Beef & Pork

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Name: Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloin; 1/4 cup kosher salt; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup honey; Salt and pepper to taste

By Tyler Brooks · June 18, 2026 · Beef & Pork

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total35 min

Serves4

There's something special about a perfectly roasted pork tenderloin - the way the crispy crust gives way to a juicy, tender interior is a true delight. As a former competitive rower, I know the importance of fueling my body with high-quality protein, and this dish delivers. I've made this recipe for countless dinner parties and weeknight meals, and it never fails to impress.

I remember the first time I made a roasted pork tenderloin - I was intimidated by the thought of cooking such a lean cut of meat, but with a few simple techniques and some careful attention, I was able to achieve a truly restaurant-quality dish. Since then, I've refined my technique and experimented with different seasonings and glazes, and I'm excited to share my findings with you.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game or impress their friends and family with a special occasion meal. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, and with a few simple substitutions, you can tailor it to your tastes and dietary preferences.

So what makes this recipe so special? For starters, the combination of a quick wet brine and a high-heat roast helps to lock in moisture and create a crispy, caramelized crust. The result is a dish that's both flavorful and nutritious, with a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to practice your skills and develop your confidence in the kitchen. And with its impressive presentation and delicious flavor, it's sure to become a staple in your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time
The combination of a quick wet brine and a high-heat roast helps to lock in moisture and create a crispy, caramelized crust
The dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner
The recipe can be tailored to your tastes and dietary preferences with a few simple substitutions
The result is a dish that's both flavorful and nutritious, with a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates
This recipe is a great way to practice your skills and develop your confidence in the kitchen

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a successful roasted pork tenderloin is a combination of proper technique and careful attention to temperature and timing. By using a quick wet brine to season the meat and a high-heat roast to lock in moisture, we can create a crispy, caramelized crust and a juicy, tender interior.

Another important factor is the use of a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature. This not only helps to prevent foodborne illness, but also ensures that the meat is cooked to the perfect level of doneness.

Finally, the use of a flavorful glaze or seasoning blend helps to add depth and complexity to the dish, and can be tailored to your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a sweet and sticky glaze or a savory and herbaceous seasoning blend, the possibilities are endless.

By following these simple techniques and using a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a truly impressive and delicious roasted pork tenderloin that's sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a delicious roasted pork tenderloin, the quality of the ingredients is just as important as the technique. Look for a fresh, lean cut of pork tenderloin with a good balance of fat and meat. You'll also need a few pantry staples, including olive oil, salt, and pepper, as well as some flavorful seasonings and glazes to add depth and complexity to the dish.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the pork tenderloin itself. Look for a cut that's about 1-1.5 pounds in size, with a good balance of fat and meat. You can also use a larger or smaller cut, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloinLook for a fresh, lean cut of pork tenderloin with a good balance of fat and meat. You can also use a larger or smaller cut, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
1/4 cup kosher saltKosher salt is a coarser, flakier salt that's perfect for seasoning meats. It helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside of the pork tenderloin while keeping the interior juicy and tender.
2 tbsp brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the savory flavors of the pork and seasonings.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is a healthy, flavorful oil that's perfect for cooking meats. It helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside of the pork tenderloin while keeping the interior juicy and tender.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the sweet flavors of the brown sugar and glaze.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme is a fragrant, herbaceous seasoning that pairs perfectly with pork. It adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the sweet flavors of the brown sugar and glaze.
1 tsp paprikaPaprika is a sweet, smoky seasoning that adds depth and complexity to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the pork and helps to balance out the savory flavors of the garlic and thyme.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper is a classic seasoning that adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the dish. It helps to balance out the sweet flavors of the brown sugar and glaze and adds depth and complexity to the pork tenderloin.
1/4 cup chicken brothChicken broth is a flavorful, nutritious liquid that helps to keep the pork tenderloin moist and juicy. It adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the sweet flavors of the brown sugar and glaze.
1/4 cup honeyHoney is a sweet, caramel-like liquid that adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. It helps to balance out the pungent flavors of the garlic and thyme and adds depth and complexity to the pork tenderloin.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are classic seasonings that add a sharp, pungent flavor to the dish. They help to balance out the sweet flavors of the brown sugar and glaze and add depth and complexity to the pork tenderloin.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or oven-safe panSharp chef's knifeMeat thermometerWhiskSpice grinder or mortar and pestleLarge cutting boardOven mitts

