This pork tenderloin roast is very simple to make. Just rub the pork with a tasty rub, sear it quickly, and then bake it.
I often roast two tenderloins at once because the first one is so juicy and tasty, and the second one tastes just as good the next day.
Although I usually like cuts with a lot of fat, like baked pork chops or pork shoulder (used in this pork roast and these pork shoulder steaks), this roasted pork tenderloin tastes great. Its a lean but tender and flavorful cut as long as you dont overcook it.
A nice variation on this recipe is this bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. The bacon adds fat and flavor, greatly elevating the meat. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Youll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Heres an overview of what youll need:
There are two main ways to vary this recipe. One is to use different fats for sauteing the tenderloin. For example, instead of avocado oil, you could use ghee. I like the nutty flavor it adds.
Another way to vary this recipe is to experiment with different seasonings. Good options that I tried and liked include onion powder and dried coriander. I sometimes add ½ teaspoon of each.
This is such an easy recipe. The pork is just rubbed with a dry rub, seared quickly in a skillet, and then put in the oven to finish cooking. The detailed instructions for making this recipe are listed in the recipe card below. Heres an overview of the steps:
You start by mixing together the salt, pepper, and spices in a bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the pork.
If your oven is 450°F and the size of your food, it should take 20 to 30 minutes to cook all the way through. You can leave it in the skillet if its ovenproof or transfer it to a roasting pan:
Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that can make for an easy, delicious dinner when cooked properly. While there are various methods for cooking tenderloin, using a low temperature oven roast, around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, is a foolproof technique to achieve a tender, juicy interior.
Cooking the pork low and slow breaks down the proteins gently over time. This results in a tender texture that retains moisture. When cooked at high temperatures, pork tenderloin can easily dry out.
Below we’ll explore how long to roast pork tenderloin at 300 degrees and the benefits of this method.
Why Cook Pork Tenderloin at 300 Degrees?
There are a few key reasons why cooking pork tenderloin low and slow at 300 degrees Fahrenheit leads to the best results:
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Retains moisture – The low heat prevents the proteins from tightening and squeezing out juices. This keeps the pork succulent.
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Allows tenderizing – Over time the slower cooking gives the meat time to become more tender as the proteins break down.
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Enhances flavor – Slower cooking gives more time for seasonings and spices to permeate the meat infusing it with flavor.
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Prevents overcooking – The gradual, gentle heat makes it harder to accidentally overcook the pork, which can lead to dryness.
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Adds flexibility – You can cook the pork longer if needed without ruining it. A higher temp has a smaller window before overcooking.
How Long to Cook a Pork Tenderloin at 300°F
The cooking time will vary slightly based on the size and thickness of your pork tenderloin. Here are general guidelines:
- 1-pound tenderloin:
- 1 – 1 1⁄2 hours
- 1.5 – 2 pound tenderloin:
- 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours
- 2 – 3 pound tenderloin:
- 2 – 3 hours
To ensure your pork reaches safe eating temperatures always use a meat thermometer. Pork should reach 145°F at a minimum. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for foolproof roasted pork tenderloin at 300 degrees:
1. Prepare the Meat
- Trim off any excess fat and silver skin.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and oil.
- Allow to marinate for 30 mins – 1 hour.
2. Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 300°F.
3. Roast
- Place tenderloin on a baking sheet or pan.
- Roast for 1-3 hours based on weight.
- Halfway through, baste with pan juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check temp.
4. Rest and Slice
- Once pork reaches 145°F, remove from oven.
- Tent with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes.
- Slice into medallions and serve.
Tips for Moist, Tender Results
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Cook to correct internal temperature – Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Allow resting time – This helps keep juices distributed evenly.
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Use a meat thermometer – Don’t rely solely on cook times.
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Prevent overcooking – Once pork reaches temp, remove immediately.
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Baste during cooking – Brushing on pan juices keeps the meat moisturized.
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Cook evenly – Rotate the pan occasionally for even cooking.
Pair with flavorful sides
A succulent pork tenderloin deserves equally delicious side dishes. Consider pairing with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Quinoa salad
- Baked mac and cheese
- Sauteed greens
- Glazed carrots
The possibilities are endless! Sides with acidity or sweetness balance the savory pork wonderfully.
