This extra easy recipe for juicy roasted pork tenderloin will be your absolute favorite for weekday dinners as well as special occasions.
Preparing this easy roasted pork tenderloin is so simple that even beginners can make this lovely dinner.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin- easy weekday dinner
This juicy roasted pork tenderloin is one of the easiest dinner recipes with WOW factor that you can prepare at home.
It’s a perfect dish for a weekday dinner – you put the meat in marinade for the night, next day just pop it in the oven and delicious dinner is on your table after 30 minutes!
But because this juicy roasted pork tenderloin is so flavorful and taste like a meal from a fancy restaurant, it will be also a great main course for a special occasion, like a family gathering or a romantic dinner for two.
Pork Tenderloin vs. Pork Loin
I know it may sound like a slight difference at first, but pork tenderloin and pork loin are completely different cuts of meat.
Pork tenderloin is a long thin cut of pork whereas pork loin is a much thicker part of meat that comes from a slightly different part of a pig.
Tenderloin – as its name would suggest – is the most tender cut of pork. It’s also easier and much quicker to prepare than pork loin.
How to prepare juicy roasted pork tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is one of my favourite cuts of meat – it’s so versatile, works really well with many spices and herbs and it’s just absolutely delicious.
This juicy roasted pork tenderloin is a great choice for everyone that are conscious about their health. Preparing the dish in the oven means less calories! But I assure you – the taste is still perfect.
So how to prepare this flavorful dinner? You have to remember these two crucial steps.
Searing
You may be wondering, why do you need to sear the meat if you’ll be putting it in the oven in a second. Actually searing is a very important step in preparing every kind of meat – poultry, beef, pork, etc.
By applying the meat to a very hot surface for a short amount of time, we’re sealing in all the delicious juices! That’s how when we take it out of the oven, the meat will be tender, moist and full of flavor.
If you want to maximize the flavor, don’t skip this step of the recipe!
Marinade for pork tenderloin
Delicious marinade is the key to achieving the perfect flavor.
I like to experiment with different marinades. Sometimes I tend to go with sweeter flavor and add some honey or maple syrup. When I want something spicier, I’m sure to add chilli or dijon mustard to my marinade.
This marinade is one of my favorites, because it’s a perfect combination of Mediterranean spices.
Here we have smoked paprika from Spain, Greek oregano and sun-dried tomatoes straight from Italy.
I try to marinate the meat for at least 6-7 hours before putting it in the oven. Thanks to this few hours in the fridge, the meat is juicy, tender and boasts with aroma and flavor.
If you’re short on time, you can put the meat in the marinade for 2 hours minimum.
How to prepare perfect roasted pork tenderloin – tips
Preparing perfectly juicy roasted pork tenderloin may seem complicated, but it’s really one of the easiest recipes that you can imagine!
Here are some helpful tips the best results:
1. Remember to trim the silver skin and remove the excess fat.
2. Marinate the meat for at least 2 hours before roasting.
3. Always sear the meat in the frying pan before putting it in the oven.
4. Do not overbake! The easiest way to check if the tenderloin is done is to use a meat thermometer – it should register 145°F (62.5°C) in the thickest part.
5. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven, before slicing and serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This roasted pork tenderloin pairs amazingly with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes, green beans or grilled asparagus.
For more European vibe serve it with with buckwheat and shredded, cooked red cabbage.
Easy Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2,2 pound 1 kg pork tenderloin
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp dried lovage
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp sun-dried tomato flakes
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 dried parsley
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves mashed
- 4 tbsp oil
- salt pepper
Instructions
- Trim the meat from silver skin and fat
- Prepare the marinade – put oil, all herbs and spices, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce into a bowl and mix.
- Put the tenderloin into the bowl. Cover it with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and put it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Take the meat 30 minutes before next steps.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degres C).
- Heat 1 tbsp oil over med-high heat in a large cast iron pan. Add pork and brown on all sides.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, until a meat thermometer register 145 degrees at the thickest part of the tenderloin.
- Take the meat out of the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.