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
Scale
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.