Cooking pork tenderloin low and slow at 300 degrees Fahrenheit delivers tender, juicy results every time. For a 1-3 pound tenderloin, cook for 1-3 hours until it reaches 145°F internal temperature. Monitor with a meat thermometer, baste during roasting, and be sure to let it rest before slicing. Follow these tips and you’ll have moist, delicious pork tenderloin!
Alternative Method: Just Bake
Searing the tenderloin before baking it seals in juices and enhances its flavor. But over the years I’ve found that baking it until it’s browned and cooked all the way through gives me the same results with less work.
To use this method, mix the spices with two tablespoons of olive oil:
Dry the tenderloin using paper towels and coat it with the mixture:
Place it on a rack fitted into a rimmed, foil-lined baking sheet. Bake it in a 425°F oven until it reaches 145°F, about 30 minutes for a 1. 25-pound tenderloin. As you can see in the photo below, it emerges from the oven beautifully browned:
- It’s important to let the pork rest before cutting it. This lets the juices settle and redistribute, making sure the meat is succulent and juicy.
- Theres no need to cook pork well done. According to the USDA, medium doneness is OK. It should be cooked to 145°F on the inside and then let it rest for 3 minutes. In other words, it might still look pink at 145°F, as the picture below shows.
Ideally, yes, but its not mandatory. Searing it on all sides triggers the Maillard reaction, which is the browning and caramelizing of the meat. This enhances the meats flavor and texture. See the brown spots on the seared tenderloin in the photo below? Theres a lot of flavor in those! Having said that, as explained above, simply roasting the pork in the oven and skipping the skillet produces excellent results.
Initially, you dont. Place it in the hot oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F (medium), 20-30 minutes. If you’re roasting the pork for more than 20 minutes, loosely cover it with foil to keep the top from burning.
It depends on the oven temperature. I like to cook it in a hot 450°F oven. At this temperature, a 1.25-pound tenderloin will need 20-30 minutes in the oven, depending on how hot your oven runs. Its internal temperature should reach 145°F, plus a three-minute rest time, as shown in the photo below:
No. They are different cuts. Pork loin is a large cut that comes from the back of the pig. The tenderloin is a small and narrow cut that comes from the ribcage underneath the backbone. The tenderloin is leaner and more tender. Here, we quickly roast it. You can also cut it into cubes and use them in a quick pork stew or a pork stir-fry, or you can cut them into medallions and fry them in a pan. Pork loin, on the other hand, should be cooked low and slow.
Roasted pork tenderloin pairs well with many side dishes. But because I cook it in a 450°F oven, I like to serve it with a side dish that I can also cook in that oven. So, I often serve it with one of the following:
Alternatively, I serve it with a vegetable I can quickly steam or saute, such as:
The leftovers can be kept in the fridge for three to four days in a container that doesn’t let air in. They can also be frozen for up to three months and thawed in the fridge overnight before being heated up.
If you want to reheat the leftovers, do so gently and cover them in microwave at 50% power. You can also serve them cold straight from the fridge. You can put them on 90-second bread or lettuce for a lettuce sandwich with sriracha mayo and sliced tomato.
Alternatively, I make a plate of sliced cold tenderloin, veggies, and pickles, as shown in the photo below. Sometimes, I spread the pork slices with Dijon mustard for added moisture and flavor.
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How long does it take to cook pork at 300?
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a pork loin at 300 degrees?
Can you cook pork at 300 degrees?
How long does it take to cook pork chops at 300 degrees?
Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400?
How long does pork tenderloin take to cook?
Pork tenderloin will take around 20-25 minutes to roast at 375 degrees F. For the best (and juiciest) results, use a thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, regardless of cooking time. A super easy recipe to make pork tenderloin in the oven so it’s flavorful. It’s perfect for weeknights!
What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked at?
Firstly, we explored the importance of achieving the perfect cooking time for pork tenderloin. By cooking it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can ensure a juicy and tender result. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to cook pork tenderloin in oven?
Mix well. Rub the prepared dry rub onto all sides of the pork tenderloins, ensuring even coverage. Roast the pork in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 140°. After removing the pan from the oven, loosely cover the pork with a piece of foil.
How long should a pork loin be cooked at 400 degrees?
Overcooking can result in dry pork loin, so it’s essential to pay close attention to avoid this pitfall. As a general guideline, plan on cooking the pork loin for about 20 minutes per pound at 400°F. However, always rely on your trusty meat thermometer for precise measurements.