This pork tenderloin is wonderfully seasoned and cooked to perfection in the oven. It’s buttery tender, juicy, and so tasty! It’s easy to make and perfect for a family meal.
Pork tenderloin is one of the finest cuts of meat. It’s very lean and tender and can be seasoned any number of wonderful ways. We’ll season the pork with a few easy-to-find pantry items for this recipe and then roast it in the oven for about 30 minutes.
Cooking a perfect pork loin filet can be tricky business. Pork needs to be cooked to just the right internal temperature to ensure it is moist, tender and safe to eat. Undercook pork and it can be dangerous, overcook it and you end up with a tough, dry piece of meat. Using a toaster oven to cook pork loin takes a little finesse, but it can be done with excellent, juicy results. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook a pork loin filet to perfection in a toaster oven.
Selecting the Right Cut of Pork
The first key step is choosing the right cut of pork for cooking in the toaster oven. The best option is a boneless center cut pork loin filet (also sometimes labeled as a pork tenderloin). This is a long, thin cut that comes from the loin section of the pig. It is very lean and tender. Stay away from pork sirloin or pork chops – these cuts can easily dry out in a toaster oven.
When purchasing your pork loin filet, look for one that is 1-1.5 lbs in size. This is the perfect portion to feed 2-4 people. The filet should be mostly uniform in width so it cooks evenly. inspect the filet and make sure there is a nice layer of fat cap on one side to help keep the meat juicy.
Proper Seasoning is Key
One of the most important steps to getting the best flavor is properly seasoning the pork loin before cooking. Generously coat all sides of the filet with a basic seasoning blend. A simple mix of salt, pepper and garlic powder works well. You can also use a pre-made pork rub or adobo seasoning. The seasonings will form a flavorful crust when seared and also permeate the meat as it cooks.
Preheating is a Must
Before cooking any meat in a toaster oven, it is absolutely vital that you preheat it first. Most toaster ovens take 10-15 minutes to fully preheat at higher temperatures. Preheating helps prevent cold spots and ensures the pork cooks evenly. For a 1-1.5 lb pork loin filet, preheat the toaster oven to 400°F.
Time for a Quick Sear
Searing the outside of the pork loin before roasting is optional, but highly recommended. It helps form a delicious brown crust on the exterior of the meat and enhances flavor. To sear, heat a skillet over medium high heat Add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan Once hot, add the seasoned pork loin filet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Now Into the Toaster Oven
After searing, place the pork loin directly on the wire rack in the preheated toaster oven. Roasting it elevated on a rack allows air flow all around so the outside gets crispy. If your toaster oven did not come with a rack, you can use a broiler pan turned upside down.
Determining Cook Time
Cook time can vary based on the size of your pork loin filet. Most 1-1.5 lb filets will need 25-35 minutes in a 400°F toaster oven. To ensure perfect doneness, use an instant read meat thermometer. Insert into the thickest part of the filet, away from bone. Pork should be cooked to an internal temp of 145°F for medium doneness.
Check for Doneness
Start checking temperature after about 20 minutes. Once the thermometer reads 140-145°F, remove the pork loin from the toaster oven. The temperature will continue rising about 5 degrees as it rests. Do not overcook pork or it will dry out.
Resting is Required
As soon as the pork comes out of the toaster oven, tent it loosely with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for a tender, juicy result Skipping the resting step can cause the pork to be dry.
Add a Simple Glaze
For extra flavor and moisture, you can coat the rested pork loin in a quick glaze before serving. Whisk together 1/4 cup apricot jam and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Brush over both sides of the pork and put back in the warm toaster oven just until the glaze is tacky, about 2-3 minutes.
Slice and Serve
To serve, slice the rested pork loin filet into 1/2 inch thick medallions. Fan out on a platter and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Serve immediately for an incredibly tender, juicy pork entrée straight from the toaster oven. Pair it with simple roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
With this complete guide, you can enjoy perfectly cooked pork loin filets anytime with just your toaster oven. Preheating, quick searing and using a meat thermometer are the secrets to getting ideal results. Follow these steps and you will have restaurant-quality pork entrees easily at home. Give it a try for your next dinner!
Roast at 425° (F) for 25-30 minutes
We want the pork tenderloin to have an internal temperature of 145°(F). An instant read thermometer is an essential tool everyone should have on hand. After 25 minutes, check the thickest part of the meat. Once the internal temp is at least 145°(F), you’re good to remove from the oven. Set the pork tenderloin on a plate and let it sit for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Make Sure It’s Pork Tenderloin
There’s a few cuts of pork that have similar sounding names. Be sure the packaging clearly says pork tenderloin. They are basically long and slender and weigh around ¾lb to 1 ½lbs each. It’s also quite common to find them in 2-packs. Other cuts of meat with similar names, like pork loin, pork loin filet, and pork roast, are NOT pork tenderloin and need to be cooked in a different way.
I love to make recipes where I have most of the ingredients already on hand. For this roasted pork tenderloin, we’ll use a simple rub which includes brown sugar, salt, pepper, ground mustard, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne (optional, be really good).
Another reason I love making this recipe is because it’s so simple to prepare. It’s easy: just mix the ingredients together, rub some olive oil on the meat, and then cover it well with the pepper rub. Place it into a baking dish or pan and into the oven it goes. No need to sear this recipe first, that’s one less step we needn’t worry about. Just rub the seasoning on and it’s ready to go in the oven!.
Easy and Delicious Pork Loin Roast Cooked in the Toaster Oven
FAQ
Can you cook pork loin in a toaster oven?
What temperature should a pork loin filet be cooked at?
What is the difference between pork loin filet and pork tenderloin?