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You only need 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes to prepare this tender, juicy, and healthy honey Dijon oven roasted pork tenderloin! It might look like a fancy holiday meal, but the easy pork tenderloin recipe will soon become your go-to weeknight dinner. Pair the sweet and savory meat with a side of rice, a skillet of cornbread, or a crisp Caesar salad.
Table of Contents
- How to Make Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin | 1-Minute Video
- Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- The Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin
- Ingredients
- How to Oven Roast Pork Tenderloin
- Serving Suggestions
- Preparation and Storage Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipe Variations
- Expert Tips
- Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Looking for more easy pork tenderloin recipes? Try this ranch pork tenderloin in the oven, mustard and brown sugar baked pork tenderloin, this Dutch oven pork tenderloin with gravy, a Crock Pot pork tenderloin, and this grilled pork tenderloin recipe, too!
How to Make Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin | 1-Minute Video
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Pork tenderloin is a staple in so many kitchens because it’s an affordable, lean cut of meat that offers a nice alternative to chicken. Since pork tenderloin cooks quickly, this particular cut is ideal for family-friendly, busy weeknight dinners.Our honey Dijon oven roasted pork tenderloin recipe feels fancy with a sweet and savory glaze, but it truly couldn’t be easier! It’s also incredibly versatile and pairs well with any of your favorite side dishes.
This was amazingly simple and DELICIOUS!!! Followed exactly as written. Served with baked sweet potatoes and seasoned asparagus. Definitely a keeper…Thanks Blair
– Victoria
An Easy Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Searing pork tenderloin in a cast iron skillet before roasting in the oven can lock in flavor and give the meat a nice crusty exterior; however, it’s not absolutely necessary. Sometimes an easy, hands-off recipe is more appealing (especially on a busy evening), and that’s where the broiler comes in!
You’ll roast the tenderloin covered in the oven to lock in moisture, and then transfer the meat to the broiler towards the end of the cooking time. Let the broiler work its magic, giving the meat that crispy, flavorful, seared crust on the outside that we all love — without any hands-on effort on the stovetop! I’m telling you, this recipe is easy.
The Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin, a smaller cut that generally weighs about 1 pound, does not come from the same part of the pig as the larger pork loin. Since pork tenderloin is naturally lean and tender, it does well when cookedquickly at high temperatures. By contrast, pork loin lends itself well toslowerroasting or grilling techniques. For more details about these two different cuts of meat, check outthis article. Today, we’re focused only on the porktenderloin!
Ingredients
This is a quick overview of the ingredients that you’ll need for the best roasted pork tenderloin recipe. As always, specific measurements and complete cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
- Pork tenderloin: smaller than many other cuts of pork, the tenderloin generally weighs about 1 pound. This is notcut from the same part of the animal as the larger pork loin. Sincepork tenderloin is naturally lean and tender, it does well when cookedquickly at high temperatures. By contrast, pork loin lends itself well toslower roasting, smoking, Crock Pot, or grilling techniques.
- Dijon mustard: spicy, flavorful, and perfect with pork! I like stone ground Dijon in this recipe, which adds even more texture to the outside of the meat; however, you can substitute with regular smooth or creamy Dijon if that’s what you have on hand.
- Honey: creates a sweet and sticky glaze that nicely balances the spicy mustard. The sugars in the honey caramelize under the heat of the broiler, giving the meat a crispy exterior.
- Thyme or rosemary: fragrant, savory herbs that pair well with pork. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Sweet onion: used as a roasting bed for the pork tenderloin, infusing the meat with even more flavor as it cooks.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: to season the meat.
How to Oven Roast Pork Tenderloin
This baked pork tenderloin recipe is about as easy as it gets, and it might just become one of your favorite ways to cook pork. Just 5 minutes of prep time, folks! You’ll find the detailed directions in the recipe card below, but here’s the quick version:
- Stir or whisk together the honey Dijon sauce.
- Place the sliced onion in a pan.
- Pat the pork dry with a paper towel and place it on top of the sliced onions.
- Brush about half of the mustard glaze over the pork.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the cover, brush the pork with additional mustard sauce, and place the pork under the broiler.
- Broil for 5 minutes, or until the exterior is browned and crispy and the meat is cooked through and reaches an internal temp of about 145°F.
- Remove the pork from the oven and allow the meat to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some of our favorite pork tenderloin sides:
- Wedge Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, Green Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette,House Salad with Candied Pecans, or Classic Caesar Salad
- Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Aunt Bee’s 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits, Cheese Biscuits, or Drop Biscuits
- 3-Ingredient Sour Cream Muffins
- Pumpkin BreadorPumpkin Muffins
- Charleston Red Rice or Rice Pilaf
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese,Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, No-Boil Overnight Mac and Cheese, Shells and Cheese, or Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Skillet Cornbread,Honey Cornbread,Old-Fashioned Corn Sticks, Sweet Cornbread Muffins with Brown Sugar, or Corn Muffins
- Southern Macaroni Salad,Classic Pasta SaladorShrimp Pasta Salad
- ColeslaworVinegar Coleslaw
- Southern Collard Greens
- Baked Potato Wedges,Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives,Skin On Mashed Red Potatoes, orEasy Potato Salad
- Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon,Southern-Style Green BeansorRoasted Green Beans
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Fried Apples or Baked Apple Slices
- Southern Succotash
- Creamed Peas
- Hoppin’ John
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Preparation and Storage Tips
- Storage: Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Sliced tenderloin is delicious on sandwiches the next day!
