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Home / Recipes
36 minutes
4.53 from 38 votes
7 Comments

Perfect Pork Tenderloin

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by: Joanna Cismaru
05.21.19
Updated: 02.26.20

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Perfect Pork Tenderloin – the perfect wow worthy meal for any night of the week. This flavor packed entree is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, so roll up those sleeves and let’s whip up some perfection.

sliced pork tenderloin in a skillet

Perfect Pork Tenderloin

Sometimes during a long day at work I sit at my desk and dream of the things I’ll make for dinner. Today I was thinking about perfectly pink pork tenderloin, juicy and flavorful and buttery to cut into. It’s the perfect entree for anyone out there who really wants to WOW at dinner time. Don’t be intimidated by cooking with pork if you’re a novice, my recipe today will come together in just about 30 minutes. So let’s get cooking!

What Is Tenderloin?

This is the creme de la creme of pork cuts, also known as the gentlemen’s cut or pork fillet, tenderloin is absolutely delectable. It is so perfect to pair with any of your favorite pork accompaniments, like apple sauce or Honey Mustard. I think this recipe is simple and divine, and I’m sure all of you will too – let’s get into it!

overhead shot of ingredients needed for cooking pork tenderloin

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Pork – Tenderloin is the cut we used today. We want something that will bake well and stay nice and moist.
  • Seasoning – Salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder are our seasonings for today.
  • Olive oil and butter – We want something with a neutral taste that will help us form a nice crust on our meat.
  • Parsley – Nice and fresh chopped up finely for a little bit of garnish. This is completely optional, of course.

How To Make Perfect Pork Tenderloin

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Preheat the oven: We want this to be at 400 F degrees, place the rack in the middle of the oven.
  • Prepare the rub: In a bowl combine your seasonings and mix well. Sprinkle this over your tenderloin and use your hands to rub the spices over the entire surface of the meat. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
  • Sear the loins: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet and brown the tenderloin on all sides, this should take about 6 minutes. Place the skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 13 – 15 minutes. Halfway through flip the tenderloins over.
  • Finish your perfect pork tenderloins: Transfer the tenderloins to a cutting board and cover them with aluminum foil, allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve.
process shots for making pork tenderloin

What Else Can I Use?

If pork tenderloin isn’t available feel free to use sliced loins or pork chops. Either will work perfectly fine! Just be sure to monitor your cooking time accordingly.

Tips For Making The Perfect Pork

  • Get a meat thermometer! We want to guarantee our loins reach an internal temperature of at least 150 F degrees and the best way to do this is through covering accuracy.
  • Baking at a high temperature will give you nicely browned pork with delicious crispy bits while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.
  • Covering our pork with aluminum foil will ensure that it stays nice and juicy before we cut into it – and be sure to let it rest! Otherwise your meat will end up dry and no one wants that.
two cooked pork tenderloins in a skillet

How To Serve Pork Tenderloin

This dish goes so well with Mashed Potatoes or even Loaded Scalloped Potatoes. If you’re feeling some veggies, my recipes for Roasted Green Beans And Mushrooms  or even just Garlic Butter Mushrooms will do in a pinch. If you’re feeling like getting a little boozy, a nice gin forward sipper like my Negroni will give the whole dish a scrumptious buzz.

Storing Leftovers

Cooked tenderloin will last in the fridge for up to 3 – 4 days if it’s stored in an airtight container. Be sure to freeze your pork within 2 hours of cooking to limit bacteria growth, and it’ll last up to 3 months. So enjoy that bad boy now or later!

slices of pork tenderloin in a skillet

Craving More Pork? Try These Recipes:

  • Pork Schnitzel
  • Pan Seared Pork Chops With Gravy
  • Pork Carnitas
  • Korean Style Pork Chops
  • Ranch Pork Chops And Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner
  • Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin
  • Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops
  • Pork Loin Roast

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

overhead shot of sliced pork tenderloin

Perfect Pork Tenderloin

4.53 from 38 votes
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 21 mins
Rest: 10 mins
Total: 36 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 6
Print Pin Rate
Perfect Pork Tenderloin – the perfect wow worthy meal for any night of the week. This flavor packed entree is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, so roll up those sleeves and let's whip up some perfection.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork tenderloin 2 tenderloins
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp pepper or to taste
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 2 tbsp parsley fresh, chopped
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 F degrees. Place the rack in the middle position.
  • In a small bowl combine the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder together.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning over the tenderloins and use your hands to rub the spices over the entire surface of the tenderloins, until they are evenly coated.
  • Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven safe skillet, such as a cast iron or a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tenderloins and brown on all sides. Should take about 6 minutes in total.
  • Place the skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes. Halfway through, flip the tenderloins over. Bake until the center of the tenderloin registers at least 150 F degrees.
  • Transfer the tenderloins to a cutting board, cover them with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with parsley if preferred and serve.

Recipe Notes

Cooked tenderloin will last in the fridge for up to 3 – 4 days if it’s stored in an airtight container. Be sure to freeze your pork within 2 hours of cooking to limit bacteria growth, and it’ll last up to 3 months.
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 225kcal (11%)Carbohydrates: 1gProtein: 31g (62%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Cholesterol: 103mg (34%)Sodium: 274mg (12%)Potassium: 618mg (18%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 180IU (4%)Vitamin C: 1.7mg (2%)Calcium: 24mg (2%)Iron: 1.9mg (11%)
Course:Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:pork recipes, pork tenderloin
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Maria Agathocleous says

    July 18, 2020 at 6:54 am

    5 stars
    Hi jo. I just did the perfect por tenderloin. As it’s name, it’s just Perfect! Really easy, nice and amazing flavors!
    I’m wondering If I could use Beef tenderloin for the same recipe and if it’s ok how much the center temperature of the beef Should be?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      July 18, 2020 at 9:21 am

      Beef and pork have different requirements! We actually have a recipe for beef tenderloin here: https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/beef-tenderloin/

      Reply
  2. Kim says

    April 3, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    What if I don’t have a skillet that can go in the oven?

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      April 3, 2020 at 12:55 pm

      You can transfer it to a baking sheet

      Reply
  3. Bethany says

    February 4, 2020 at 4:18 pm

    5 stars
    This was absolutely fabulous!! Will never make a pork tenderloin any other way!

    Reply
    • jo says

      February 4, 2020 at 4:38 pm

      So happy to hear this! Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. Elizabeth King says

    November 22, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    5 stars
    This is a keeper! Seriously you HAVE to try it. Will be this family’s #1 go to recipe from here on out.

    Reply

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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