Roasted Pork Tenderloin 🐷🌿
This Roasted Pork Tenderloin is tender, juicy, and full of flavor with a garlic-herb crust. It’s an easy, elegant dinner that comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 2–2½ lbs total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Optional Pan Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat pork tenderloins dry with paper towels.
- Trim any excess silver skin.
- Rub the pork with olive oil and Dijon mustard (if using).
Mix together:
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Coat the pork evenly with the seasoning mixture.
2. Sear the Pork (Recommended)
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Roast
Transfer the skillet to the oven.
Roast for 15–25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches:
- 145°F (63°C) for juicy, slightly pink pork
- 160°F (71°C) for well done
4. Rest & Slice
- Remove pork from the oven.
- Cover loosely with foil.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
This keeps the juices inside and makes the meat tender.
Simple Pan Sauce
- Place the skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
- Stir in butter, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Spoon over sliced pork.
Delicious Variations
🍎 Apple Herb Pork Tenderloin
Add:
- Sliced apples
- Onion wedges
- A splash of apple cider
🧄 Garlic Butter Version
Finish with melted garlic butter and fresh parsley.
🍯 Honey Mustard Pork
Mix:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Brush before roasting.
🌶 Spicy Pork
Add:
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili flakes
- Chipotle seasoning
Best Side Dishes
Serve with:
- Garlic roasted baby potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Green beans
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Apple cabbage slaw
Tips for Perfect Pork Tenderloin
- Don’t confuse pork tenderloin with pork loin—they cook differently.
- Use a meat thermometer for the juiciest results.
- Let the pork rest before slicing.
- Searing first creates a flavorful golden crust.
- Slice against the grain for the most tender bites.
This roasted pork tenderloin is a simple but impressive meal—juicy, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. 🍽️✨