Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients

This is meant to be a brief overview of the recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredient measurements, please scroll down to the teal box below.

• Pork Tenderloin: I don’t like to use pork that’s been injected with a salt and water solution so I avoid packages that are labeled as such. Look for pork that’s reddish-pink in color. The pork may have a bit of marbling (bits of fat) throughout and may or may not have silver skin on it (which you should trim off before cooking).
• Garlic Powder: Adds garlicky flavor without burning. If you like spice, add a little bit of chili powder also.
• Fresh Thyme: I love the combination of thyme and pork. You can use other fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or parsley if you prefer.
• Olive Oil: Any mild neutral oil works great in this recipe.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Complements the rest of the ingredients.
• Cowboy Butter: You don’t have to use this to finish the dish, but it’s where most of the flavor comes into play. It also adds moisture ensuring your pork is juicy.

Alternatively, try one of our other yummy compound butter recipes. If you’re not going to use flavored butter, I suggest using more seasoning like Italian seasoning, Mediterranean seasoning, lemon homemade pepper, magic dust spice rub, or even Montreal chicken seasoning to add additional flavor.

Baking Pork Tenderloin

Oven-roasted pork tenderloin doesn’t have to just be a Sunday Supper kind of meal, you can actually have it on the table fairly quickly! Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that’s tender and juicy and perfect for 30 minute meals.

Ang’s Tips

• Gently pat the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel before starting.
• DO NOT cover the pork tenderloin while it is baking.
• DO use tinfoil to make a “tent” and allow the pork tenderloin to rest 5-8 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Note: If you have boneless pork loin on hand, you can use this same method; however, cooking pork loin takes longer than tenderloin because it’s a thicker cut of pork.

How do I know when pork tenderloin is done?

The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F.

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove it from the oven at 145 degrees F. Make sure you insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.

How to Roast Vegetables with Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin

To make an easy meal perfect for a busy weeknight I cut potatoes and carrots into 1-2 inch pieces and cook them right on the tray with the pork tenderloin.  Prepare the veggies while you are searing the pork tenderloin. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Spray a sheet pan with cooking oil.
3. Peel 4 large cloves of garlic and add them to the tray.
4. Add the vegetables to the tray and season with granulated garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt and pepper.
5. Place the tray in the oven while you finish searing the pork.
6. When the pork is ready for the oven, place it in the center of the tray.
7. Bake for another 18-20 minutes until the pork is done, then remove it to a serving dish or cutting board to rest.
8. If needed, return the sheet pan to the oven to finish cooking the vegetables until tender.

Serving Suggestions

Pork goes so well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Honey Glazed Baby Carrots or steamed broccoli drizzled with our Lemon Vinaigrette are easy and delicious sides.
• Since you’re already making cowboy butter, make these Garlic Green Beans!
• These Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes are a delicious side dish also. Or, if you’re watching your carbs, try it with Frozen Roasted Cauliflower.
• For a really decadent treat, serve with our almost-famous cowboy butter dipping sauce.

Storage

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-5 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

To Reheat: The best way to reheat pork tenderloin without drying it out is to place it into a baking dish and brush it with a little bit of butter or chicken broth. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 325F for 20-25 minutes until heated throughout. A whole tenderloin will take longer than slices.

You can also use leftovers to make this delicious pork casserole with noodles!

Similar Recipes

If you love cooking pork for quick weeknight meals, you’ll love our grilled pork tenderloin! Next time, try one of these delicious pork recipes:

• grilled BBQ pork chops
• sheet pan pork tenderloin
• pulled pork mac and cheese
• slow cooker pork roast
• Dutch oven pork tenderloin