Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe makes the best juicy, flavorful pork tenderloin. A simple seasoning rub and a delicious glaze make this pork tenderloin completely irresistible!
Pork tenderloin is one of my go-to meals when I need a quick dinner idea that my whole family will enjoy. This easy pork tenderloin recipe is seasoned with a simple mix of spices, seared in a skillet to create a flavorful crust, and then baked in the oven until it’s tender and juicy.
A simple four ingredient sauce is brushed on the pork during the last few minutes of cooking. This delicious glaze caramelizes on the pork in the oven and brings so much flavor.
This easy pork tenderloin recipe is sure to become a favorite of yours, too. You might also enjoy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with honey garlic sauce or Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin.
Pork Tenderloin Recipe Ingredients
In this recipe, simple ingredients come together to make a delicious main course that’s full of flavor.
- Pork Tenderloin: Be sure to buy a pork tenderloin, not a pork loin. A pork loin is much larger than a tenderloin and would take longer to cook through. If you have a pork loin, try this Pork Loin Roast recipe instead.
- Seasonings: Paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt and black pepper are a delicious combination of seasonings that add lots of flavor to the meat. This seasoning blend is a variation of my favorite Pork Rub recipe. I used sweet paprika but feel free to use smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Olive Oil: You’ll add the olive oil to the skillet when browning the pork.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor to the sauce that’s used to glaze the pork.
- Soy Sauce: For umami flavor. I recommend using a low sodium soy sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps to emulsify the sauce together and also enhances the flavors. You can use either a smooth or grainy Dijon mustard. The finished dish does not have a strong mustard flavor, but feel free to omit the Dijon if you prefer.
- Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness and balances out the savory flavors of the mustard, soy sauce and garlic.
Find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- In a small bowl, stir together the seasonings.
- Use paper towels to pat the pork tenderloin dry. Trim off the silver skin. Then rub the seasoning mixture over all sides of the pork.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven safe skillet over medium high heat. I used a cast iron skillet. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the pork to a sheet pan or baking dish after browning it in a pan on the stove.
- Brown the pork on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Searing the pork before baking it in the oven adds lots of flavor to the finished dish.
- Transfer the skillet and pork to the oven and bake for 18 minutes.
- While the pork cooks, make the glaze by stirring together the garlic, honey, soy sauce and Dijon mustard.
- Brush the glaze over the pork and continue cooking it in the oven for 2-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers at least 145° F on an instant read thermometer.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, so that the pork will be moist and juicy when you serve it.
How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin/Pork Tenderloin Temperature
This pork tenderloin recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven at 400° F. The cook time will depend on how much you brown the pork in the skillet and also the thickness/size of your pork tenderloin. Brush the pork with the glaze when it has just a few minutes left in the oven.
According to the USDA, pork tenderloin should be cooked to at least 145° F and then allowed to rest for 3 minutes before serving. At 145° F, pork may be a little pink in the center. If you like your pork more well done you can cook it to 155° F. Use an instant read thermometer to test the meat for doneness.
What to Serve with this Pork Tenderloin Recipe
I like to serve a starch and a vegetable with this baked pork tenderloin. Here are some of my favorites:
- Potatoes: Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are my go-to side dish for pork tenderloin. Or, try Roasted Potatoes, or an Air Fryer Baked Potato.
- Rice: Instant Pot Rice or, for a whole grain option, Brown Rice.
- Green Beans: You can’t go wrong with this classic vegetable side dish. We enjoy Instant Pot Green Beans, Skillet Green Beans and Roasted Green Beans.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels Sprouts are always a hit, or save oven space with these crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
- Salad: Our favorites include this Kale Salad and this simple Green Salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
The baked pork tenderloin can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, slice and wrap in foil (to keep moisture in), then bake in a 350° F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot. Alternatively, you can gently reheat sliced pork tenderloin in the microwave.
More Delicious Pork Recipes
If you love this baked pork tenderloin, try my other pork recipes.
- Honey Hoisin Pork Tenderloin
- Baked Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Carnitas
Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, use ¼ teaspoon if you prefer less salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir to mix.
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry and trim off the silver skin. Rub the spice mixture over all sides of the pork.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet* (I used a cast iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork tenderloin to the pan and brown on all sides, 1-2 minutes per side.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: garlic, honey, soy sauce and Dijon mustard.
- Transfer the skillet with the pork to the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes. Then brush or pour the sauce evenly over the pork. Continue baking for 2-7 more minutes, until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat registers at least 145° F.* (The total cook time in the oven for the pork tenderloin will be about 20-25 minutes.)
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the pork to a sheet pan or baking dish after browning it in a pan on the stove.
- If you prefer your pork more well done, you can cook it to 155° F.
This kid in my international foods class loves you! ❤️ @kaidynfleetwood
This was absolutely amazing. I loved everything about thus. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing flavor! Juicy and tender – just perfect. Family LOVED this – and pork isn’t usually a hit.