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    Home » Pork

    Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin

    Published: May 23, 2022 / Updated: Feb 19, 2023 / 131 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This baked pork tenderloin recipe is perfectly juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. No searing is required, so it's fast and has minimal prep! It's ready in just over 30 minutes.

    You may also want to try my Crockpot Pork Tenderloin for a similar recipe but in the slow cooker.

    closeup of a plate with baked pork tenderloin slices

    Why you'll love it

    What sets apart this roasted pork tenderloin from the rest is the fact it's made in a single baking dish in the oven with no need to pan sear it in a skillet beforehand, which means you'll never have overcooked or dry tenderloin. This easy method also has way fewer dishes on busy weeknights.

    The buttery juices in this pork tenderloin recipe are irresistible over mashed potatoes, and the homemade spice rub is sweet and savory and packed with flavor from everyday pantry ingredients, so a comforting family meal is effortless. And it goes with everything!

    Did you know?

    • Searing meat does not actually lock in the juices. That's a longstanding myth, so we're not going to do it here. In fact, it can even dry out pork! That sizzling sound, while enticing, actually means juices are being released and cooked off, so there's really no benefit to searing an extra lean cut of meat like pork tenderloin.

    What you'll need

    • Pork tenderloin - it's very lean, readily available, and cooks fast. We love it for when we need a break from chicken! (But I still love chicken, don't worry)
    • Homemade seasoning rub - brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper
    • Butter - I used unsalted since our rub has salt. It helps make the meat even juicier.
    • Chopped parsley - totally optional, but it brings a pop of freshness and contrast
    ingredients in small bowls for baked pork tenderloin

    Is pork tenderloin the same as pork loin?

    • Nope! Pork tenderloin is smaller, extra lean (meaning it has little fat), and cooks faster than pork loin. Despite a similar sounding name, you cannot substitute one for the other since they're different cuts of meat and are not interchangeable.

    How to make baked pork tenderloin

    This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    making a spice rub for baked pork tenderloin

    Preheat the oven to 400F. Prep and dry the tenderloins with paper towel. Add the homemade seasoning rub ingredients to a small bowl and mix. Coat the pork with the spice rub uniformly.

    pork tenderloin in a dish before and after baking

    Add the seasoned meat to a 9x13 baking dish, and top with the butter. Bake, let it rest to redistribute the juices, and then slice into medallions. Pour the pan juices over, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

    Pro tips

    • Pork tenderloin is very lean! It will dry out if it's overcooked. Farming practices have changed, and pork is now safe to eat without overcooking it. A little pink is totally fine, and it'll mean the pork is nice and juicy.
    • Pork tenderloins are often sold in packs of two, so that's why this recipe is written for two (one pound) tenderloins. You don't need to be spot-on with one pound each.
    • Take the guesswork of timing out with an instant read thermometer with a probe. It'll beep when it reaches the perfect 145F. This is also great to use if you're working with larger pork tenderloins that fall outside the time guidelines of this recipe.
    • Resting it after it's cooked and before slicing is not a step you want to skip! This is when the juices do get locked in.

    Substitutions and variations

    • You can definitely change up the rub. It's not spicy or anything like that as written, so if you want it to be spicy, add in some cayenne pepper. Feel free to customize it to your liking or even use your favorite jarred variety.
    • The butter can be replaced with a generous drizzle of olive oil if needed.
    a plate with baked pork tenderloin, green beans, and mashed potatoes

    What to serve with baked pork tenderloin

    • This goes with many side dishes since it's so versatile. Our kitchen always recommends my Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, though!
    • Pasta is another choice since creamy sauce will definitely complement it. Try some fettuccine or whatever pasta you have on hand with this Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce or Stovetop Mac and Cheese.
    • For vegetable sides, Easy Roasted Green Beans or Easy Glazed Carrots are definitely winners.

    Leftovers and storage

    • Any leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container really well.
    • Reheat in a small saucepan over a low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them slowly over a low heat in shorter increments, but be careful since it could dry out when reheating. Definitely use a little additional butter if it needs it.
    • Freeze for up to 3 months in individual portions.

    More easy pork recipes

    • Creamy Bacon Pork Chops
    • Easy Smothered Pork Chops and Gravy
    • Creamy Pork Tenderloin Medallions
    • Perfect Instant Pot Pulled Pork
    • Easy Grilled Pork Chops
    a plate with pork tenderloin slices

    Do you agree this is the best pork tenderloin cooking technique you've tried? Have any questions? Let me know what you think below! You can also find me on Instagram.

    closeup of a plate with baked pork tenderloin slices

    Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin

    This baked pork tenderloin recipe is perfectly juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. No searing is required, so it's fast and has minimal prep! It's ready in just over 30 minutes.
    4.94 from 49 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 270 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 pork tenderloins about 1 pound each
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
    • 1/4 cup butter cut into pats
    • Chopped parsley optional, to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position.
    • Prep the tenderloins by cutting off any excess fat and the silver skin (the tough part that may cover some of each tenderloin). Pat the tenderloins dry with paper towel.
    • Add the spice rub ingredients (brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper) to a small bowl and stir together. Coat the tenderloins all over with the spice rub.
    • Add the pork tenderloins to a 9x13 (or similar size) baking dish and place the butter pats on top.
    • Bake, uncovered, for about 25 minutes or until the pork has reached 145F. Let it rest 5-10 minutes before slicing it into medallions so it remains juicy.
    • Pour the pan juices over the pork (they're also great over a side dish like mashed potatoes) and sprinkle with chopped parley if desired.

