Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Marinated or seasoned with a blend of spices, this pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection in the oven, creating a mouthwatering main course that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: A fast recipe with minimal prep and hands-off cooking time.
- Juicy and flavorful: The perfect balance of tender meat and savory seasoning.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, or potatoes.
- Impressive yet simple: Great for both casual family meals and dinner parties.
- Healthy: A lean protein that fits into a balanced diet.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork tenderloin (1–2 pounds)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Dijon mustard, lemon juice, or soy sauce for added flavor
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the pork tenderloin:
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and trim any silver skin or excess fat.
- Season the meat:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Sear the tenderloin (optional):
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds extra flavor.
- Bake:
- Transfer the pork tenderloin to the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Resting ensures the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Resting Time: 5–10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Marinated version: Marinate the pork in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey for 1–2 hours before baking.
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
- Herb crust: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic finish.
- Glazed tenderloin: Brush with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Stuffed tenderloin: Slice the tenderloin lengthwise, stuff with spinach and cheese, and secure with kitchen twine before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooked pork in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat, while pork loin is larger, less tender, and typically needs longer cooking times.
2. Should I brine the pork tenderloin?
Brining adds moisture and flavor but is optional for this recipe. If desired, brine the pork in saltwater for 30 minutes to an hour before seasoning.
3. Can I use a meat thermometer?
Yes, a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the pork is cooked to the perfect temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet?
Absolutely! Add potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the baking sheet for an easy one-pan meal.
5. How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and let the meat rest after baking to retain its juices.
6. Can I use this recipe for pork chops?
Yes, the seasoning works well on pork chops, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
7. What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake multiple tenderloins, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
9. How do I get a good sear on the pork?
Ensure your skillet is hot and dry the tenderloin thoroughly before searing.
10. Can I use different spices?
Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends, such as Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, or smoked paprika.
Conclusion
Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin is a simple yet impressive dish that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. With its juicy interior and savory seasoning, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Print
Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin is tender, juicy, and full of flavor! Marinated or seasoned with simple spices, it’s roasted to perfection and finished with a savory glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 1/2 lbs pork tenderloin (1-2 pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloin if not already done. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the tenderloin with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.
2. Sear the Pork (Optional):
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- Sear the pork on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Bake the Pork:
- Transfer the skillet (or place the pork on a baking sheet) into the preheated oven.
- Roast for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
4. Add the Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and vinegar.
- Brush the glaze over the pork during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Rest and Slice:
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices.
- Slice into medallions and serve.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Season the pork up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Variations: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs to the skillet while roasting for extra flavor.