I bet you crave a dinner option that feels fancy yet stays simple right.
I have the perfect answer right here with a juicy roasted pork tenderloin recipe that always makes guests smile.
You will learn everything you need to pull off this crowd pleaser without breaking a sweat.
Ready to claim bragging rights at your next meal?
Why Pork Tenderloin Rocks The Table
I love pork tenderloin for two big reasons.
The cut cooks fast and still tastes rich.
It also lives on the lean side so you score protein without extra fat.
Could a busy cook ask for more?
Ingredients
Grab these items before you light the oven.
- Pork tenderloin about one and a half pounds
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- One teaspoon kosher salt
- Half teaspoon cracked black pepper
- One teaspoon garlic powder
- One teaspoon smoked paprika
- Half teaspoon dried thyme
- Quarter teaspoon chili flakes optional for heat lovers
- Two cloves garlic minced
- One tablespoon butter for basting
Gear You Need
You only need basic tools no fancy gadgets here.
- Sturdy skillet that can move from stove to oven
- Instant read thermometer for perfect doneness
- Small bowl for spice mix
- Tongs for flipping
- Aluminum foil for resting the meat
How To Make Roasted Pork Tenderloin
You want foolproof steps right?
I have you covered.
Step 1
Preheat the oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels so the spices stick.
Mix salt pepper garlic powder smoked paprika dried thyme and chili flakes in a bowl.
Rub the blend over the meat until every inch glows with color.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers.
Place the tenderloin in the hot skillet.
Sear each side for two minutes until a deep crust forms.
The smell will make neighbors curious trust me.
Step 3
Slide the skillet into the hot oven.
Roast for ten to fifteen minutes until an instant read thermometer reads one hundred forty five degrees in the thickest part.
I pull mine at one hundred forty so carryover cooks it the rest of the way.
Step 4
Place butter and minced garlic in the hot skillet once you remove it from the oven.
Tilt the pan and spoon the melted garlicky butter over the pork for one full minute.
Why skip a flavor bath when it takes that little effort?
Step 5
Move the pork to a platter and tent with foil.
Rest for eight minutes so juices settle inside the meat.
Slice against the grain into half inch medallions.
Marvel at that rosy center.
Flavor Variations
You feel like changing the vibe next time?
Check these twists.
- Maple Dijon Glaze Brush equal parts maple syrup and Dijon mustard before roasting.
- Herb Crust Swap smoked paprika for rosemary and sage.
- Spicy Citrus Add orange zest and extra chili flakes for a bright kick.
Common Mistakes And Quick Fixes
We all mess up now and then so let us tackle issues before they happen.
- Dry Meat You probably cooked past one hundred sixty degrees so stick to the temp rule next time.
- Bland Bite You skimped on salt so season with confidence.
- No Crust Your skillet was not hot enough so wait for that oil shimmer.
Serving Ideas That Wow
You want sides that spotlight the pork right?
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes Creamy spuds love the pan juices.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts They crisp while the pork rests.
- Apple Fennel Salad Fresh crunch balances rich meat.
- Cranberry Compote Sweet tart sauce feels fancy yet easy.
Nutrition Snapshot
I am not a diet guru but I checked the numbers for you.
One four ounce serving packs about.
- Calories two hundred
- Protein twenty four grams
- Fat nine grams with only three grams saturated
- Carbs two grams
- Zero gluten so friends who avoid it can dig in
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Prep The Pork In Advance?
You can season the meat up to one day ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge.
The rest stays the same on cook day.
Do I Need To Brine?
A quick salt rub already handles moisture well so I skip liquid brine.
Feel free if you enjoy extra steps for sport.
What If I Lack An Oven Safe Skillet?
Sear in any pan you own then move the pork to a baking dish for the oven phase.
Fewer dishes mean more fun later.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
Warm slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth at three hundred degrees until heated through.
You avoid a tough texture this way.
Personal Notes From My Kitchen
I once served this pork to a group that swore by takeout and they asked for seconds.
I felt like a cooking superhero that night.
You can own that feeling too with the same simple steps.
Quick Tips For Even Better Results
- Room Temp Meat Let the tenderloin sit out fifteen minutes before cooking so heat moves evenly.
- Use Coarse Salt It sticks better and seasons deeper.
- Rest Time Is Sacred Slice too soon and juices run everywhere except your plate.
- Clean Thermometer Wipe the probe between tests to keep readings honest.
Recap And Final Thoughts
You sear for crust roast for gentle finish baste for shine and rest for moisture.
Follow these clear steps and you secure a juicy roasted pork tenderloin every single time.
I cannot wait for you to taste that first bite and grin.
Feel curious about other tasty ideas? Check more recipes or explore cooking tips.
Juicy Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix together the kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and chili flakes.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the pork tenderloin to the skillet and sear on all sides for about 2 minutes each, until a crust forms.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and add butter and minced garlic. Tilt the skillet to baste the pork with the garlic butter for 1 minute.
- Transfer the pork to a platter and tent with foil. Rest for 8 minutes.
- Slice the pork against the grain into 0.5-inch medallions and serve.