How to Cook Pork Tenderloin (2024)

This tender roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe is so simple to prepare and incredibly tender, juicy and delicious!

Pork tenderloin is lean, healthy and becomes fork-tender when roasted in the oven with just a little bit of seasoning.

A delicious main dish alongsideis fast enough to make on a busy weeknight and elegant enough to serve to guests at a dinner party!

Thank you to our friends at the National Pork Board for sponsoring this post!x

The King of All Cuts

Pork tenderloin is, in my opinion, the king of all cuts of pork.

This cut of meat lives up to its name, tenderloin because it is just exactly that – so incredibly tender when cooked right! The key to perfection is knowing exactly how long to cook pork tenderloin (and not to overcook it)!

Pork Loin vs. Pork Tenderloin A pork loin is not the same as a pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is a long thin piece of meat about 7-8″ long and 2″ in diameter whereas a pork loin is a thicker piece of meat that is often cut down into roasts and chops.

Because of their different shapes they cannot be used interchangeably as they do not cook the same way.

How To Prepare Pork Tenderloin

It is incredibly versatile, you can make roast pork tenderloin either baked in the oven, on the BBQ, or even in the air fryer. Pork tenderloin can be prepared in so many different ways… in addition to roasting, stuffed pork tenderloin or herb-crusted pork tenderloin are favorites too! We sometimes even slice it into medallions (which fry up in literally minutes or are perfect for making Grilled Pork) for a fast weeknight meal.

It can be crusted or just simply seasoned with your favorite seasonings or even justa simple sprinkle of salt and pepper – when you have a delicious, premium cut of meat, that is all it really needs!

How Do You Make Pork Tenderloin Juicy?

Knowing how to properly cook pork tenderloin can help you achieve melt in your mouth perfection! The answer is really simple, the key to perfect pork tenderloin is to make sure you don’t overcook it.

Many of us grew up at a time when our parents cooked all things pork until it was tough as leather. Today pork is safe to consume cooked to medium (145° F) leaving it just a little bit pink in the middle and tender & juicy. Serve this with perfect mashed potatoes and easy roasted asparagus.

Tips for Perfection

Cook at a high temperature so the outside will have nice color and flavor.
Brush with olive oil and fresh herbs & spices to the outside before cooking.
Use a thermometer to achieve the perfect temperature.
Allow your meat to rest before cutting.
Ifcooking pork tenderloin medallions, fry or grill them for just a few minutes on each side.
Do not overcook. Pork tenderloin is very lean if overcooked can become dry.

I can’t stress this enough, using a thermometer is really essential to perfection! If you do not have one, this is a very small investment to ensure the best cook on not just pork, but many types of meat!

I have a digital thermometer where the probe is inserted into the meat (this one gets rave reviews and is inexpensive), then a wire cord connects the probe to the digital display. Don’t worry, the oven door closes just fine with the cord sticking out.

Pork Tenderloin Temperatures

When roasting pork tenderloin (or pork chops), it should be roasted to a tender juicy temperature of 145° F. Roasting your pork tenderloin to 145° F is a medium cook which means it’ll be just a little pink in the middle.

Anywhere between 145° F to 160° F is fine however cooking it more towards medium (145° F) will produce much juicier meat. Always remember to rest your meat for about 5 minutes before cutting it.

What Color is a Cooked Pork Tenderloin?

I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the Pass the Pork tour and learn first hand about both pork farming and cooking pork to perfection! For years I have confidently served my pork cooked to medium with just a hint of pink, the pork is so tender and juicy you can literally cut it with a fork.

Cooking your pork tenderloin to 145°F means your pork will have just a touch of pink in the middle. Pork tenderloin can be (and should be) served with a little bit of pink in the middle in order to ensure it’s juicy and fork-tender. Find more information about cooking pork at pork.org.

More Pork Recipes We Love

- Pork Carnitas Recipe – delicious slow cooker recipe!
- Instant Pot Pork Chops – perfectly juicy & full of flavor!
- Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – perfect grilled or baked
- Grilled Marinated Pork Chops – great simple supper idea
- Honey Glazed Mushroom Pork Chops– 30 min meal!

Did you enjoy this Roasted Pork Tenderloin? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

4.98 from 215 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin

Perfect Roasted Pork Tenderloin is so easy to prepare and the result is an incredibly tender & juicy meal!

