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Today we’re walking you through cooking perfect pork tenderloin in the oven every time! With this guide, you’ll never have to sit through a dinner of dried-out, flavorless pork tenderloin again. Pork tenderloin has long been one of my go-to dinners. It’s affordable, it cooks up quickly, it tastes great and is perfect for leftovers, and it for some reason feels a little fancier than our typical fare – making it perfect for a dinner party or a family weeknight dinner. However, it took me a while before I finally figured out to cook a juicy, flavorful pork tenderloin. Without the right technique, you can easily end up with dried-out, bland pork, but today we’ll show you exactly what you need to do to get the best pork tenderloin in the oven every time! Ingredients for Pork Tenderloin
What’s the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?First things first, let’s clear up a common confusion! While they may sound the same and are actually cut from the same part of the pig, pork loin and pork tenderloin are NOT the same things. Here’s a comparison of the two:
As mentioned before, pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat – but what exactly does that mean? In addition to being a low-fat choice of protein, it is also very low on flavor. If you want a flavorful pork tenderloin, we recommend marinating it or seasoning it heavily. The good news is that since it is so mild, pork tenderloin takes on flavor easily – you just have to give it a little time. While you can certainly add flavor by using a spice rub, we love adding flavor by marinating pork tenderloin in one of our 3 delicious pork tenderloin marinades – Balsamic and Rosemary (a delicious blend of herbs, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and olive oil), Maple Dijon (a great sweet and savory combo), or Sesame Ginger (a tasty Asian-inspired choice that includes soy sauce or coconut aminos, honey, and red pepper flakes)! Allow your pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or, if you have the time, up to 24 hours. How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the OvenWhile we also love grilling pork tenderloin (or even cooking it all day in the slow cooker), today’s technique is dedicated to how to roast pork tenderloin in the oven, because it’s the most accessible cooking method year-round. Once you have marinated your pork tenderloin, it’s time to get cooking! Just follow the steps below to perfect pork tenderloin. Our main goals with pork tenderloin are to build flavor and not overcook it. Searing the pork tenderloin goes a long way to building flavor! It caramelizes the marinade, creating a delicious golden brown crust on the outside. It also helps seal the juices before you bake it. Step 1: Sear the Pork TenderloinTo sear the pork tenderloin, grab your favorite cast iron, or another heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pan, add about 1/2 tablespoon of oil, and heat it over medium-high heat. Then, take your pork tenderloin and let the excess marinade drip off, and place it in the pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes, until browned. After 3-4 minutes, flip the pork tenderloin over and sear for an additional 3-4 minutes, until browned. While you can sear it on all 4 sides if you’d like, we find that searing on two sides works just fine! Step 2: Bake the Pork TenderloinNow that the pork tenderloin is seared, you can either bake it in the same pan you seared it in, or transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet. Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F, then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at the high temperature of 425 degrees F helps it cook quickly and prevents it from drying out. Step 3: Rest the Pork TenderloinFinally, you’ll want to let the pork tenderloin rest for about 8-10 minutes before serving, if you skip this step and cut into it immediately, the juices will run out of it and you’ll be left with dry pork. Just for You Pork RecipesWant more recipe ideas like this? Pork Tenderloin Frequently Asked QuestionsQ How do you know when pork tenderloin is done? A My #1 tip for cooking this perfect pork tenderloin recipe in the oven is to buy a meat thermometer! Even better, if you can buy an in-oven thermometer that will beep as soon as the pork reaches the desired temperature, you will have perfect pork every time. I frequently use my in-oven thermometer for pork loin and tenderloin, chicken breast, and roasting whole chickens and can’t recommend it enough!
Q How to Use Leftover Pork Tenderloin A We love using leftover pork tenderloin because it stays tender even when reheated! Next time you make pork tenderloin, consider making a double batch so you can use the rest for leftovers. Our favorite way to use it is in a stir fry, but you can also season it and use it to make tacos, make fried rice, or thinly slice it for sandwiches (it would be especially perfect in a Cuban sandwich). We hope this guide to cooking the perfect pork tenderloin inspires you to give pork tenderloin a try! Perfect Oven-Roasted Pork TenderloinPrep Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Servings: 4 Servings Say goodbye to bland, boring pork tenderloin with this recipe for flavorful, juicy, oven-roasted pork tenderloin!
Nutrition Facts Perfect Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin Amount per Serving % Daily Value* * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Show us! Did You Make This Recipe?Share a photo and tag us! We can’t wait to see what you make! How long does it take to cook a pork tenderloin in the oven at 350?If you are cooking at 350, cook the pork tenderloin for 27 minutes-35 minutes until. the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
How long does it take to cook a pork tenderloin at 375?Preheat oven to 375° and place tenderloin in the middle of a baking dish. Rub vegetables with olive oil and season with 1/8 teaspoon salt. Scatter them around pork in the baking dish. Roast 30 to 45 minutes (or until a thermometer inserted in tenderloin registers 155°).
How long does it take to cook tenderloin at 400?A pork tenderloin will take about 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven at 400 degrees F.
How long does pork take to bake at 400?Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Drizzle the oil over the pork and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Transfer the pork to a rack over a heavy-bottomed roasting pan. Roast the pork until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loin reads 140 degrees F, about 1 hour.
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