I have a deep appreciation for pork tenderloin. It's budget-friendly, readily available at any grocery store, and incredibly versatile. Unlike most roasts, it cooks quickly, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. All you need is a simple pork tenderloin recipe to transform this protein-packed cut into a delightful meal.
With its mild flavor, pork tenderloin serves as a blank canvas for various marinades and spice rubs. You can coat it with honey, mustard, and thyme to pair with a fresh salad and mashed potatoes. Or season it with brown sugar, paprika, and chili powder to enjoy with rice and spiced black beans. Another option is marinating it in lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil, then thinly slicing it for Italian-inspired paninis. Whatever your preference, this guide on cooking pork tenderloin guarantees juicy and tender results every time.
How to select pork tenderloin:
Pork tenderloin is a lean, boneless cut of pork that is long and narrow. Due to its low fat content, it can easily dry out if overcooked. It's important to note that pork tenderloin is smaller than pork loin, which is wider and has a fat cap on top. While a pork loin roast can feed a larger group, a single pork tenderloin typically serves two to three people.
Preparing pork tenderloin:
Before cooking, check your tenderloin for any silver skin—a tough, shiny connective tissue on the surface of the meat. If present, use a sharp knife to remove it. Pat the tenderloin dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
To keep the pork juicy, use an instant-read thermometer. The safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F (ground pork should be cooked to 160°F). Remember that the temperature will rise while the pork rests, so take it out of the oven when it's 5 to 10 degrees below your desired doneness.
Allow the pork tenderloin to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Slicing it too soon will result in dry and less flavorful meat.
The best way to cook pork tenderloin:
After testing various cooking methods, I found that a combination of stovetop searing and oven roasting yielded the best results. Searing the meat quickly on the stovetop before finishing it in the oven resulted in a perfectly cooked tenderloin with a golden crust and juicy interior.
This method ensures a beautifully browned crust while keeping the interior tender and flavorful. Follow this easy recipe for perfect pork tenderloin every time with minimal prep work.
Basic pork tenderloin recipe:
Once you master the sear-and-roast method for cooking pork tenderloin, you can enjoy tender and flavorful pork every time. Season the pork with salt and pepper or add a spice rub or marinade for extra flavor. Try marinating the tenderloin in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, and salt for a juicier result.
