Baked Pork Tenderloin

Savory, moist, and perfectly tender, this Baked Pork Tenderloin is the perfect entree for any occasion.

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Most people think chicken or beef is the perfect protein, but it’s my opinion that pork is the unsung hero of the meat world. Sure, everyone loves bacon, and maybe you regularly enjoy a ham sandwich at lunch, but pork is so much more than a lunch meat or breakfast side. I remember growing up watching The Brady Bunch and hearing there was nothing more American than pork chops and applesauce, a dish so popular on the show it became a pop culture joke for decades.

When it comes to pork, however, there is no more perfect part of the pig than a deliciously prepared pork tenderloin. It works for a summertime barbecue just as well as a Christmas dinner. Plus, it pairs with so many side dishes. And when done right, it melts in your mouth. But that’s the problem: it’s hard to get it just right. I love pork tenderloin, but it took me a very long time to learn how to properly prepare it. I tried everything: different seasonings, different cooking methods. Some were great, others crashed and burned. When I found this pork tenderloin recipe, I knew I could stop looking. It was so simple and gave me fantastic results.

Is Baked Pork Tenderloin Healthy?

As with most things, baked pork tenderloin is healthy in moderation. Pork is a great source of protein, and tenderloin has a low cholesterol level, is paleo friendly, keto friendly, whole30 friendly, gluten-free, and low in saturated fats. It’s also rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, and helps with muscle growth and repair, boosts immunity functions, reduces fatigue, and helps you maintain a balanced diet. Pork is also rich in amino acids, which can help your body during exercise. With only a few ingredients, this recipe for baked pork tenderloin has very few areas to make it unhealthy.

What is The secret to perfectly moist pork tenderloin?

The tenderloin comes from a lean section of the pig, which means it is easy to overcook and dry out. So, you have to be precise with your technique. Start off by cooking it at 400°F for only 10 minutes to crisp up the outer layer. This will help trap in the moisture. Then lower your temperature to 350°F to slow the cooking process. The length of the cooking time will depend on the weight of your pork tenderloin. Check the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin and when it hits 145°F, remove it from the oven. Cover it with tin foil to allow its residual heat to finish it off. This process ensures that the moisture in your meat is retained and each bite is tender and delicious.

INGREDIENTS

4-5 pounds pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat

Get the oven ready for roasting pork.

Season

Rub pork with oil and spices.

Roast

Cook pork initially at high heat, then lower and continue until done.

Rest & Serve

Let pork rest, then slice for serving.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I prep and store the pork?

If you have leftovers or are cooking in advance, let your pork tenderloin cool then put it into an airtight container, which you can refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to six months. If you decide to freeze your pork tenderloin, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. To do so, put it in the oven at 350°F for roughly 10 minutes or until the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin has once again reached 145°F.

Can my pork tenderloin be made spicier?

If you would like a spicier pork tenderloin, you can add a little cayenne pepper to your dry rub.

Serving Suggestions

Pork tenderloin is a versatile main dish that can be served with so many vegetable dishes; roasted potatoes, green beans, or roasted broccoli are some of my favorites. The light flavor of pork with the savory seasoning in the rub means you can also pair it with an assortment of fruits. Maybe you can make the Bradys proud by adding a little applesauce.