Introduction: Pork Tenderloin
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A pork tenderloin is such a versatile and amazing piece of meat to cook. You really only need a probe thermometer to get it perfect - it's really forgiving! And it accepts all kinds of flavors. I tend to always season my pork tenderloins in a more traditional way - mustard and herbs - but you can really go nuts. :D
Read on and let me walk you through how to make the most perfect pork tenderloin.
Read on and let me walk you through how to make the most perfect pork tenderloin.
Step 1: Ingredients:
- a pork tenderloin
- olive oil
- herbs & spices of choice
- mustard or another sauce you're fond of
- salt & pepper
One tenderloin will serve four people.
Step 2: Apply Your Seasonings and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400 F.
For a pork tenderloin, I like to use mustard to bind the spices to the meat. If you don't use mustard, oil works well!
For this one, I used a good amount of salt and pepper, several pinches of paprika, three of rosemary, and a pinch each of garlic and onion powder. The mustard is just a few teaspoons.
This is really all up to you - but remember, it is better to over-season instead of under-season! There's a lot of meat in the middle that won't get direct seasoning.
Once you've added your spices and binder, rub the tenderloin all over. I like to pop it in the fridge for a little bit before cooking, but you can do it right away, too!
For a pork tenderloin, I like to use mustard to bind the spices to the meat. If you don't use mustard, oil works well!
For this one, I used a good amount of salt and pepper, several pinches of paprika, three of rosemary, and a pinch each of garlic and onion powder. The mustard is just a few teaspoons.
This is really all up to you - but remember, it is better to over-season instead of under-season! There's a lot of meat in the middle that won't get direct seasoning.
Once you've added your spices and binder, rub the tenderloin all over. I like to pop it in the fridge for a little bit before cooking, but you can do it right away, too!
Step 3: Sear the Tenderloin
This is optional, but I think the flavors are better and it looks nicer in the end. :D Heat a pan over medium high heat with a little oil in it, and quickly sear all sides of the tenderloin.
Once it's seared, put it on a lightly oiled baking sheet or pan.
Once it's seared, put it on a lightly oiled baking sheet or pan.
Step 4: Cooking + Resting
Insert a probe thermometer the middle of the thickest part of the pork. You'll be cooking your tenderloin in a 400 F oven for 15-20 minutes.
You want your tenderloin to reach 140 F. At that point, pull it out of the oven and put it on a plate to rest. I like to rest it for 5-10 minutes.
NOTE: Cooking it to 140 F will result in slightly pink pork. This is safe and fine! If it really bothers you, take it to 145-150 F and then pull out and rest.
You want your tenderloin to reach 140 F. At that point, pull it out of the oven and put it on a plate to rest. I like to rest it for 5-10 minutes.
NOTE: Cooking it to 140 F will result in slightly pink pork. This is safe and fine! If it really bothers you, take it to 145-150 F and then pull out and rest.
Step 5: Slice and Serve!
Slice it thinly and serve! I made some caramelized onions to go with it for dinner. :D