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
Scale
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.
