How To Make Pork Tenderloin (Recipe Guide)

Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of pork that’s perfect for quick and flavorful meals. It can be roasted, grilled, or pan-seared, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces and sides.

Here’s a recipe to make juicy, perfectly cooked pork tenderloin. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful pork tenderloin, and don’t forget to experiment with sauces and sides to make it your own!

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Why You’ll Love Pork Tenderloin

Quick Cooking: Cooks in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Lean and Healthy: A great source of protein with minimal fat.

Versatile: Works with a variety of seasonings, marinades, and sides.

How to Make Pork Tenderloin

Pork Tenderloin Recipe Ingredients

For the Pork Tenderloin:
1–1.5 lb pork tenderloin
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce (Optional):
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp butter

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Step By Step How to Make Pork Tenderloin

Prepare the Pork

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim any silver skin from the pork tenderloin (a thin, silvery membrane) for even cooking.

Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels, then rub with olive oil. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork.

Sear the Pork

Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This locks in the juices.

Roast the Pork

Transfer the skillet with the pork to the preheated oven. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the pork to a baking dish.

Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices.

Make the Sauce (Optional):

While the pork rests, place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard to the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in butter for a silky finish.

Slice and Serve

Slice the pork into 1/2-inch medallions. Drizzle with the sauce or serve it on the side. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Making Pork Tenderloin

This ensures you cook the pork to the perfect internal temperature without overcooking. Rest Before Slicing: Letting the pork rest prevents the juices from escaping, keeping it moist.

Experiment with marinades like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, or season with smoky spices like cumin and chipotle powder.
If your pork tenderloin is unevenly thick, pound it gently to ensure even cooking.

Pork tenderloin is lean, so overcooking can make it dry.

How Many Calories Have Pork Tenderloin

Without Sauce: ~200 calories per serving (4 oz pork tenderloin)
With Sauce: ~250-300 calories per serving