Pork Tenderloin is an easy dinner that everyone loves, and a nice reprieve from the usual chicken dinner. It is just as easy to cook, and we’ll show you a few different ways to cook it in this ultimate guide to perfectly tender, and easy Baked Pork Tenderloin!
Pork Tenderloin Preparation
There are so many ways to make baked pork tenderloin! You’ll notice in the below photos I have 2 tenderloins on 1 tray; I made one with honey mustard, and one with bbq sauce. If you want yours to be more simple, try 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper rubbed around the entire tenderloin.
- Honey Mustard: 1 tablespoon each of honey, and dijon mustard mixed together in a small dish. I also like to add 1 tsp of garlic powder, along with some fresh cracked pepper.
- Honey BBQ: Add 1 tablespoon of bbq sauce, along with 1 tablespoon of honey and the zest of one lime. This is the same marinade we use in our famous rib recipe and it never disappoints!
- Asian Marinade: Check out this recipe for an Asian inspired pork tenderloin marinade. Baking instructions included!
- Prosciutto Wrapped: Wrapped in prosciutto with a smidge of dijon mustard, this is a perfect dinner party, or Sunday family dinner recipe.
- Crispy Panko Crusted Pork Tenderloin: Panko coated and baked, this is an easy recipe the whole family loves.
Baking/Roasting Pork Tenderloin
Roasting pork tenderloin (I.E. baking it) is one of the easiest ways to ensure perfectly tender, moist pork by using a meat thermometer. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with foil, and spray it with nonstick before preparing the pork.
Add the pork to the sheet pan*, your seasoning/marinade of choice, and place in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches about 145 degrees fahrenheit.
*You can buy favorite sheet pans via Amazon here!
Pork is Fully Cooked at 145 Degrees Fahrenheit
Per the FDA, pork is considered fully cooked once it reaches 145 degrees fahrenheit. Here is a great guide, check it out to see how you like your pork tenderloin cooked. No matter your preference in ‘doneness’, let the pork tenderloin rest for 3 minutes. This helps the juices remain inside the pork, leaving it plump, tender and juicy.
Optional Pro Tip: Once the pork is cooked to your liking, turn on the broiler for about 1-2 minutes. This creates a bubbly, crispy exterior and carmelized exterior that pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy pork!
Wondering what to serve on the side? Here’s a few ideas!
Let’s EAT!- Kathi and Rachel
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Perfect Baked Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- Non Stick Spray
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lb pork tenderloin
Honey Mustard Option
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
Honey BBQ Option
- 1 tbsp bbq sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime zest (about 1 small lime)
- 1 tsp lime juice (about 1 small lime)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Line a 9x13 sheet pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Mix marinade/sauce of choice- honey mustard, BBQ, etc. in a small dish and set aside.
- Place pork tenderloin on foil lined sheet pan. Rub pork with marinade/sauce on all sides. Place in oven for 20 minutes, or until pork reaches at least 145 degrees fahrenheit (use a meat thermometer to check temperature at thickest point of pork).
- Once fully cooked, let pork rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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