Baked Pork Tenderloin Fast Juicy Wellplated Com

A lean, healthy cut of meat, pork tenderloin is mild, lending itself well to a wide range of flavors, taste and cooking methods. Easy pork tenderloin recipes abound, from classic preparations like this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin and gravy, to elevated versions like Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, to even Asian preparations like Pork Fried Rice and the Black Pepper Pork Stir Fry in my cookbook. I mean, I rely on solid Baked Chicken Breast as much as the next person, but it’s nice to switch it up, especially if you are hosting. This baked pork tenderloin is absolutely tasty enough for a dinner party. The prep is a breeze and your guests will be impressed!

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

Making juicy, tender pork tenderloin in the oven is EASY (as is Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin). Follow these tips:

Season the Pork Well. Pork tenderloin is bland on its own. Doctoring it up with the below pork tenderloin rub will give it smokiness and depth.Sear the Meat First. Taking a few minutes to sear the outside of the pork on the stove prior to putting it in the oven forms a tasty “crust” that locks in juiciness and it also gives the pork an additional dimension of flavor. You’ll feel like a pro!DO NOT OVERCOOK THE MEAT. This is the cardinal rule for lean cuts of meat like pork tenderloin. At 400 degrees F, a 1-pound pork tenderloin will cook in 8 to 10 minutes after being seared on the stove. Unlike tough, fatty cuts of meat, leaner cuts like pork tenderloin and pork loin do not become more tender the longer they cook.Let It Rest. Resting meat before cutting into it is mandatory. During this time, the juices incorporate back into the meat; if you slice right away, they will all run right onto the plate instead. 10 minutes resting time is sufficient; even 5 minutes is better than none at all.

For bonus points, you can make a marinated pork tenderloin in the oven (try the marinade from this Grilled Pork Tenderloin), but if you follow the tips above, you can have great results without marinating the pork first.

The Ingredients

Pork Tenderloin. Juicy, tender, and forever a crowd-pleaser. Pork tenderloin is a fantastic lean protein option, as it pairs well with many flavors and does well with different cooking techniques (as evidenced by the plethora of options on my site). Brown Sugar. Brown sugar is the secret to the pork’s caramelized, “crusty” exterior. It also adds a bit of sweetness to balance the smoky and spicy flavors. I would not recommend using honey or maple syrup here. Cumin. Adds warmth and earthiness.Dry Mustard. Tangy and savory with a hint of heat. Paprika + Chipotle Chile Powder. These two spices both possess the perfect combination of smoky and spicy.

The Directions

Ways to Use Pork Tenderloin

Hash. Of all the different things to do with pork tenderloin, using it to make a breakfast hash might be my favorite. See this Sweet Potato Hash for inspiration.Sandwich. I love creating different sandwich combinations using thin slices of pork tenderloin and Magic Multigrain Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread. Salad. Pork tenderloin makes a wonderful lean protein addition to any of your favorite salads. We love adding ours to Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Pasta. Top pasta recipes like Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese and Ricotta Pasta with pork tenderloin.Stir Fry. Add diced up pork tenderloin to your favorite stir fry dishes like Vegetable Lo Mein and Healthy Shrimp Pad Thai (swap the shrimp for pork or use both).

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate pork in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. To Reheat. Gently reheat leftovers in a small skillet or gently in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze pork in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Cast-Iron Skillet. Helps create a perfect sear on the pork tenderloin. Instant Read Thermometer. The foolproof way to check your pork for doneness. Non-Slip Cutting Board. Stays secure while you’re slicing your tenderloin.

Crazy weeknight or lazy weekend, baked pork tenderloin is one of those fantastic anytime recipes that’s here to be exactly what you need today.

For this reason, I pull my pork tenderloin out of the oven at 135 degrees F, cover it, and let it rest for 10 minutes. After the resting time, the pork’s temperature has risen to a safe number and my pork turns out perfectly juicy every time.

To check temperature USE AN INSTANT READ THERMOMETER. This tool is vital.

You can use an inexpensive version like this meat thermometer with excellent results.If you are serious about cooking, invest in this one. It is dead accurate and reads temps immediately.