Baked Pork Tenderloin (2024)

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If you aren’t cooking with pork tenderloin, you are missing out! Start with this Baked Pork Tenderloin recipe for dinner tonight. It’s unbelievably juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tender, cooks in 15 minutes, and the light, smoky rub gives it a fantastic crust.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Pork Tenderloin

  • Fast. Unlike tough, marbled cuts like pork butt that need to cook for long periods to be tender (see: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), pork tenderloin is lean, so it cooks quickly and stays tender. A quick sear followed by 10 minutes in the oven, it’s one of the fastest among my 30-minute meals.
  • Versatile. Pork tenderloin is mild, lending itself well to a wide range of flavors. This one has a tasty BBQ-style rub, but it’s certainly not the only option. Check out my go-to Pork Tenderloin Marinade for more excellent variations.
  • EASY. Meat with the word “tenderloin” sounds fancy and intimidating—it’s not! Just rub, sear, and bake.
  • A Nice Change of Pace. I rely on solid Baked Chicken Breast as much as the next person, but it’s nice to switch up your lean protein sources, especially if you are hosting.
  • Good Enough for a Dinner Party. Want to serve something other than chicken for a party, but keeping it more casual than Standing Rib Roast? Bring on the baked pork tenderloin (or Stuffed Pork Tenderloin!).
  • But Simple Enough for a Weeknight. With its fast prep and cook time, pork tenderloin is ideal for healthy meals any night of the week. Want it even faster? Try Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin.
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How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

The Ingredients

  • Pork Tenderloin. NOT the same thing as pork loin. This cut is long, thin, and super tender. You’ll often see it sold in packages of 2. If you buy pre-brined, skip the salt in this recipe.
  • Brown Sugar. Brown sugar is the secret to the pork’s caramelized, “crusty” exterior. It also adds a bit of sweetness to balance the smoky and spicy flavors.
  • Cumin. Adds warmth and earthiness.
  • Dry Mustard. Tangy and savory with a hint of heat.
  • Paprika + Chipotle Chile Powder. These two spices both possess the perfect combination of smoky and spicy.

Market Swap

If you prefer less heat, swap the chipotle chile powder for regular chili powder.

The Directions

  1. Trim. Pork tenderloin has a tough membrane called the “silver skin” that needs to be removed.
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  1. Rub. Get the spice mix all over that pork.
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  1. Sear. This gives the pork a nice crust and brings out the rub’s flavors even more.
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  1. Bake. Cook pork tenderloin in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
  2. Let Rest. 10 minutes (even 5 is better than none!).
  3. Slice. We like 1-inch medallions. ENJOY the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
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Prep This Recipe Ahead

  • Up to 1 day in advance, trim the pork and coat it in the spice rub. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to finish the recipe.

What to Serve with Baked Pork Tenderloin

  • Potatoes. A major crowd-pleaser! Try IGarlic Mashed Potatoes or Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
  • Salad. A simple Arugula Salad would be perfect.
  • Mac and Cheese. Everyone loves a classic! Try Gourmet Mac and Cheese for a swoon-worthy dinner party.
  • Vegetables. Go green with Roasted Broccoli or make Air Fryer Cauliflower while your pork is in the oven.
  • Applesauce. A side of Crockpot Applesauce or Instant Pot Applesauce is always a good idea with pork.
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Leftover Ideas

Thinly slice your leftover pork tenderloin and use it for a pork sandwich (or Air Fryer Grilled Cheese!), dice and add to Homemade Fried Rice, or use them in place of beef in this Corned Beef Hash.

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Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Season the Pork Well. Pork tenderloin is bland on its own. Doctoring it up with the below pork tenderloin rub will give it smokiness and depth.
  • Sear the Meat First. Taking a few minutes to sear the outside of the pork on the stove prior to putting it in the oven forms a tasty “crust” that gives the pork an additional dimension of flavor. You’ll feel like a pro!
  • DO NOT OVERCOOK THE MEAT. This is the cardinal rule for lean cuts of meat like pork tenderloin. At 400 degrees F, a 1-pound pork tenderloin will cook in 8 to 10 minutes after being seared on the stove. Unlike tough, fatty cuts of meat (like the shoulder used for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), leaner cuts like pork tenderloin donotbecome more tender the longer they cook. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
  • Let It Rest. Resting lets the juices reincorporate, so be sure to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Not letting pork rest and overcooking are the top two reasons why your pork tenderloin is dry.
  • Add Gravy. Did you overcook it (eeeek!)? Don’t panic: add Mushroom Gravy to save the day!

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Review

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Baked Pork Tenderloin

4.74 from 19 votes

This easy baked pork tenderloin is ready in 15 minutes! Juicy inside with a delicious smoky rub, it's great for fast meals but good enough for company!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

  • 1 pork tenderloin about 1 pound; or double the recipe to cook 2 tenderloins
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder for less heat, substitute regular chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil

Instructions

  • Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400°F. With a sharp knife, cut away and discard the silver skin (tough membrane) from the pork.

  • In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, salt, cumin, mustard, black pepper, and chipotle powder in a bowl.

  • Heat a cast-iron pan or similar oven-safe, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the oil and let it warm up for another minute or two.

  • Coat the pork tenderloin on all sides with the spice rub.

