook your pork:
Nutrition
Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 743mg | Potassium: 735mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 594IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg
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Comments
Erica says
This recipe was sooo good. Fast and easy. In my house Pork dinners are usually not received well by my family. But they really liked this recipe. Even my teen aged son who doesn’t like pork at all said “Mom, that was a really good meal!” (Yay! Winning!!)
Thank You so much for the recipe!