Looking for more pork recipes? Try Slow Cooker Ribs, Pork Chops with Creamy Mustard Sauce, or Pulled Pork! Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that comes from the backbone of the pig, while pork loin is a larger and more marbled cut taken from the top of the backbone.
Why I love this recipe:
Flavorful & Juicy – Gone are the days of dry meat! This pork tenderloin is perfectly flavored in our marinade and just melts in your mouth. It will be the highlight of your meal. Impressive – Serve it for guests, a holiday meal, or even just a Sunday dinner. Everyone will be impressed and enjoy it!Easy – It takes minutes to throw it in the marinade and can marinate overnight.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:
To Make Ahead: Marinate the pork 2 to 24 hours ahead of time. Sear: Place the marinated pork on a very hot grill or in a very hot pan on the stove, to give it a nice sear on all sides. Rotate it as you go, untiYou want all side of the meat to. Generally speaking, the more color you get on the sear, the better the flavor. When searing meat, you are NOT trying to cook it through, you are simply looking for the sides of the meat to form a brown, crusty layer. Bake: Bake it in a baking dish covered with tinfoil at 325 degrees for about 20-25 minutes, or until you reach your desired doneness, between 145° F – 160° F (refer to doneness photo, below). Use a meat thermometer, to check it. Don’t overcook the pork tenderloin or it can be dry and chewy! Rest: Allow the tenderloin to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting it. Like all meat, allowing it to rest allows the juices to penetrate back into the meat. If you cut into it too soon, the juices will run out and your meat will be tougher and chewier. Serve with a green salad, potatoes, and homemade rolls. To Freeze: Freeze the pork tenderloin in the marinade for up to 4 months, in an airtight freezer container. Thaw completely in the fridge before cooking. You can also freeze leftover cooked pork, and it to soup, like this Easy Pho or use it to make a Cuban sandwich.
Where Should I Buy Pork Tenderloin?
I buy pork tenderloin from Costco, because they’re great quality tenderloins you get 4 tenderloins for about $1.99/lb.
Internal Cooking Temperature for Pork Tenderloin:
The National Pork Board recommends cooking pork tenderloin to an internal temperature of between 145° F – 160° F. Use a meat thermometer, to ensure it’s cooked perfectly. The picture below gives a great illustration of how pork should look when it’s finished cooking. Image credit: Pork Checkoff
Serve with some tasty side dishes:
Roasted VegetablesPerfect Mashed PotatoesItalian Caprese SaladFresh Fruit BowlArtisan No Knead Bread
I originally shared this recipe May 2019. Updated March 2023.
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