If you’re looking for a flavorful, juicy, and fuss-free dinner idea, this Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe is going to be your new best friend. The tenderloin gets perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices and brown sugar, then baked with a pat of butter that adds richness and helps keep every slice incredibly moist. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish balances simplicity and bold flavors in such a satisfying way, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and casual weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky notes. Each plays a key role in making the Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe come alive with incredible flavor and an irresistible crust.
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each): Choose fresh, quality cuts for tenderness and natural juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness that complements the savory spices.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky depth without overwhelming the pork.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a rich, aromatic base flavor essential for the rub.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile with a subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a mild warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Introduces herbal notes that brighten every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Necessary to season and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds a slight kick to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup butter (cut into pats): Melts over the pork to keep it moist and add a touch of richness.
- Chopped parsley (optional, to taste): Provides a fresh, vibrant contrast as a finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 400°F and positioning the rack in the middle to ensure even heat distribution. This temperature is ideal for roasting pork tenderloin since it cooks through without drying out.
Step 2: Trim and Dry the Tenderloins
Trim any excess fat and the silver skin from the tenderloins. Removing the silver skin is important because it can be tough and chewy, affecting the tender texture we want. Then, gently pat your pork dry with paper towels to help the spice rub adhere better and achieve a beautiful crust when baked.
Step 3: Mix and Apply the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once combined, coat the tenderloins evenly with the spice rub, making sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor impact.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
Place the seasoned tenderloins in a 9×13-inch baking dish or a pan of similar size. Dot the top with the pats of butter — this step is key to keeping the pork luscious and adding a velvety richness as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake the pork uncovered for about 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which guarantees it’s cooked safely without sacrificing juiciness. Once out of the oven, let the pork rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Resting locks in the juices, so every medallion is tender and succulent.
Step 6: Serve with Pan Juices and Parsley
Pour the flavorful pan juices over the sliced pork or spoon them generously over your side dishes. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, bright finish that elevates this simple dish to something memorable.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds color but also a mild herbaceous flavor that lifts the richness of the pork. You could also experiment with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dusting of paprika for a pop of vibrancy and spice.
Side Dishes
This pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option. The pan juices double as a fantastic sauce to drizzle over your sides, tying the whole plate together.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, slice the tenderloin into medallions and fan them out on a platter, then drizzle the pan juices on top. You can also serve it on a bed of sautéed greens or fluffy rice to soak up every flavorful drop. For casual meals, stack the slices in sandwiches with a tangy mustard or apple slaw for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pork tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, slice the pork first and arrange the medallions in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. After they’re firm, transfer the slices into airtight freezer bags or containers. Frozen pork tenderloin keeps best for up to 3 months, preserving both taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pork gently in a microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out. Using pan juices as a warm sauce on reheating is a fantastic way to bring the dish back to life.
FAQs
What is the best way to ensure the pork tenderloin stays juicy?
Patting the pork dry before seasoning and letting it rest after baking are your best bets. Also, cooking to the right internal temperature of 145°F and including butter during baking results in a juicy, tender roast.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Butter adds flavor and moisture, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind the rich mouthfeel butter provides complements the sweet and savory rub beautifully.
Is pork tenderloin healthy?
Yes, pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that is high in protein and relatively low in fat compared to other cuts. This recipe balances those health benefits with just enough butter and spices to keep it flavorful without excess calories.
Can I use the same spice rub on other meats?
Absolutely! This spice combination works wonderfully on chicken breasts, pork chops, or even roasted vegetables. Feel free to adapt it to your favorite proteins for a tasty twist.
What temperature should I cook pork tenderloin to?
Cook pork tenderloin to an internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a resting period. This ensures it is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender, avoiding overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe is truly a gem to have in your culinary repertoire. It combines simplicity with rich flavors, making it a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious your meals can be when you master this tender, juicy pork dish!
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 is a flavorful and simple way to prepare juicy, tender pork with a smoky-spiced rub and butter finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it is seasoned with a blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, and Italian herbs, then baked to perfection with a delicious buttery crust.
Ingredients
For the Pork Tenderloin
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 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)
- 1/4 cup butter (cut into pats)
- Chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position to ensure even cooking of the pork tenderloins.
- Prepare the Tenderloins: Trim any excess fat and remove the silver skin from each pork tenderloin. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the spice rub adhere better.
- Make and Apply the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly all over the pork tenderloins to infuse them with bold and smoky flavors.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned pork tenderloins in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Distribute the pats of butter evenly on top of the tenderloins to add richness and moisture during baking.
- Bake the Pork: Bake the pork uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached, indicating the meat is safely cooked but still juicy and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice into medallions and drizzle with the pan juices. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloin to avoid a tough texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure the pork is cooked perfectly.
- Letting the meat rest after baking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- The pan juices can be spooned over the pork or used to add flavor to mashed potatoes or vegetables.
- Adjust chili powder and black pepper according to your preferred spice level.
