How to Roast Pork Tenderloin in Oven?

Tenderloin is pretty much one of the best cuts of pork - it’s lean and tender. But watch out, because if you’re not paying attention, it can easily turn dry and flavorless. Our oven roasted pork tenderloin recipe is one of our favorites, which is juicy, tender, and totally delicious! It’s perfect for a holiday gathering or just a simple family meal, and it’s easy to make, taking just around 40 minutes from start to finish. Here we’ve got all the detailed instructions and everything you need to know for this best roasted tenderloin recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 pork tenderloin, about 1-1.5 lbs each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

Equipment:

• Large Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Wireless meat probe
• Aluminum foil
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Fork
• Meat tongs

Why You Will Love This Recipe?

I usually cook beef and chicken way more than pork, but I really love pork tenderloin just as much as chicken. It has a similar fat content to skinless chicken breasts, yet it’s super juicy when cooked properly. Of course, you can make your chicken breasts tender and juicy if you follow my sous vide chicken breast recipe. Plus, any leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, kebabs, and more, and I’m excited for you to give them a shot!

Pork Tenderloin vs. Loin

There are several lean cuts of pork with similar-sounding names, especially loin and loin filet. Our recipe is specifically for TENDERLOIN, so double-check that’s what you’re getting.

Pork tenderloin is slimmer and typically weighs around 1-1.5 pounds, whereas loin is a larger, wider cut of meat and often sold as a roast. Loin isn’t as tender as tenderloin and takes longer to cook.

How to Roast Pork Tenderloin in Oven?

Step 1: Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Pork. Remove the pork tenderloin from packaging. Use a sharp knife to trim any silver skin from the surface. Then, pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Season the Pork. Poke holes in the pork with a fork or toothpick and rub it with olive oil. Mix all the spices and seasonings together, then sprinkle them evenly on the pork. You can pat it gently with your hands to help it absorb the flavor.

Step 4: Insert a meat probe. To ensure the best cooking results, try using the INKBIRD wireless meat thermometer like INT-11P-B to easily monitor the temperature of your tenderloin. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the pork, download the INKBIRD app on your phone, and you’ll be able to track the temperature and doneness.

Step 5: Sear. Add a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan on medium-high. Once the oil is hot, put your tenderloin in and cook it for 2-3 minutes on each side until the skin becomes brown and crispy. For convenience, you can use the app to set a timer.

Step 6: Roast Pork Tenderloin. Transfer the roast to a baking sheeting, of if your skillet is oven-safe, just place it right in. Bake the pork tenderloin at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until your thermometer reads 145°F (63°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve. Take the pork  out of the oven and place it on a cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. 

How Long to Roast Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is a lean cut that can easily turn dry and chewy if overcooked. The USDA says it’s safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can adjust the cooking times a bit based on your preferred doneness:

• Rare (140-145°F / 60-63°C): About 20-25 minutes
• Medium (145-150°F / 63-66°C): About 25-30 minutes
• Medium Well (150-155°F / 66-68°C): About 30-35 minutes

However, the best way to determine is to use a food thermometer, since cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the tenderloin.

What to Serve with Roasted Pork Tenderloin?

Our roast pork tenderloin pairs well with just about anything. You can choose the same side dishes as sous vide ribeye, like mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, roasted broccoli, Caesar salad, rocket salad, macaroni salad, white rice, risotto, or mac and cheese. If you prefer enjoy it solo, try it with mushroom gravy, Dijon mustard, Thai chutney, or even cranberry sauce.