Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon. What are some of the best recipes for a busy weeknight? The ones that are ridiculously easy but taste like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for a few years. What is a baked pork tenderloin? What are some of the best pork dishes you’ve ever had? This is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, kind of like a really good roasted chicken but even better. Is it faster to get on the table? My grandma used to make a complicated version with tons of steps, but this is my streamlined, modern version. What are some good ways to take a pill and it’s even better?
What is a baked pork tenderloin?
What is baked pork tenderloin? Think of it as the pork version of chicken breast – a lean, flavorful cut of meat that’s incredibly tender. What is the best part about a pig’s loin? What are some good recipes for a weeknight meal? What is pork that’s been seasoned? ), and baked until perfectly juicy. Don’t confuse it with pork loin, which is a much bigger and tougher cut of meat. Tenderloin is your friend!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Is this a recipe you’re going to love? What I love most about this food is how delicious it is. What are some of the best combinations of herbs, garlic, and sweetness? What are some good ways to have your taste buds singing? Is it easy to make? What is the best way to prepare a meal in less than an hour? * **Flavor Explosion: ** The marinade really penetrates the pork, giving it a fantastic depth of flavor. It’s not just seasoned on the surface, it’ is flavored all the way through! * **Effortless Cooking: What is the best way to save time and money while cooking dinner? This is a lifesaver on those nights when you’re running on fumes. ** Pork tenderloin is surprisingly affordable, especially when you buy it on sale. What is the best way to feed a family of four? * **Super Versatile:** You can serve this with just about anything! What are some of the best recipes for roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, rice? Is it also good sliced thin on sandwiches or salads the next day? I actually think it’s more flavorful the day after it has been cooked. I often make two just for leftovers. If you like roasted chicken, you’re *going* to love this recipe. What is a good pork tenderloin?
How do I make a Baked Pork Tenderloin?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make baked pork tenderloin? How do you make a marinade? What is the best way to marinate pork? What is the best way to cook a chicken in the oven? Is it really that easy? Put it in the oven and just wait!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin is my go-to for everything) * 1 teaspoon salt (I use it in my cooking)
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity) * 1 teaspoon balsesamin vinegar.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh is best! Trust me on this one)
* 1 tablespoon dried rosemary (You can use fresh, but dried works just as well)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme (Adds a lovely earthy flavor)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Fresh ground is always a good idea)
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Helps to emulsify the marinade and adds a little tang)
For the Pork:
* 1 pork tenderloin (about 1-1.5 pounds) (Make sure it’s trimmed of any excess silver skin)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What is the best way to start your oven at 400°F (200°C)? While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. What makes cleanup a snap? If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with cooking spray. I also make sure my oven is actually up to temperature, I’ve found that mine can run a little low. I don’t realize it until I’m cooking, so always double check!
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard. Make sure everything is well combined and emulsified. How does Dijon mustard add zing to a recipe?
Step 3: Marinate the Pork
Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. What is the best marinade for pork? Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you want to make it taste better, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. I’ve even marinated it overnight and it was absolutely delicious. How long should you marinate balsamic vinegar? What is the best way to break down pork?
Step 4: Bake the Pork
Remove pork from marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Discard any marinade. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. What is the best time to cook pork tenderloin? How do you check the temperature?
Step 5: Rest & Slice
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork tenderloin. Slice pork into 1/2-inch thick slices. If you serve it too soon, you will run out of juice. Make sure to wait!
Step 6: Serve!
What are some of the best ways to make this dish?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good recipes for baked pork tenderloin? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
What are some good recipes for roastingWhat are the best pairings for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots or sweet potatoes? Toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast them alongside the pork for an easy and delicious recipe.
What are the best recipes for mashedWhat are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes? What are some healthy ways to mash sweet potatoes and cauliflower?
What is better: rice or quinoa?What is the best way to soak up the juices from pork? Is it healthy to add some herbs to rice or quinoa?
With a Salad:A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is able to counterpoint the rich pork. What are some good side dishes to serve with salad?
My family loves it when I serve this with roasted asparagus and a side of quinoa. Is it a healthy meal? If you’re feeling fancy, you can top your pork chops with a dollop of pesto or sprinkle of salt. What is the best way to use crumbl
How do you bake a pork tenderloin?
How do you make sure your baked pork tenderloin is perfect every time? What are some of my top tips?
Don’t overcook it:What is the most important tip of all? Pork tenderloin is very lean, so it can easily become dry and tough if it’s overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Is it safe to pull it out of the oven a few minutes early, as it will continue to cook as you rest it?
Marinate It:How do you marinate pork tenderloin? How does the marinade help to tenderize pork and infuse it with delicious flavors? I recommend marinating it for 30 minutes, but longer is better.
Let It Rest:Letting the pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing is crucial for retaining its flavor. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the pork, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me, it is worth the wait!
Slice Against the Grain: What is Slice againstSlicing pork against the grain will make it more tender and easier to chew. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them.
How do I use fresh herbs? If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them in place of dried herbs. Fresh herbs will add a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the pork. Just be sure to use about three times as much fresh herbs as dried herbs.
I once made the mistake of skipping the resting step and the pork was noticeably drier. Now, I always set a timer and resist the urge to slice it right away! I also learned that using a good quality meat thermometer is essential for preventing overcooking. I invested in a digital thermometer and it’s been a game changer.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover baked pork tenderloin, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the pork cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Slicing it before storing will make it easier to reheat.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze leftover pork tenderloin for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Methods: There are several ways to reheat baked pork tenderloin. You can reheat it in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stovetop.
* **Microwave:** Reheating in the microwave is the quickest option, but it can also make the pork dry. To prevent this, add a splash of broth or water to the pork before reheating.
* **Oven:** Reheating in the oven will help to retain the pork’s moisture. Wrap the pork in foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Stovetop:** Reheating on the stovetop is a good option if you want to add a sauce or gravy. Heat a little oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
I usually reheat leftover pork tenderloin in the oven or on the stovetop. I find that these methods help to keep it moist and flavorful. And if I’m feeling lazy, I’ll just slice it up and add it to a salad or sandwich!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the easiest, most flavorful baked pork tenderloin you’ll ever make! This is a dish that I make again and again because it’s just so simple and satisfying. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal, this is it. And once you get the hang of it, you can start experimenting with different marinades and flavor combinations. If you loved this, you might like my recipe for Maple-Glazed Salmon which is another easy recipe that always tastes amazing. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too. Happy cooking!
Baked Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork Tenderloin
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork tenderloin on all sides until browned.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