    Notes

    • Serves 6-8 depending on portion size. Halve all ingredients if you want to make one (one pound) pork tenderloin.
    • This recipe is NOT for pork loin, which is a different, tougher cut of meat and will need to be cooked for longer.
    • Pork that's 145F in the thickest part is safe to eat. Farming practices have changed over the years, and it's no longer recommended to overcook pork. This recipe, by the time it's finished resting, yields pork that is slightly more cooked than the 145F but may still have some pink in the middle (this is totally safe!). Use an instant read meat thermometer so you never over or undercook meat again.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
       

    Nutrition

    Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 32gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 534mgPotassium: 631mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 509IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword baked pork tenderloin recipe, roasted pork tenderloin recipe
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Easy Chicken Francese
    Classic Homemade Lasagna »

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    1. Jayne says

      June 6, 2023 at 6:10 PM

      5 stars
      I don’t normally cook pork, but I’m fed up with chicken.
      I pulled out of oven at 142 and let it rest 15 mins. It was juicy, tender and I love the buttery taste. I will definitely make again .

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 6, 2023 at 6:20 PM

        Wonderful!! 😀

        Reply
    2. Marcia says

      June 6, 2023 at 3:23 PM

      4 stars
      Very good recipe. Followed exactly as printed and came out great!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 6, 2023 at 3:41 PM

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    3. Liz says

      May 30, 2023 at 11:02 AM

      5 stars
      I just use a pre-made rub….so, two to three ingredients…less than 30 minutes….my kind of recipe. Shared with son…he loves it too! Easy peasy delicioso!! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 31, 2023 at 11:23 AM

        You're very welcome!!

        Reply
    4. Miranda Vogt says

      May 28, 2023 at 10:27 AM

      5 stars
      Just tried it, I usuallly overcook this, but I followed directions and it turned out perfect. Thank you

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 28, 2023 at 10:36 AM

        So glad the recipe was easy to follow, Miranda!

        Reply
    5. Miranda Vogt says

      May 28, 2023 at 10:20 AM

      The best recipe I ever made.Miranda

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 28, 2023 at 10:24 AM

        Aww thank you!!

        Reply
    6. Jen says

      May 24, 2023 at 8:04 AM

      5 stars
      Made this last night and it was delicious! Was told to make sure I hang on to this recipe!!! YUM!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 24, 2023 at 10:10 AM

        I'm thrilled to hear that, Jen!! 😀

        Reply
    7. Kim says

      May 11, 2023 at 3:49 PM

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. So easy to make and tastes amazing. Smells good while it’s cooking to…kind of like roast chicken. Will be in my keeper file.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 11, 2023 at 9:56 PM

        I'm thrilled you enjoyed it, Kim!! 😀 Thank you!

        Reply
    8. Nelda Miller says

      May 8, 2023 at 8:03 AM

      This was the best!! I made 4 pounds of tenderloins and there was not one piece left. It’s a 10 +!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 8, 2023 at 11:25 AM

        Fantastic!! 😀

        Reply
    9. Joan says

      April 30, 2023 at 3:35 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight. The tenderloin was so tender, juicy and delicious!! Will use this recipe again!! Thanks for sharing!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 30, 2023 at 3:38 PM

        Yay!! Thrilled to hear that, Joan!

        Reply
    10. Dori says

      April 27, 2023 at 12:52 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious! Had to cook longer!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 27, 2023 at 1:52 PM

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    11. Pat Mishler says

      April 23, 2023 at 3:52 PM

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! So easy with great results.....very tender and juicy!!
      Def a keeper and will make again and again. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 23, 2023 at 4:13 PM

        I'm thrilled you enjoyed it, Pat!! 😀 Thanks so much for your glowing review - it's very appreciated!

        Reply
    12. Denise L. says

      April 17, 2023 at 4:02 AM

      5 stars
      I couldn't wait to make this for dinner. I only ever use pork tenderloin for my dishes and was looking for some new recipes. As soon as I saw this, I had to make it. Well my husband went crazy over it! I too loved it and can't wait to make it for company. Thank you so much.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 17, 2023 at 10:41 AM

        I'm thrilled to hear that, Denise!! 😀 Thank you!

        Reply
    13. Kerry S. says

      April 16, 2023 at 5:27 PM

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner last night.
      It was outstanding!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 16, 2023 at 5:29 PM

        Wonderful!! Thanks for your review!! 😀

        Reply
    14. Dlevy says

      April 16, 2023 at 10:24 AM

      5 stars
      I tried this last week for my brother’s birthday. It was wonderful- everyone enjoyed it. I wonder if I could use this recipe for boneless, skinless chicken breasts? I know I would have to cook a bit longer maybe but I think the flavors would be just as good on chicken as it was with the pork. Your thoughts?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 16, 2023 at 10:27 AM

        I'm so glad that it was a hit!! 🙂 I think you could for sure try it with chicken. Perhaps use this recipe as a guideline: https://bit.ly/3ogCNOZ

        Reply
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    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

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