Roasted Pork Tenderloin

I have zero doubts that you are going to LOVE this easy roasted pork tenderloin recipe. Zero. Doubts. The rub, the method, the tips, they’ve been designed (and relentlessly tested) to make sure that you have the most delicious pork tenderloin of your life.

We actually cook a LOT of pork tenderloin in our home! It’s a pretty affordable protein, makes for really great leftovers, absorbs spice and marinades really well, and is VERY easy to cook. Fast, also. I probably wind up making it once a week and this is the exact method I use.

Looking for more pork recipes that’ll knock your socks off? These honey garlic pork chops are so flavorful, this slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is the easiest, most delicious recipe ever, and you can’t go wrong with teriyaki pork tenderloin.

Pork Loin vs. Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin and pork loin may sound similar, but they’re actually quite different! Here’s a breakdown of the two:

• Pork tenderloin – a smaller cut of meat that is sold whole and usually weighs close to one pound. The tenderloin is from a muscle that runs along the spine of the pig and isn’t used for movement. As a result, it’s much more tender than other cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that has a very mild flavor.
• Pork loin – a larger cut of meat that is usually sold as a 3-5 pound roast. Pork loin is fattier than pork tenderloin, usually comes with a fat cap on top, and can be sold either boneless or bone-in.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
• 2 (1-pound) pork tenderloins
• 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil

How to Make Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Mix the spice rub + coat the tenderloins – in a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, and salt. Rub the spice mixture over both pork tenderloins.
3. Sear the tenderloins – in a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until the it shimmers and runs easily when you tilt the pan. Add the pork, working in batches if the pan is overcrowded by both tenderloins, and sear for 3 to 4 minutes, until a crust starts to form on the bottom, then flip the tenderloins and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on the second side.
4. Roast – turn the pork one last time, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the pork registers 145°F.
5. Let rest, then slice and serve – remove the tenderloins from the oven and tent them with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice, serve, and enjoy!

How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin in Oven

The pork tenderloin will cook in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. You can check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer once the 15 minutes is up, or monitor it throughout while it’s in the oven with an in-oven thermometer.

What Temp to Cook Pork Tenderloin to?

Pork tenderloin should be cooked to 145°F. Monitor the internal temperature while it’s in the oven using an in-oven thermometer (if you do this, you don’t actually need to set a 15 minute timer, you’ll just take the tenderloins out of the oven when the thermometer beeps) or once the 15 minutes is up, using an instant-read thermometer. My personal preference is the in-oven thermometer, but either works great!

Tips for the Best Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Cooking pork tenderloin is super user-friendly and straight-forward, but it doesn’t hurt to have a few pointers in the back of your mind to pull from if needed. Our best tips are below! 

• Don’t overcook it – the KEY to delicious, juicy pork tenderloin is to pull it from the oven when it reaches temperature (145°F). The best way to keep track of the temperature is to use a thermometer (either while the pork tenderloin is in the oven or once the 15 minute timer is up).
• Use bold seasoning – pork tenderloin can be a little boring on its own, so be sure to coat it generously in a bold spice blend (or marinade) ahead of cooking. The spice rub included in this recipe is a REALLY good one!
• Cook TWO! – this isn’t necessarily a tip to make your pork tenderloin taste *better*, but whenever you’re cooking pork tenderloin, I recommend cooking two (instead of just one for that night’s dinner). Pork tenderloin saves really well, so it’s a great option to batch cook.

Roast Pork Tenderloin Recipe Serving Suggestions

Pork tenderloin can be served in many different ways! I like to pair it with one starchy side and one veggie side – sweet plantains + sauteed kale and quinoa + sauteed green beans would both be delicious options. 

Storing this Recipe for Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Store leftover pork tenderloin, whole or sliced, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice (if it isn’t already), and pop a slice or two in the microwave or in the oven (on a sheet pan) for a couple of minutes, until heated through.

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