This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Also known as pork fillet, pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat with so much to offer. Best of all, it's budget-friendly and freezes well. Make the most of this versatile cut of pork following our 4 easy Pork Tenderloin Recipes!
Jump to:
Cooking Pork Tenderloin
Back when I first started cooking for myself, you would have had to do a lot of convincing for me to believe pork tenderloin could actually be tender. I had only ever had it overcooked, dried out and, to be honest, bland.
I'm grateful I didn't give up on pork tenderloin - because I was so wrong about it! If you cook it properly (and don't overcook it!) you'll wind up with the most tender, luscious cut of pork you could possibly imagine.
These easy pork tenderloin recipes are by far my favorite ways to cook this cut. No matter which method you use, the tenderloin comes out juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked.
Whether you've never cooked pork tenderloin before and got it on sale, or simply want to try something new, I promise you will find a new favorite recipe for pork tenderloin here!
Recipes for Pork Tenderloin
Tips to Cook Pork Tenderloin
- See each individual recipe for the full instructions and ingredients lists.
- Make sure you're working with pork tenderloin, and not pork loin. They are not the same cut! Pork loin is less lean, and requires completely different cooking methods.
- Uncooked pork tenderloin can be stored in the freezer for up to 4-6 months before cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, label with the date, and store until ready to use. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- To check the internal temperature of pork, always use an instant-read thermometer. A meat thermometer is the only reliable way to know if pork is done - and trust me, you don't want to overcook it!
- If you have any leftover pork tenderloin, you can use it to make everything from stir-fry recipes to sandwiches. Gently reheat if necessary so the pork does not cook further.
- Whenever you're cooking pork tenderloin in a skillet, use a cast iron skillet for the best results. You'll never get a better sear than with a cast iron pan.
- Pork tenderloin takes on the flavors of anything it's cooked with very well, so if you like herbs, I recommend pairing it with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Before cooking, allow your pork to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover it and leave it on the counter to allow it to reach room temperature.
- For best results, make sure to sear the pork on all sides - including the tips. A nice even browning will give you the most delicious oven pork tenderloin.
- Let the meat rest before you slice it! 5-15 minutes works best. Always slice against the grain.
How to Trim Pork Tenderloin
Some pieces of pork tenderloin should be trimmed before cooking. If you have a pork tenderloin in need of trimming, follow these steps.
- With your pork tenderloin resting on the cutting board, cut the silver skin away from the meat enough to lift it with your fingers.
- While holding the silver skin with one hand, use your opposite hand to work the knife along the meat to carefully cut it away.
- After removing the silver skin, check for any large pieces of fat or sinew to cut away from the meat.
Pork Tenderloin Recipes FAQ
Unlike pork roasts, pork tenderloin should be cooked somewhat quickly. You can cook it for as little as 12 minutes in the air fryer, to as many as 40 minutes in the oven. Be careful to avoid overcooking it or it will dry out and become tough.
Some methods for cooking pork tenderloin call for it to be seared before or after the cook time, such as Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin. This will give it better flavor. However, if you bake pork tenderloin or cook it in the air fryer, you generally don't have to sear it first.
Pork Chops
If you love our pork tenderloin recipes, you're guaranteed to enjoy our pork chops. See them here:
Did you enjoy this recipe? Try more of my best pork recipes, and leave a comment and rating below! We love to hear from you.
Save the Pin! 📍
Did you enjoy this recipe? Share it on Pinterest!📋 Recipe
Pork Tenderloin Recipes
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- 2 Small bowls
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pound pork tenderloin
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic very finely chopped or minced garlic
See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Add apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey to a bowl and mix. Once thoroughly combined, set aside.2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 Tablespoons soy sauce, ½ cup honey
- In a separate bowl, add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix until combined.½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon salt
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the pork on all sides. Pat it down with your hands so it sticks to the meat.2 pound pork tenderloin
- Add oil to a large cast-iron skillet and set it over medium-high heat on the stove. Once hot, add pork and sear until golden-brown on all sides, approx. 3-5 minutes per side.2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the pork. Cook until lightly browned, approx. 2 minutes.3 cloves garlic very finely chopped
- Pour reserved sauce over the pork in the skillet. Use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the pork.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until the pork reaches 145°F on a meat thermometer.
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
- Place skillet with the remaining sauce back on the stove over medium heat and simmer to thicken, about 5-10 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove skillet from the heat. Slice the pork against the grain, then add it back with the sauce in the skillet.
- Stir the pork to coat it completely in the sauce. Use a spoon to drizzle sauce over the top of the pork.
- Serve, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If your pork tenderloin is on the larger side, don't try to force it to fit in the skillet. Cut it in half so all parts cook evenly.
- Before cooking, allow your pork to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover it and leave it on the counter to allow it to reach room temperature.
- For best results, make sure to sear the pork on all sides - including the tips. A nice even browning will give you the most delicious oven pork tenderloin.
- Let the meat rest before you slice it! 5-15 minutes works best. Always slice against the grain.
- With your pork tenderloin resting on the cutting board, start by cutting the skin away from the meat enough to lift it with your fingers.
- While holding the skin with one hand, use your opposite hand to work the knife along the meat to carefully cut away the skin.
- After removing the skin, check for any large pieces of fat or sinew to cut away from the meat.
Nutrition
» About Me
- Grilled Beef Tenderloin - March 14, 2024
- Meatball Seasoning - March 5, 2024
- Burger with Egg - March 5, 2024
Comments
No Comments