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  • Once the oil is hot, sear the pork on all sides (be careful to lower the pork into the pan away from you in case of oil splatters). You’ll need about 2 to 3 minutes per side—it can get a bit smoky, so turn on your fan (or open the windows if you don't have one). The pork should have a nice crust but not be all the way cooked through.

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  • Transfer the pan to the oven. Bake the pork tenderloin until the internal temperature reaches 135°F on an instant read thermometer, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate, cover, and let rest at least 10 minutes (pork is considered safe to eat at 145°F, but its internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests). Slice the pork into 1-inch medallions. Serve warm, with pan juices spooned over the top.

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Video

Notes

  • If cooking 2 pork tenderloins, brown them one at a time, then nestle them into the skillet together to bake.
  • If you can only find a pork tenderloin that is already brined, rinse it off, pat it dry, and omit half of the salt from the rub
  • TO STORE:Refrigerate pork in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Gently reheat leftovers in a small skillet or in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze pork in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 24gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 74mgPotassium: 511mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 946IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 2mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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42 Comments

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  1. Love your recipes. Have had such wonderful luck with Skillet chicken breast and the pork tenderloin recipe from frying pan to oven. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Great to hear, thank you Jacqueline!

      Reply

  2. I did. And for the 1st time, I made pork that was tender and yummy. Thanks.Baked Pork Tenderloin (20)

    Reply

    1. Love it! Thank you Bets!

      Reply

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Baked Pork Tenderloin (2024)

FAQs

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

Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400? Cooking a pork loin at 400°F will give a nice crust and cook it faster, reducing the risk of drying out.

What is the best method of cooking pork tenderloin? ›

Sear pork, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 6–8 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven (if you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer pork to a baking dish) and roast, flipping pork halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 140°, 14–18 minutes.

What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked at? ›

Because of this, the USDA suggests cooking it to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the same temperature for every variation of pork you might choose from pork tenderloin to shoulder. However, once your meat has hit this mark, you're not too far off from overcooking the product.

How long do you bake pork tenderloin at 400 degrees? ›

Bring up the sides of the foil to completely enclose each tenderloin (see photos in post). Bake at 400 degrees F until pork registers between 145- and 150-degrees F (63 and 65 degrees C) at the thickest part of the tenderloin, 15-25 minutes depending on thickness.

How long does it take to cook pork tenderloin at 350 in the oven? ›

How long to cook pork tenderloin in oven at 350°F: Placed in a baking dish and cooked uncovered, a pork tenderloin will take around 20-27 minutes at 350°F.

How do I cook a pork loin so it doesn't dry out? ›

Grilling
  1. First, use a high-heat area to quickly brown the meat on all sides. ...
  2. Next, move the loin to a low-heat area of the grill and cover it with foil.
  3. Now, you can roast the pork using indirect cooking for approximately one to one and a half hours, or about 20 minutes per pound of meat.
Oct 3, 2023

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin covered or uncovered? ›

Since pork loin is a larger cut of meat, it will need a longer cook time in the oven. I would still wrap it in foil to prevent the outside from getting too brown and it would need to cook in the oven for 60-75 minutes at 400 degrees F until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.

Should I sear a pork tenderloin before baking? ›

This cooking method is a surefire way to make moist and juicy pork tenderloin without much fuss. Searing the meat first gives it that golden-brown crust before a quick roast in the oven finishes it off. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing meal for any night of the week.

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow? ›

The size and structure of a tenderloin make it perfect for cooking quickly on high heat. You want to be able to brown the outside while still keeping it a little pink on the inside.

How to tell when pork tenderloin is done without a thermometer? ›

One way to determine your porks' doneness is by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking. If they're mostly or entirely pink or red, it's best to continue cooking.

What is the best temperature for tenderloin? ›

Knowing how long to cook and the right beef tenderloin temperature is key to any tenderloin recipe. Timings are based on meat removed directly from the refrigerator. For roasts that are 2 to 3 pounds, roast at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 45 to 50 minutes for medium (150°F) doneness.

When to take pork tenderloin out of the oven? ›

Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F, then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at the high temperature of 425 degrees F helps it cook quickly and prevents it from drying out.

Can pork tenderloin be pink? ›

If fresh pork has reached 145°F (62.8 °C) throughout, even though it may still be pink in the center, it should be safe. The pink color can be due to the cooking method or added ingredients.

Is pork fillet the same as pork tenderloin? ›

Pork tenderloin, also known as pork filet, is a thin and long rectangular cut of pork from the loin muscle. This piece of meat is cut from the delicate muscle along the pig's spine, and because that muscle is not for movement, it is a particularly tender cut of meat (similar to beef filet mignon).

What temp is pork the most tender? ›

These new pork temperature guidelines will help elevate the understanding of properly cooking pork. And you can bet that this “other white meat” cooked to the USDA-recommended temperature of 145°F (63°C) will be juicy, tender, (possibly) pink, and safe for your family.

Does pork tenderloin get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Quite the opposite, actually! Pork tenderloin should be cooked quickly and then left to rest to ensure it stays tender. If you cook it too long, it will become tough and chewy.

Can you bake pork at 400? ›

Baking pork chops at 400 degrees F will result in a slightly crisper, more caramelized exterior. It's the ideal temperature for breaded pork chops, because the hotter temperature will crisp up the crumbs, as well as complete sheet pan meals, since 400 degrees F is the best temperature for roasting most vegetables.

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