The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Smithfield Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

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Smithfield pork tenderloins are easy to cook and only take 5 minutes to prepare. You can have a family dinner in 30 minutes or less. I gave you three easy ways to get the roasted pork tenderloin and different side dishes to the table hot and ready to eat.

For easy dinners all year, I mix and match different marinades and seasonings to get a wide range of great tastes.

While I worked on a small project with Smithfield Pork and the National Pork Board many years ago, this post is NOT for them. They have no idea I’m writing these helpful tips.

I truly do purchase plain Smithfield pork tenderloins at least once or twice a month for my family. I’ve learned how to make it in a number of different ways for quick family meals because it’s a reliable and cheap protein.

To help you and your family save money the next time these juicy pork loins go on sale, I’m going to tell you how I cook Smithfield pork and use it in simple, tasty meals.

Smithfield pork tenderloin is a quick and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights These tender, lean cuts cook up moist and delicious right in your oven with minimal fuss

Follow this complete guide to learn how to roast Smithfield pork tenderloin to juicy, flavorful perfection every time.

Overview of Smithfield Pork Tenderloin

Smithfield pork tenderloins are cut from the tenderloin muscle that runs along the spine of the pig. This triangular shaped piece of meat is very low in fat and connective tissue, making it one of the most tender cuts of pork.

Compared to pork loin, tenderloins are smaller in size at around 1-2 lbs each. They cook up faster than larger roasts, in about 25-30 minutes. Their mild flavor takes well to a variety of seasonings too

When roasted properly, Smithfield pork tenderloins turn out incredibly moist, tender and delicious. Oven roasting brings out their best qualities for an easy meal solution any night of the week.

Benefits of Cooking Tenderloin in the Oven

There are several advantages to roasting pork tenderloin in the oven:

  • Requires minimal preparation – just season and pop it in the oven.

  • Cooks food evenly on all sides without having to flip or rotate.

  • Uses dry ambient heat to crisp and brown the exterior.

  • Produces deliciously caramelized and crispy outer layer.

  • Concentrates and enhances flavor of seasoning and herbs.

  • Allows hands-off cooking while tending to sides.

  • Easy to get perfect doneness when following temperature guidelines.

  • Only requires one pan – no extra pots or dishes to clean up.

Step-by-Step Oven Roasting Directions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven-roasted pork tenderloin:

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 lbs Smithfield pork tenderloin
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Seasoning of choice

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

  2. Pat pork dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil.

  3. Generously season with desired herbs, spices, or rub.

  4. Place pork on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan.

  5. Roast 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

  6. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil and let rest 10 minutes.

  7. Slice into medallions and serve warm.

And that’s it – juicy, flavorful oven-roasted pork tenderloin in less than 30 minutes!

Choosing the Best Seasonings

One of the great things about pork tenderloin is that it pairs well with almost any seasoning. Consider these options:

  • Herb blends – rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano

  • Spice rubs – chili powder, cumin, paprika, jerk

  • Pantry staples – garlic, pepper, onion, mustard

  • Savory flavors – Parmesan, sun-dried tomato, bacon

  • Sweet flavors – brown sugar, maple, honey, jam

  • Wet marinades – soy sauce, vinegar, citrus, wine

Get creative with your own signature spice combinations and marinades. A simple olive oil, salt and pepper also does the trick.

Tips for Maximizing Juiciness

To prevent dry pork tenderloin and lock in moisture, follow these key tips:

  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

  • Let pork rest at least 10 minutes before slicing into it.

  • Roast uncovered so steam can escape instead of building up.

  • Pat pork very dry before seasoning to maximize browning.

  • Brine or marinate pork for added flavor and moisture.

  • Serve with pan juices or gravy for extra moisture.

  • Slice pork across the grain into thin medallions.

Checking Doneness of Pork Tenderloin

Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to test pork tenderloin for doneness.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Insert thermometer into the thickest part of pork.

  • Wait 15 seconds for an accurate reading.

  • Remove pork from oven when it reaches 145°F.

  • If underdone, bake 5+ minutes more and recheck.

  • Let pork rest 10 minutes then double check for pinkness.

Pulling pork right when it hits 145°F prevents overcooking for tender, juicy meat every time.