How to Make Roasted Pork Tenderloin

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper.
3
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat it evenly.
4
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's nicely browned.
5
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast the pork tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6
While the pork is cooking, whisk together the chicken broth and honey in a small bowl.
7
After the pork has cooked for 10-12 minutes, brush it with the honey glaze and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
9
Slice the pork tenderloin into thin medallions and serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
10
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Make sure to let the pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the pork tenderloin. Cook it in batches if necessary, to ensure that it has enough room to cook evenly.
Let the pork tenderloin come to room temperature before cooking. This will help it to cook more evenly and prevent it from cooking too quickly on the outside.
Use a flavorful oil, such as olive or avocado oil, to cook the pork tenderloin. This will add a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and glazes. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the dish to your tastes and dietary preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the pork tenderloin rest before slicing and serving. This can cause the meat to become tough and dry.
Overcooking the pork tenderloin. This can cause it to become dry and flavorless.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not seasoning the pork tenderloin evenly. This can cause some areas to be over-seasoned and others to be under-seasoned.
Not using a flavorful oil to cook the pork tenderloin. This can cause the dish to lack flavor and depth.
Not experimenting with different seasonings and glazes. This can cause the dish to become boring and repetitive.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed oil, to cook the pork tenderloin.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as cumin or coriander, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Use a different type of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, to add a rich, caramel flavor to the dish.
Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the pan with the pork tenderloin for added flavor and nutrition.
Try using a different type of meat, such as chicken or beef, to create a different variation of the dish.
Experiment with different types of glazes, such as a sweet and sticky glaze or a savory and herbaceous glaze, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add some nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the dish for added crunch and flavor.

What to Serve With Roasted Pork Tenderloin

This roasted pork tenderloin is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a salad or some crusty bread for a lighter meal.

Some other ideas for sides include roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash, or a simple green salad. You can also serve the pork tenderloin with some sautéed spinach or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.

Roasted Brussels sproutsSweet potato mashSimple green saladSautéed spinachGreen beansCrusty bread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This roasted pork tenderloin can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To store it in the fridge, simply slice the pork tenderloin and place it in an airtight container.

To freeze the pork tenderloin, slice it and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can then thaw it in the fridge or reheat it in the oven or microwave.

When reheating the pork tenderloin, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

It's also a good idea to label and date the container or bag, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. This will help you to ensure that the pork tenderloin is safe to eat and that it's still fresh and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook a pork tenderloin?

The best way to cook a pork tenderloin is to roast it in the oven with a flavorful glaze or seasoning blend. This helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the interior juicy and tender.

How long does it take to cook a pork tenderloin?

The cooking time for a pork tenderloin will depend on its size and the oven temperature. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook a pork tenderloin in a 400°F (200°C) oven.

What is the internal temperature of a cooked pork tenderloin?

The internal temperature of a cooked pork tenderloin should be at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety.

Can I cook a pork tenderloin in a skillet?

Yes, you can cook a pork tenderloin in a skillet on the stovetop. Simply heat some oil in the pan over medium-high heat and sear the pork tenderloin for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's nicely browned. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

How do I store a cooked pork tenderloin?

A cooked pork tenderloin can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To store it in the fridge, simply slice the pork tenderloin and place it in an airtight container. To freeze it, slice the pork tenderloin and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Can I make a pork tenderloin ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a pork tenderloin ahead of time. Simply cook the pork tenderloin as directed, then let it cool to room temperature. You can then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

What are some good sides to serve with a pork tenderloin?

Some good sides to serve with a pork tenderloin include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, and crusty bread. You can also serve it with some sautéed spinach or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat for this recipe. Some good alternatives include chicken, beef, or lamb. Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to ensure that the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

The Full Recipe

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