How Long to Cook 2 Pork Tenderloins to Perfection: The Complete Guide

This tender roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe is so simple to prepare and incredibly tender, juicy and delicious!

When roasted in the oven with just a little seasoning, pork tenderloin gets fork-tender. It is lean and healthy.

A tasty main dish that goes with it can be made quickly on a busy weeknight and looks fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

Cooking pork tenderloin can seem intimidating to many home cooks. Understanding how long to cook 2 pork tenderloins is key to ensuring they come out moist, flavorful and cooked through. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or making a weeknight dinner mastering pork tenderloin makes for an easy elegant main course.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to cook 2 pork tenderloins perfectly every time

Determining Cook Time Based on Weight

The first step is determining the total weight of your 2 pork tenderloins. Pork tenderloins are typically sold in 1-2 pound packages.

Here is a guide for cook times based on the total weight

2 pounds (2 tenderloins around 1 pound each): Cook for 40-45 minutes
3 pounds (2 tenderloins around 1.5 pounds each): Cook for 50-60 minutes
4 pounds (2 larger or thick tenderloins): Cook for 60-70 minutes

These times are for cooking at an oven temperature of 350°F. Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, but use these estimates as a starting point.

Seasoning for Maximum Flavor

Now that you know approximate cook times, let’s talk about how to ensure your pork tenderloins are packed with flavor.

Proper seasoning and marinating is key. Here are some simple seasoning ideas:

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano or thyme
Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary
Soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger
Chili powder, cumin, garlic, lime juice

Marinate the tenderloins for 30 minutes up to overnight. For quicker cooking, tenderloins can also be pounded to an even thickness.

Step-by-Step Method

Follow these steps for foolproof oven-baked pork tenderloins:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Season tenderloins with desired rub or marinade.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Quickly sear tenderloins for 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer to a baking sheet and roast for estimated cook time.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness of 145°F.
Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Searing first adds a nice caramelized crust while the oven roasting cooks the pork gently without drying it out.

Complementary Side Dishes

Pork tenderloin is very versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options:

-Roasted potatoes or root vegetables
-Rice pilaf or couscous
-Sauteed greens like kale or spinach
-Garden salad with vinaigrette dressing
-Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

Herb-crusted pork tenderloins also go great with a side of applesauce or cranberry relish.

Safely Storing Leftovers

Like any meat, properly storing leftover pork tenderloin is important. Here are some tips:

Let pork cool completely before refrigerating.
Wrap tightly or store in airtight containers.
Use leftovers within 3-4 days.
Reheat fully to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving again.

For longer storage, cooked pork can be frozen for 2-3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

Mastering Pork Tenderloin

Cooking 2 pork tenderloins in the oven is simple with the right technique. Determine cook times based on weight, season generously, sear then roast at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Rest before slicing and serve with delicious side dishes.

With this complete guide, you can now cook pork tenderloin like a pro! Impress your family with moist, juicy pork dinner.

how long to cook 2 pork tenderloins

What Color is a Cooked Pork Tenderloin?

I was lucky enough to be on the Pass the Pork tour and learn firsthand about both raising pigs and cooking them to perfection! For years I have served my pork cooked to medium with just a hint of pink; the pork is so juicy and tender you can cut it with a fork.

Cooking your pork tenderloin to 145°F means your pork will have just a touch of pink in the middle. Pork tenderloin can be (and should be) served with a little bit of pink in the middle in order to ensure it’s juicy and fork-tender. Find more information about cooking pork at pork.org.

How Do You Make Pork Tenderloin Juicy?

If you know how to cook pork tenderloin right, you can get it to melt in your mouth perfection! The answer is very simple: don’t overcook it!

A lot of us grew up when our parents cooked all kinds of pork until it was as tough as leather. If you cook pork to medium (145° F), it should be safe to eat today. It should be tender and just a little pink in the middle. Serve this with perfect mashed potatoes and easy roasted asparagus.

Set the oven to a high temperature to get a nice color and taste on the outside.
Use olive oil and fresh herbs to brush.
Use a thermometer to achieve the perfect temperature.
Allow your meat to rest before cutting.
Small pieces of pork tenderloin should only be fried or grilled for a few minutes on each side.
Do not overcook. Pork tenderloin is very lean if overcooked can become dry.

I can’t stress this enough, using a thermometer is really essential to perfection! If you do not have one, this is a very small investment to ensure the best cook on not just pork, but many types of meat!

I have a digital thermometer where the probe is inserted into the meat (this one gets rave reviews and is inexpensive), then a wire cord connects the probe to the digital display. Don’t worry, the oven door closes just fine with the cord sticking out.

When you roast pork tenderloin (or pork chops), the meat should be 145° F when it’s soft and juicy. To get a medium-rare pork tenderloin, roast it to 145° F. The middle will still be a little pink.

It’s fine to cook it anywhere from 145° F to 160° F, but to medium (145° F) will make the meat much more juicy. Always remember to rest your meat for about 5 minutes before cutting it.

Pork Tenderloin Basics

FAQ

Can I cook two pork tenderloins at the same time?

If you need to prepare two pork tenderloins, try “merging” them with thick end to thin end, which will help cook them more evenly. They will stay together better if you score the flat side of both tenderloins before tying them.

Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400?

Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400? Cooking a pork loin at 400°F will give a nice crust and cook it faster, reducing the risk of drying out. If using 350°F, cooking will take longer but be gentler, helping retain moisture.

How long to cook 2 Smithfield pork tenderloins?

Oven: Heat oven to 425°F. Place pork on rack in shallow roasting pan. Roast 25 to 30 minutes per pound.

How long does it take to cook pork tenderloin at 350 in the oven?

From oven oven-roasting to grilling, here’s a quick guide to cooking times: How long to cook pork tenderloin in oven at 350°F: Placed in a baking dish and cooked uncovered, a pork tenderloin will take around 20-27 minutes at 350°F.