Letting Pork Tenderloin Rest

Always allow roasted pork tenderloin to rest after it comes out of the oven. Here’s why it’s important:

  • Allows juices to redistribute through the meat.

  • Allows carryover cooking to finish without overcooking.

  • Brings down the temperature slightly before slicing.

  • Prevents pork from drying out.

  • Makes the pork easier to slice cleanly.

To rest pork properly:

  • Transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil.

  • Let sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes.

  • The internal temperature will rise about 5°F.

  • Then slice and serve your hot, juicy pork!

Serving Suggestions

Oven-roasted pork tenderloin is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

  • Slice and add to salads, pasta, pizza, sandwiches

  • Pair with sautéed veggies like peppers, onions, broccoli

  • Serve with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf or quinoa

  • Top with chimichurri, salsa verde, or mustard glaze

  • Slice and use in tacos, stir fries, curry, soups

  • Make pork sandwiches with pickles and slaw

  • Serve with pan gravy or mushroom sauce for extra moisture

Troubleshooting Pork Tenderloin

Problem: Pork comes out dry and overcooked.

Solution: Use a meat thermometer and don’t overbake. Roast to 145°F then rest 10 minutes.

Problem: Exterior doesn’t brown well.

Solution: Ensure surface is dried well before seasoning. Use high oven temp of 425°F.

Problem: Pork slices aren’t tender.

Solution: Always slice thinly across the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers.

Problem: Pork lacks flavor.

Solution: Season aggressively with spices, herbs, aromatics before roasting.

Problem: Pork sticks to the pan.

Solution: Use a rimmed baking sheet lightly coated in oil or lined with parchment.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

  • Store sliced pork tenderloin in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of water or broth to moisten.

  • Reheat pork gently until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

  • Leftover roasted pork also makes delicious sandwiches and wraps.

Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipes

Here are two flavorful recipe ideas:

Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin

Coat pork with Dijon mustard, maple syrup and rosemary. Roast at 425°F until 145°F internal temp.

Jerk Spiced Pork Tenderloin

Marinate pork in jerk seasoning, lime juice, oil and garlic. Roast at 425°F until 145°F.

Oven roasting is a foolproof, easy way to cook Smithfield pork tenderloin for incredible juiciness and flavor. With the right seasoning, temperature, and doneness, you’ll have tender, delicious pork dinner on the table in under 30 minutes any night of the week.

how do you cook smithfield pork tenderloin in the oven

Best Seasonings for Pork Tenderloin

how do you cook smithfield pork tenderloin in the oven

For my family, I use cooked pork tenderloin in a lot of different recipes. I love seasoning it to go with the meal.

I start by picking my side dishes and then choose the spice blend that pairs the best.

I think the best seasonings for pork tenderloin include:

Best Marinades for Pork Tenderloin

When I have a little more time to plan, I quickly make a sauce for the pork tenderloins.

This easy Asian marinade is my favorite. I use it when I want to serve broccoli and jasmine rice. It features soy sauce and brown sugar which both taste great on pork.

Oranges, limes, or lemons are used in both my zesty Cuban mojo marinade and my Dijon mustard marinade. The acidity of the citrus brings so much more flavor to the plain pork.

The Dijon mustard is what I use for sandwiches or to go with potatoes, and the Cuban mojo is what I use to make pork tortilla wraps.

Place the pork tenderloins in a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle the olive oil over the top and turn the pork to coat.

Then sprinkle the dry rub over the top. See how easy??

If youre using a marinade, simply pour it over the plain pork and turn to coat. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge.

how do you cook smithfield pork tenderloin in the oven

EASY Pork Tenderloin In Oven Recipe – So Simple, So TASTY!

FAQ

What is the difference between Smithfield pork loin and tenderloin?

The names may be almost the same, but pork loin and pork tenderloin are different cuts of meat. A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone. A pork loin is wider and flatter, and can be a boneless or bone-in cut of meat.

What is the best cooked temp for pork tenderloin?

Because of this, the USDA suggests cooking it to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the same temperature for every variation of pork you might choose from pork tenderloin to shoulder. However, once your meat has hit this mark, you’re not too far off from overcooking the product.

How can you tell if a pork loin is done without a thermometer?

One way to determine your porks’ doneness is by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking. If they’re mostly or entirely pink or red, it’s best to continue cooking.

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