If you haven’t cooked with pork tenderloin yet, you should! For dinner tonight, try this Baked Pork Tenderloin recipe. It’s so juicy and tender that it melts in your mouth. It only takes 15 minutes to cook, and the light, smoky rub makes a great crust.
Cooking a one pound pork tenderloin in the oven results in a quick easy, and delicious dinner that’s ready in under an hour. When seasoned and roasted properly this tender and lean cut becomes incredibly moist, tender and packed with flavor.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to cook the perfect 1 lb pork tenderloin roast in the oven. We’ll cover everything including:
- Benefits of Cooking Pork Tenderloin
- Ingredients and Supplies You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Oven Roasting Instructions
- How Long to Cook a 1 lb Tenderloin
- What Temperature to Roast It To
- How to Tell When It’s Done
- Resting, Carving and Serving Tips
- Delicious Meal Ideas and Side Dishes
Once you learn this straightforward oven roasting method, you’ll be able to get a satisfying homemade dinner on the table any night of the week using this quick and easy cut of meat.
Why Roast Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin offers several advantages that make it a smart choice for quick and simple oven meals:
- Very tender and lean so it cooks quickly
- Mild, slightly sweet flavor that takes on spices well
- Roasts beautifully in the oven and stays juicy
- Much less expensive than beef tenderloin
- Easy to slice or chop for sandwiches, salads, etc.
- Versatile – pairs well with many flavors and cuisines
For an easy roasted dinner ready in under an hour, pork tenderloin can’t be beat
Ingredients Needed
To roast a 1 lb pork tenderloin in the oven, you will need
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
- Spice rub ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, etc.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage or thyme (optional)
- Chicken or vegetable broth or wine (for the pan)
Equipment
You will also need the following kitchen tools:
- Roasting pan or baking dish
- Roasting or cooling rack
- Aluminum foil
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Step-by-Step Oven Roasting Method
Follow these simple steps for roasting pork tenderloin to juicy perfection:
1. Prepare the Tenderloin
Rinse the pork under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trim off any excess silver skin or visible fat.
2. Apply a Dry Rub
Generously coat all sides of the tenderloin with olive oil first. This helps the spice rub stick to the pork better and promotes even browning.
Make a spice rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, oregano or any of your favorite seasonings. Apply the rub evenly on all sides of the meat.
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Allowing the oven to fully preheat while you prep saves cooking time.
4. Quickly Sear the Tenderloin (Optional)
For deeper flavor, you can optionally sear the tenderloin on all sides in a hot skillet with oil.
5. Place on a Rack in a Pan
Place the seasoned pork on a roasting rack set inside a baking pan. Add 1/2 cup of broth or wine to the bottom of the pan.
6. Roast Uncovered
Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes initially to brown the outside and develop a nice crust.
7. Reduce Heat and Continue Roasting
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Continue roasting until the pork reaches the target internal temperature.
8. Test Temperature
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature. It’s done when it reaches 140-145°F. If under, roast for 2-3 more minutes.
9. Let Rest and Slice
Remove the roasted pork from oven and tent with foil. Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.
How Long to Roast 1 lb Pork Tenderloin
For a one pound tenderloin, the approximate roasting time is:
- 15 minutes at 425°F to initially brown the exterior
- 15-20 more minutes at 350°F until it reaches 145°F internal temperature.
Always rely on a meat thermometer rather than just cooking time to check doneness. Pork should reach 140-145°F for a perfect medium temperature.
What Temperature to Roast Pork Tenderloin To
According to USDA guidelines, the ideal internal temperature for properly cooked pork tenderloin is 145°F.
At 145°F, the pork will have a hint of pink inside and be juicy and tender. Since the temperature continues rising as it rests, remove tenderloin from oven at 140-143°F.
Using an accurate digital meat thermometer is crucial for roasting to the right doneness without overcooking.
How to Tell When It’s Done
Here are signs that your pork tenderloin roast is fully cooked and ready to remove from the oven:
- Meat thermometer reads 140-145°F
- Meat has a slightly pink hue in the center
- Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
- Meat feels firm yet tender when pressed
- Spices and rub have formed a nice crust
It’s done when firm yet fork-tender and the inner temperature hits 140-145°F. Avoid cutting into it before the resting period.