- How to Freeze: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the frozen tenderloin in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- How to Reheat: Place the pork on a sheet pan and warm in a325°F ovenjust until heated through (about 10-15 minutes). Be careful not to overheat, or the tenderloin will become dry. You can also warm individual portions of pork in the microwavefor about 30-60 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it better to cook pork tenderloin at 350 or 400? Since this particular cut of meat is already very tender and lean, it does best whencooked quickly at a high temperature(by contrast, a tougher, fattier cut like a pork shoulder does best when cooked low and slow). In this case, 400 degrees F is the better roasting temp!
- How can I make sure that my pork tenderloin is juicy? Not overcooking the meat is the key topreventing the pork tenderloin from drying out.
- How do I know when the pork is done? The total cooking time will vary depending on the size, thickness, and temperature of your pork when it goes into the oven. As a result, I always recommend using a meat thermometer to know when your pork is done. The tenderloin is ready to come out of the oven when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-150°F. Always rest the meat for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- What color is cooked pork tenderloin? According to theNational Pork Board, it’s perfectly safe to consume medium pork (that’s cooked to about 145°F). At this stage, the pork will have a slight touch of pink in the centerand will be at its juiciest!
- Is pork tenderloin healthy? Yes, pork tenderloin is a healthy option for most diets.The extra-lean meat is high in protein and a rich source of B vitamins and selenium. One 4-ounce serving of pork tenderloin has almost 24 grams of protein, 0 carbohydrates, less than 4 grams of fat, and just 136 calories. TheAmerican Heart Associationhas certified pork tenderloin as aheart healthy food, so eat up and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Season the pork tenderloin with other herbs and spices. In addition to the salt and pepper, try garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, ground cumin, or our favorite all-purpose House seasoning blend. Thyme and rosemary work really well with pork, but you might also like to try parsley, chives, basil, or oregano.
- Asingle pork tenderloin is typically just 1 lb. of meat, making it an appropriate amount of food for2-4 people(depending on the size of your appetite). If you’re feeding alarger family of 4-5, I recommend doubling all of the ingredientsand roasting two tenderloins.
- I like stone ground Dijon in this recipe, which adds even more texture to the outside of the meat; however, you can substitute with regular smooth or creamy Dijon if that’s what you have on hand.
- Swap out the honey and use brown sugar instead. You need some sugar, though, for caramelization on the outside of the meat.
Expert Tips
- Thesalt and honey are necessary for seasoning the meat and for encouraging caramelization on the outside of the pork.
- Allow the pork to sit on the counter and come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. This will help the meat cook evenly.
- The total cooking time may vary, depending on the size, thickness, and temperature of your pork when it goes in the oven. As a result, use a meat thermometer to know exactly when your pork reaches the desired level of doneness.
- Keep the pork covered for most of the roasting time in order to trap in the moisture and keep the meat juicy. Transfer the dish to the broiler at the end to achieve that delicious sear on the outside. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Let the pork rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will give the juices a chance to redistribute so that your meat is as juicy as possible.
More 5-Star Pork Tenderloin Recipes to Try
Honey Garlic Dijon Pork Tenderloin Marinade
8 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Pork Tenderloin with Apples
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Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin (4 Ingredients)
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Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin
5 from 9 votes
Prep: 5 minutes minutes
Cook: 30 minutes minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes minutes
Total: 45 minutes minutes
Servings 3 servings
Calories 231 kcal
You only need 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes to prepare this tender, juicy, and healthy oven roasted pork tenderloin!
Ingredients
- 1 (1 lb.) pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons stone ground Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or rosemary leaves
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a baking dish or roasting pan.
In a small bowl, stir together mustard, honey, and thyme or rosemary.
Place sliced onion in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared dish. Pat the pork dry. Season with salt and pepper on all sides, and then place on top of the sliced onions in the dish. Brush about half of the mustard mixture over the pork.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Turn the oven setting to "BROIL" on high.
Remove the cover, brush the pork with additional mustard sauce, and place about 4-6 inches under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until a crispy crust forms on top and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 140-150°F.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow the pork to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Thesalt and honey are necessary for seasoning the meat and for encouraging caramelization on the outside of the pork.
- Allow the pork to sit on the counter and come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. This will help the meat cook evenly.
- The total cooking time may vary, depending on the size, thickness, and temperature of your pork when it goes in the oven. As a result, use an instant read thermometer to know exactly when your pork reaches the desired level of doneness.
- Let the pork rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will give the juices a chance to redistribute so that your meat is as juicy as possible.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/3 of the pork and glazeCalories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 32gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 193mgPotassium: 615mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 2mg
Keyword: dijon pork tenderloin, honey dijon pork, oven roasted pork tenderloin, Roast Pork Tenderloin, roasted pork tenderloin
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Blair Lonergan
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This recipe was originally published in March, 2016. It was updated in March, 2024.
