Roasted Pork Tenderloin is a tender and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Here’s a simple recipe for making a juicy and perfectly roasted pork tenderloin:
Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1-1.5 lbs (450-680g) pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or juice of 1/2 lemon)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (for optional sauce)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. - Prepare the tenderloin:
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a good sear. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork tenderloin. - Sear the pork (optional but recommended):
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the pork tenderloin for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step helps lock in the juices and flavor. If you don’t want to sear, you can skip this step and go straight to roasting. - Roast the pork:
Transfer the skillet (or place the tenderloin on the prepared baking sheet) to the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the tenderloin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. - Rest the meat:
Once the pork reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. - Optional pan sauce:
While the pork is resting, you can make a quick sauce. Place the skillet back on medium heat and add chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve:
Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and drizzle with the optional pan sauce. Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your tender and flavorful Roasted Pork Tenderloin!