Letting It Rest Before Carving
After roasting, tent the pork with foil and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute evenly.
To prevent overcooking, remove it from oven when internal temp reaches 140-143°F. It will continue cooking to 145°F as it rests.
Carving and Serving the Roasted Pork
To serve the perfectly roasted tenderloin:
- Place rested roast on a cutting board and slice into rounds 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Arrange the medallion slices on a platter or plates. Drizzle with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
- Serve pork alongside your favorite roast dinner sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, etc.
Leftover sliced pork is delicious in sandwiches, salads, burrito bowls, and more!
Meal Ideas and Side Dish Pairings
Pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
- Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Quinoa pilaf or wild rice
- Glazed carrots
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
It also goes well with sauces like:
- Creamy mustard sauce
- Herb-garlic pan juices
- Fruit chutney
- Red wine reduction
A 1 lb pork tenderloin easily feeds 3-4 people, making it a perfect choice for weeknight family dinners. Served with a vegetable side and/or salad, it creates a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Oven Roasted Pork
Here are some additional tips for roasting pork tenderloin to tender, juicy perfection:
- Choose 1-1.5 lb tenderloins for the most even cooking. Larger sizes take longer.
- Completely dry the tenderloin so the spice rub adheres.
- Apply a bold spice rub under the skin and on the exterior.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
- Roast at a high temp first to brown, then reduce heat to finish cooking.
- Let it rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Bring the pork closer to room temperature before roasting for faster, more even cooking.
- Pair with sauces and sides that complement, not overwhelm the pork.
With this easy to follow oven roasting method, you can enjoy incredibly moist, tender pork tenderloin any night of the week.
Selecting smaller 1-1.5 pound tenderloins promotes even cooking. A flavorful spice rub adds lots of flavor to the lean meat before roasting.
Roast the pork at 425°F for 15 minutes first to brown the exterior, then reduce heat to 350°F until the inner temperature reaches 145°F.
Letting the pork rest before slicing allows the juices to reabsorb for maximum tenderness and moisture. Serve with your favorite sauces and sides for a fast, company-worthy meal.
By following these helpful oven roasting tips and techniques, you’ll be able to achieve tender, juicy pork tenderloin every time.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Oven
- Pork Tenderloin. NOT the same thing as pork loin. This cut is long, thin, and super tender. You’ll often see it sold in packages of 2. If you buy pre-brined, skip the salt in this recipe.
- Brown Sugar. The caramelized, “crusty” outside of the pork comes from brown sugar. It also gives the smoky and spicy flavors a bit of sweetness.
- Cumin. Adds warmth and earthiness.
- Dry Mustard. Tangy and savory with a hint of heat.
- Paprika + Chipotle Chile Powder. The perfect mix of smoky and spicy can be found in both of these spices.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Season the Pork Well. Pork tenderloin is bland on its own. Adding the pork tenderloin rub below will make it taste smoky and give it more depth.
- Sear the Meat First. Before putting the pork in the oven, sear the outside for a few minutes on the stove. This makes a tasty “crust” that adds another level of flavor to the pork. You’ll feel like a pro!.
- DO NOT OVERCOOK THE MEAT. This is the most important thing to remember about lean meats like pork tenderloin. After being seared on the stove, a 1-pound pork tenderloin will be done in 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees F. LESS TOUGH cuts of meat, like pork tenderloin, don’t get softer as they cook longer than tougher, fatty cuts, like the shoulder used for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- Let It Rest. Make sure to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so the juices can mix back in. The main reasons your pork tenderloin is dry are not letting it rest and cooking it for too long.
- Add Gravy. If you think you may have overcooked it, don’t worry! Just add Mushroom Gravy to fix it!
EASY Pork Tenderloin In Oven Recipe – So Simple, So TASTY!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 1 lb tenderloin?
Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400?
What is the best cooked temp for pork tenderloin?
How long does it take for a 1 lb pork tenderloin to take to get to medium rare in an oven on 450?