If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, this Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe is an absolute game changer. Succulent, tender, and bursting with a perfectly balanced blend of spices, this pork tenderloin is baked to juicy perfection, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. The best part? It requires minimal prep and basic ingredients, delivering a gourmet taste with very little effort. Get ready to fall in love with this oven-baked treasure that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each element plays a key role—whether it’s adding warmth, depth, or a hint of sweetness—to create that unforgettable savory flavor profile and tender texture you crave.
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each): The star of the dish, these lean cuts stay tender when cooked properly.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramelized sweetness to balance the spices perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a smoky depth that elevates the flavor with a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory richness without overpowering the meat.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Delivers a mild heat that’s just enough to keep things interesting.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds herbal notes that complement the pork beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural pork flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle peppery warmth, adjusting to your preference.
- 1/4 cup butter (cut into pats): Melts over the tenderloin, keeping it moist and imparting richness.
- Chopped parsley (optional, to taste): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F and sliding the rack into the middle position—this ensures an even cooking environment. Proper oven temperature is crucial here because it helps your pork tenderloin cook quickly while sealing in all those delicious juices.
Step 2: Trim and Dry the Tenderloins
Take your pork tenderloins and carefully trim away any excess fat and the silver skin—this thin, silvery membrane can be tough if left on. Pat the meat dry using paper towels. Drying is key, as it allows the spice rub to cling better and ensures a beautiful crust when baked.
Step 3: Create the Spice Rub
Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, stirring them together to form a fragrant spice rub. Generously coat each tenderloin with this mixture, making sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 4: Arrange and Butter Up
Place the seasoned pork tenderloins into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size pan. Dot the top with pats of butter, which will melt as the pork bakes, keeping the meat luxuriously moist and adding richness to the overall dish.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 145°F. This cooking time strikes a balance, delivering a tender and juicy result without overcooking. Once out of the oven, let the pork rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite juicy.
Step 6: Serve with Pan Juices and Parsley
Before slicing the pork into medallions, pour the flavorful pan juices over the top to enhance every bite’s moistness and taste. For a final flourish, sprinkle chopped parsley, which adds a fresh, vibrant touch both visually and in flavor.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a simple yet effective way to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that perfectly complements the rich pork. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of brightness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad for a balanced meal. The pork’s pan juices also make a fantastic sauce drizzle over your favorite sides, pulling the entire plate together in a comforting way.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the pork into medallions and arranging them neatly on a wooden board for a rustic look before serving. You can also serve in warm tortillas with fresh slaw and a smoky aioli for a fun twist or atop a bed of herbed quinoa or wild rice for a modern, elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, cooked pork tenderloin stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save extra portions for longer, wrap the cooked pork tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pork tenderloin can be kept for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your pork back to life, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to retain moisture. Alternatively, warm it in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil to avoid drying out. Quick reheating helps maintain tenderness and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?
While pork tenderloin is ideal due to its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can experiment with pork loin chops or boneless pork loin, but expect longer cooking times and potentially a different texture. Adjust seasons and cooking accordingly.
Is the pork tenderloin safe if cooked to 145°F?
Yes! According to USDA guidelines, cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest time is perfectly safe and ensures a juicy, tender result rather than dry overcooked meat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can absolutely prepare the spice rub and trim the tenderloin a day ahead to save time. However, for best results, apply the rub and bake the pork fresh so it maintains optimal flavor and juiciness.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
No worries! The spice blend is flexible. Feel free to substitute Italian seasoning with dried herbs you have on hand or adjust chili powder based on your preferred heat level. The brown sugar helps balance flavors nicely.
How do I know when the pork is done without a thermometer?
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the tenderloin to check the color; it should be slightly pink in the center but not raw. However, investing in a quick-read thermometer makes cooking meat perfectly much easier and more precise.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your cooking rotation because it’s just that good and effortless. Full of flavor and wonderfully juicy every single time, it’s sure to become your new favorite go-to for quick dinners or impressive weekend meals. So grab those simple ingredients and get baking—you’re about to make dinner magic happen!
Print
Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy baked pork tenderloin recipe features tender, juicy pork infused with a flavorful spice rub and topped with melting butter. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s an effortless meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining, delivering a delicious balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
Ingredients
Spice Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Main
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1/4 cup butter (cut into pats)
- Chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Prepare the tenderloins: Trim any excess fat and remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloins. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the rub adheres well.
- Make the spice rub and apply: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then coat the pork tenderloins evenly with this spice mixture.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place the seasoned pork tenderloins in a 9×13 inch baking dish or similar-sized dish, and evenly distribute the pats of butter on top of the meat.
- Bake the pork: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures juicy, safely cooked pork.
- Rest and slice: Allow the pork to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to retain juices. Slice into medallions before serving.
- Serve: Pour any pan juices over the sliced pork and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. These juices make an excellent sauce and also complement side dishes like mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Resting the meat after baking is key to juicy pork, so don’t skip this step.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking to avoid over or undercooking the tenderloin.
- You can substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter option, but butter adds richness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Try serving with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
