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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » How to Cook A Pork Tenderloin

    How to Cook A Pork Tenderloin

    Published: January 21, 2019 · Modified: Apr 1, 2023 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    This is the most tender and juiciest pork tenderloin recipe you’ll make. Generously seasoned, seared for a crispy crust, then finished in the oven, this recipe comes together so quickly and easily. Here’s how to cook a pork tenderloin that will melt in your mouth.

    A plate with three pieces of pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes on a plate. A platter of more pork and a glass of wine in the background.
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    Pinterest graphic of a platter with two logs of pork tenderloin with one sliced.
    Pinterest graphic of a plate with three pieces of pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes on the side.
    Pinterest graphic of a platter of two logs of pork tenderloin, sliced.
    Pinterest graphic of a platter with pork tenderloin, sliced with a fork placed on it.
    Pinterest graphic of a plate with three pieces of pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes. A glass of wine and more pork in the background.

    This pork tenderloin recipe is so tender and will practically melt in your mouth. It’s simple enough to make for an easy weeknight dinner but also perfect for when you have company. Crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside, it is bursting with so much flavor that it will have everyone reaching for seconds.

    If you’ve never cooked tenderloin before, it’s a lean cut of pork, so it can be easy to overcook. However, not to worry, this post will walk you through how to cook a pork tenderloin so it’s buttery soft.

    Seared first before baking, you get a moist and juicy tenderloin every single time. The juices are locked in, and the crust is crispy and flavorful. This will be the best baked pork tenderloin recipe you’ll ever make! If you want another delicious pork recipe, then try my Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipe, Instant Pot pork loin recipe, or Instant Pot pulled pork recipe.

    What You Need to Make This Recipe

    Ingredients needed to cook a pork tenderloin.

    Pork tenderloin — make sure you are purchasing pork tenderloin and not pork loin. Pork loin and tenderloin are not the same since pork loin is a larger cut of meat and is fattier than tenderloin. Tenderloin is more tender and mild in flavor.

    Oil — I use olive oil, but you can use any neutral oil of your choice.

    Seasoning — I use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Feel free to use your favorite spice rub.

    How to Make a Pork Tenderloin

    Set of two photos showing fat trimmed off the meat and seasoning mixed in a bowl.

    1. Trim the fat and silver skin off of each pork tenderloin and pat dry with paper towels. Rub 1 tablespoon oil over the tenderloins.

    2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.

    Set of two photos showing seasoning sprinkled over pork tenderloin and seared in a cast iron.

    3. Sprinkle all over each piece of pork, rubbing with your hands to coat evenly.

    4. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add both pork tenderloins to the skillet and brown on all sides. Place the skillet in the oven and bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of each tenderloin reaches 145°F. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and cover it with foil. Let rest before slicing.

    A platter with two pieces of pork tenderloin with one sliced.

    Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Pork will still be pinkish, very juicy, and tender when done.
    • Don’t skip patting dry the tenderloins with paper towels. It’ll help the oil and seasoning stick better to the tenderloins.
    • Allow the pork tenderloins to rest before cutting will allow the moisture to redistribute and keep the tenderloins juicy. If you cut open the pork immediately, the juices will end up all over your cutting board.
    • Be careful not to overcook the pork. As pork is lean and it’s easy to overcook, I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying on the timing itself.
    • By searing the pork before baking, it gives the exterior a nice brown crust while adding flavor and sealing in the juices.
    • Do not skip removing the silver skin on the meat. It is extremely chewy and tough, causing it to be unpleasant to eat. To trim silver skin, use a sharp, narrow-bladed knife and slip the blade just under the silver skin, making a “tab” to hold on to. Holding the tab taut with one hand, run the blade under the thick membrane, keeping it angled away from the meat until you reach the end of the membrane.
    • Some side dishes I like to enjoy this recipe with are my spicy cornbread pudding, Panzanella salad, butternut squash mac and cheese, green bean casserole, and potato gratin.
    A plate with three pieces of pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes on the side with a glass of wine in the background.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it better to cook pork tenderloin at 350F or 400F?

    It’s best to bake the tenderloin at 400F after searing it. Baking the pork at a higher temperature for a shorter period will keep the pork tender and juicy.

    When is the pork done cooking?

    Once the pork has reached the safe internal temp of 145°F and you’ve rested the pork for 5 minutes, the pork tenderloins are ready.

    How do I store leftovers?

    Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, be careful not to overcook it. You can also serve leftovers cold to avoid accidentally overcooking them. Try serving the pork on a sandwich or on a salad instead of reheating it.

    Can I freeze leftovers?

    You sure can! Once the tenderloins are at room temperature, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

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    If you’ve tried this Pork Tenderloin recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A grey platter with sliced pork tenderloin with some juices on the platter.
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    5 from 6 votes

    How to Cook A Pork Tenderloin

    Want to cook the most tender and juicy pork tenderloin ever? No problem! Here's how to cook a pork tenderloin so it's flawless every time.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
    Rest Time 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 157kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Large cast-iron skillet or oven-proof skillet

    Ingredients

    • 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound/450g each)
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
    • 1½ teaspoons salt
    • 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1½ teaspoons onion powder
    • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
    • Trim the fat and silver skin off of each pork tenderloin (see Notes) and pat dry with paper towels. Rub 1 tablespoon oil over the tenderloins.
    • In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Sprinkle all over each piece of pork, rubbing with your hands to evenly coat.
    • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add both pork tenderloins to the skillet and brown on all sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
    • Place the skillet in oven and bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of each tenderloin reaches 145°F, about 20 minutes. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and cover with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

    Notes

    • Pork will still be pinkish when done, very juicy, and tender.
    • Don’t skip patting dry the tenderloins with paper towels. It’ll help the oil and seasoning stick better to the tenderloins.
    • Allow the pork to rest before cutting will allow the moisture to redistribute and keep the tenderloins juicy. If you cut open the pork immediately, the juices will end up all over your cutting board.
    • Be careful not to overcook the pork. As pork is lean, it’s easy to overcook, I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying on the timing itself.
    • By searing the pork before baking, it gives the exterior a nice brown crust while adding flavor and sealing in the juices.
    • Do not skip removing the silver skin. It is extremely chewy and tough, causing it to be unpleasant to eat. To trim silver skin, use a sharp, narrow-bladed knife and slip the blade just under the silver skin, making a “tab” to hold on to. Holding the tab taut with one hand, run the blade under the thick membrane, keeping it angled away from the meat until you reach the end of the membrane.
    • Some sides I like to enjoy this recipe with are my spicy cornbread pudding, Panzanella salad, butternut squash mac and cheese, green bean casserole, and potato gratin.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 312mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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