This Baked Pork Tenderloin has a golden exterior, juicy center, and savory garlic-herb coating. Searing the pork before roasting develops additional flavor while the hot oven cooks it quickly.
Pork tenderloin is naturally lean, so checking its internal temperature is essential. Removing it at 145°F and resting it before slicing helps preserve its moisture.
Serve the sliced pork with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in approximately 40 minutes.
- Tender and juicy.
- Uses simple seasonings.
- Suitable for weeknight dinners.
- Elegant enough for entertaining.
- Naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Pairs with many side dishes.
- Leftovers work in sandwiches and salads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pork tenderloins, approximately 1 pound each.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish.
Ingredient Notes
Pork tenderloin: Do not confuse it with pork loin. Tenderloin is smaller, narrower, and cooks much more quickly.
Dijon mustard: Helps the seasonings adhere and adds balanced acidity.
Garlic: Mince it finely so it distributes across the surface.
Paprika: Adds color and mild smoky flavor.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the skillet and creates a light pan sauce.
How to Make Baked Pork Tenderloin
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Trim the Pork
Pat the tenderloins dry.
Remove the silver skin with a sharp knife. This tough membrane does not soften during cooking.
Step 3: Season
Combine one tablespoon olive oil, garlic, mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Rub the mixture over every side of the pork.
Step 4: Sear
Heat the remaining oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the tenderloins for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, until golden.
Step 5: Roast
Transfer the skillet to the oven.
Roast for approximately 12–18 minutes, depending on thickness.
Remove the pork when the thickest section reaches 145°F.
Step 6: Rest
Transfer the pork to a clean board.
Cover loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes.
Step 7: Make the Pan Sauce
Place the skillet over medium heat.
Add the butter and chicken broth.
Scrape up the browned pieces and simmer for approximately 2–3 minutes.
Add the lemon juice and taste the sauce.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut the pork across the grain into slices.
Spoon the pan sauce over the meat and garnish with parsley.
Tips for Juicy Pork Tenderloin
- Remove the silver skin.
- Pat the pork dry.
- Sear it before roasting.
- Use an oven-safe thermometer.
- Remove it at 145°F.
- Rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice across the grain.
Why Is My Pork Tenderloin Dry?
Pork tenderloin is lean and becomes dry when overcooked. Use a thermometer instead of relying exclusively on timing.
Recipe Variations
Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin
Add one tablespoon honey to the seasoning mixture.
Rosemary Garlic Pork
Replace Italian seasoning with chopped fresh rosemary and thyme.
Spicy Pork Tenderloin
Add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
Maple Dijon Pork
Replace the lemon juice with one tablespoon maple syrup in the pan sauce.
What to Serve With Pork Tenderloin
- Creamy mashed potatoes.
- Air fryer garlic parmesan potatoes.
- Honey-glazed carrots.
- Roasted green beans.
- Garlic parmesan Brussels sprouts.
- Homemade dinner rolls.
- Green salad.
- Roasted asparagus.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate sliced pork with pan juices for up to four days.
Reheat gently in a covered skillet or a 300°F oven.
Freeze cooked pork for up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pork tenderloin the same as pork loin?
No. Pork loin is considerably larger and requires a different cooking time.
Should pork tenderloin be pink?
Pork cooked to 145°F may have a slight pink color while remaining safely cooked.
Do I need to sear it?
Searing is optional but improves color and flavor.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Season the pork up to eight hours ahead and refrigerate it.
How much pork should I prepare per person?
Allow approximately 6–8 ounces of raw pork per adult.
Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe Card
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Method: Searing and roasting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Pat the tenderloins dry.
- Remove the silver skin.
- Combine the oil, garlic, mustard, and seasonings.
- Coat the pork evenly.
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet.
- Sear the pork for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Roast for 12–18 minutes.
- Remove when the center reaches 145°F.
- Rest for 10 minutes.
- Deglaze the skillet with butter and broth.
- Add lemon juice.
- Slice the pork and serve with sauce.