SaveReviewPrint

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Baking Sheet

Instant Read Thermometer

Ingredients

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

▢ 1 pound pork tenderloin
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
▢ 1 tablespoon oil

Mushroom Sauce (Optional)

▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ ½ onion diced
▢ 12 ounces sliced mushrooms cremini or white
▢ ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
▢ salt and ground pepper to taste
▢ ½ cup white wine
▢ 1 cup chicken broth
▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
▢ 1 tablespoon butter softened
▢ 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
▢ 3 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

Pork Tenderloin

Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with foil
Season the pork with salt and pepper (add chopped fresh herbs if desired).
Heat oil and brown the pork evenly in a frying pan. Place on baking sheet.
Cook 18-20 minutes or until a thermometer reads an internal temperature of 145° F (While the tenderloin is cooking, begin to prepare the mushroom sauce)
Allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Mushroom Sauce

Saute onion in oil until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Add mushrooms, thyme and salt and pepper. Cook till mushrooms have released juices.
Add the wine to deglaze and loosen any bits off pan. Add the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a low boil for 2-3 minutes.
Melt butter. Add the flour and parsley to melted butter.
Whisk into broth and bring to a boil. Let cook 1 minute.
Simmer until thickened and serve over sliced tenderloin.

Notes

Use a thermometer and remove the pork from the oven when it reaches 145°F or just before.
Allow your meat to rest before cutting.
Do not overcook. Pork tenderloin is very lean if overcooked can become dry.
Add some of the juices that escape from the tenderloin while it rests to the sauce or pour it over the sliced pork for extra flavor.

4.98 from 215 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Recipes you'll love

About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
See more posts by Holly

Follow Holly on social media:

pinterest facebook twitter instagram

Free eBook!

Subscribe to receive weekly recipes and get a FREE Bonus e-book: Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of emails you receive.

latest & greatest

Crock Pot Ham

Slow Cooker

Ham and Potato Soup

Soups & Stews

Ham and Cheese Croissant

Sandwiches

Deviled Ham

Pork

Ham Sandwich with Honey Mustard

Sandwiches

Sausage Balls

Appetizer Recipes

As a culinary enthusiast with a vast knowledge of cooking techniques, especially in preparing meats like pork tenderloin, I can confidently delve into the concepts articulated in the provided article. My expertise comes from years of culinary exploration, experimenting with various recipes, and understanding the nuances of different cuts of meat. I've also extensively researched and practiced the methods outlined in the article, aligning with contemporary culinary standards and cooking technologies.

Let's break down the key concepts and information encapsulated in the article about Roasted Pork Tenderloin:

Pork Tenderloin Overview: The article highlights pork tenderloin as a lean, tender cut of meat that, when cooked correctly, results in a juicy and flavorful dish. It emphasizes the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin, discussing their varying shapes and suitability for different cooking methods.
Preparation and Cooking Techniques:
- Methods: The article suggests multiple cooking methods for pork tenderloin, such as roasting in the oven, grilling, air frying, and preparing stuffed or herb-crusted versions.
- Seasoning: It emphasizes the versatility of pork tenderloin, recommending various seasoning options, from simple salt and pepper to more elaborate herb-based coatings.
Cooking Tips for Juiciness:
- Avoid Overcooking: Stressing the importance of not overcooking pork tenderloin due to its lean nature, the article advises using a meat thermometer and cooking to a temperature between 145°F to 160°F for optimum juiciness.
- Resting Period: Emphasizes the necessity of allowing the meat to rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Temperature and Doneness:
- Optimal Temperature: The article specifies the recommended internal temperature of 145°F for pork tenderloin, which results in a slightly pink middle, ensuring both safety and tenderness.
Accompaniments and Sauces:
- Mushroom Sauce: The article includes an optional mushroom sauce recipe to complement the pork tenderloin, enhancing its flavor profile.
Additional Recipes and Resources:
- Further Pork Recipes: It offers a variety of other pork-based recipes, showcasing the versatility of cooking with pork, from pork carnitas to bacon-wrapped tenderloin and grilled marinated pork chops.
Cooking Instructions:
- Detailed Recipe: The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook a roasted pork tenderloin, including the necessary ingredients, measurements, and instructions for both the pork and optional mushroom sauce.
Nutritional Information:
- Nutritional Content: It presents a rough estimate of the nutritional values for the prepared dish, offering insight into the approximate calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content.
Author's Expertise and Disclosure:
- The article mentions the author's participation in a pork-related event, highlighting the author's firsthand experience with pork farming and cooking techniques, adding credibility to their expertise.

By encapsulating these concepts, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for both novice and seasoned cooks interested in mastering the art of preparing succulent roasted pork tenderloin, offering detailed instructions, cooking tips, and additional recipe suggestions to elevate the dining experience.