This baked pork tenderloin recipe is perfectly juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. No searing is required, so it’s fast and has minimal prep! It’s ready in just over 30 minutes.
It’s a lot like my Crockpot Pork Tenderloin, so you might want to give that a try.
Cooking pork fillet in the oven is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to prepare this lean, tender cut of meat. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious main course in under an hour.
What is Pork Fillet?
Pork fillet, also called pork tenderloin, is a long, thin cut that comes from the loin section near the backbone of the pig. It’s very low in fat and connective tissue, which makes it lean and tender when cooked properly.
Unlike other pork cuts like shoulder or belly that need slow cooking to break down tough muscle fibers, the fillet only requires a quick cooking time. This makes it perfect for fast weeknight meals.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Fillet in the Oven
There are several advantages to using the oven for cooking pork tenderloin:
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Consistent heat The ambient heat of the oven surrounds the meat from all sides preventing cold or hot spots. This allows it to cook evenly throughout.
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Less monitoring Once it’s in the oven, you don’t have to watch it constantly like on the stovetop. Just set a timer and check at the end.
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Moist and tender: The enclosed environment traps in moisturereleased by the meat as it cooks. This keeps it from drying out.
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Easy cleanup: Other than the baking sheet or dish, there are minimal pans and utensils to wash later.
Step-By-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for oven-baked pork fillet
1. Prepare the Meat
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Take the pork fillet out of the packaging and pat dry with paper towels. This helps promote browning.
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Trim off any excess fat, silver skin or sinew.
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Lightly coat with oil. This adds flavor and moisture during cooking. Olive, avocado, grapeseed or other neutral oils work well.
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Season generously with salt and pepper. Add any other dried herbs or spices like garlic powder, paprika or Italian seasoning.
2. Brown the Meat
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the fillet on all sides until nicely caramelized, about 2 minutes per side.
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This step is optional but adds a ton of flavor. If short on time, can skip it.
3. Transfer to Oven
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Place the browned pork on a foil-lined baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
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For extra moisture, add a few pats of butter, drizzle with oil, or pour in a small amount of broth.
4. Bake Until Done
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Bake at 400°F for 15-25 minutes, depending on thickness.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
5. Make a Simple Pan Sauce
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While the pork rests, make an easy pan sauce.
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Add minced shallots and broth to the baking pan and boil until reduced.
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Finish with butter or cream for luxurious flavor.
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Pour the sauce over the sliced pork fillet to serve.
Cooking Tips
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For best results, choose fillets 1-1.5 lbs each. Larger cuts may require more time.
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Let the meat come to room temp before cooking for more even baking.
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Tent with foil at the end if the top browns too quickly.
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The center may still have a hint of pink when done. This means it’s nice and juicy!
Flavor Variations
The simple preparation of oven-baked pork fillet lends itself well to all sorts of herbs, spices and sauces:
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Italian – oregano, basil, fennel, tomatoes, wine
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Mexican – cumin, chili powder, lime, cilantro, salsa
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Asian – ginger, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, scallions
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Mediterranean – olives, lemon, oregano, yogurt, tzatziki
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BBQ – sweet and spicy rub, barbecue sauce, caramelized onions
So try out baking this lean, tender cut in your oven. In no time, you’ll have a delicious and easy main course to please the whole family.
What to serve with baked pork tenderloin
- Any food that is left over will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days if it is sealed tightly.
- Warm it back up in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s all gone. Another option is to heat them slowly in the microwave over a low setting. Be careful, though, because the food might dry out when it’s reheated. Definitely use a little additional butter if it needs it.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in individual portions.
How to make baked pork tenderloin
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 400F. Prep and dry the tenderloins with paper towel. Add the homemade seasoning rub ingredients to a small bowl and mix. Coat the pork with the spice rub uniformly.
Add the seasoned meat to a 9×13 baking dish, and top with the butter. Bake, let it rest to redistribute the juices, and then slice into medallions. Pour the pan juices over, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Pork tenderloin is very lean, so if you cook it too long, it will dry out. The way farms work has changed, and now pork can be eaten without being overcooked. There’s nothing wrong with a little pink; it means the pork is nice and juicy.
- Because pork tenderloins are usually sold in pairs, this recipe calls for two tenderloins that weigh one pound each. You don’t need to be spot-on with one pound each.
- Use an instant read thermometer with a probe to get the right temperature every time. It’ll beep when it reaches the perfect 145F. This is also great if you have bigger pork tenderloins that take longer than the time suggested in this recipe.
- You should let it rest after it’s cooked but before you cut it. This is when the juices get locked in.
- You can definitely change up the rub. If you want it to be spicy, add some cayenne pepper. There is nothing spicy about it as written. You can change it up however you like, or you can use your favorite jarred variety.
- If you need to, you can use a lot of olive oil instead of the butter.
EASY Pork Tenderloin In Oven Recipe – So Simple, So TASTY!
FAQ
What is the cooking temperature for pork fillet?
What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork fillet?
How long does it take to cook pork tenderloin at 350 in the oven?
Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400?
How do you cook pork tenderloin in the oven?
Mouthwatering, buttery tender pork tenderloin seasoned to perfection and roasted in the oven for about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 425° (F). Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Trim pork tenderloin of any excess fat or silverskin. Pat pork dry and coat with olive oil. Rub seasoning mix all over pork tenderloin.
How long do you cook pork fillets in the oven?
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and let the pork cook for about 25-30 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork fillet, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
How long do you cook a pork roast in the oven?
Rub liberally on all sides of the pork. Place seasoned pork roast, fat side up, on foil lined sheet pan and place in oven at 425° (F) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to 375° (F) and continue roasting for about 45 minutes or until internal temperature of the pork is 145° (F) at the center of the roast.
How long to cook pork fillet with foil?
Using foil helps to seal in moisture and keep the pork tender while cooking. How long should I cook pork fillet in the oven with foil? The cooking time for pork fillet in the oven with foil will depend on the weight and thickness of the meat. As a general guideline, cook it at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes per pound (0.45 kg).