The pork tenderloin is a long and thin cut of the pork. The meat is also called pork steak or pork fillet. A properly prepared steak is slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This is why it has become popular among many consumers. Roasted veggies, frenched green salad, and butter rice are some of the side dishes that can be enjoyed with pork tenderloin.
There are several ways to cook pork tenderloin including grilling, pan-frying, and baking. Among those several methods, the most effective and common method is baking the steak in the oven. In this article, we're going to give you detailed and easy guidance on how to bake the best pork tenderloin at home.
Pork tenderloin is filled with flavors, when cooked it gives a crispy texture from the outside and is juicy and tender from the inside. Not all pork tenderloin gives this kind of delicious texture.
For that, choosing the right pork tenderloin is essential. Here are some things to take into consideration while buying the pork tenderloin:
Color
Fresh tenderloin has a bright pink color. If you see the meat with gray color or brown spots, avoid that because it indicates the spoiled one. So, always look for a bright pinkish color for a fresh tenderloin.
Size and weight
Look for pork tenderloins that are even in size. This is because uneven size may cause some parts to be undercooked while others to cook nicely. Along with the size, also look for the pork with standard weight.
Marbling
It means the amount of fat in the meat. To bake the pork juicy and tender, choose the loin with some amount of marbling. It is because the fat layers alleviate the flavor and make the meat juicy.
Texture and smell
A good quality of pork tenderloin is firm but not hard enough. Upon touching, the meat bounces back quickly. Along with this, the meat will only have its fleshy smell, not any bad odor that would make you puke. Avoid buying meat with unpleasant smells and slimy ones.
Packaging
Always check the packaging for the expiry date. The date should be recent, as it indicates a freshly packed tenderloin. Whereas, packaged with close expiry date are not considered that much of good quality.
The is the main character of this whole process. Buy a freshly cut pork tenderloin from the meat shop. You can get the meat based on servings. If you are planning to bake the pork for four people, you can buy 1.5 pounds of pork tenderloin. Increase the weight of the steak, for more people.
Oil or butter
You can use either oil or butter based on your preference. One of these is required to apply over the pork to make the meat soft and more tender.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice has an acidic component. When it is mixed with other seasonings and applied to the meat, the acidic component pierces the meat and lets the seasonings infused into the meat while cooking. Besides this, the juice also brings out a slightly tangy flavor to the meat.
Instead of lemon juice, you can use chicken broth to bring the flavors to the meat.
Garlic powder
This ingredient is essential to bring out a slightly sweet and garlicky flavor to the pork. It works as a flavor enhancer in the meat. In case you don't have garlic powder, you can use finely minced garlic.
Salt and black pepper
Salt is one of the ingredients that bring lively flavors to the meat, as we can't imagine eating the meat without its salty taste. Whereas, the black pepper adds hotness to the meat and makes it more savory.
Chilli powder
Chilli powder is best to use to make the steak spicy and smoky. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference to add spiciness to the meat.
Dried herbs
Dried herbs are essential to enhance the flavors and add a refreshing fragrance to the meat. You can any dried herbs that are accessible to you.
Additional ingredients
Since enough use of seasonings makes the steak more flavorful, you can include additional ingredients such as cumin powder, paprika, soy sauce, and any you feel that complements the meat. Adjust the ingredients based on your preference.
Tools Required To Bake Pork Tenderloin
Oven: A well-functioning oven is a must to bake the pork tenderloin juicy and tender.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is required to integrate all the seasonings in a place.
Measuring spoon: It will allow you to determine the right amount of seasonings needed to bring the balance in flavors.
Baking sheet: It is one of the crucial tools required to bake the pork in the oven. It is used to place the seasoned steaks and put them in the oven to bake.
Baking paper or aluminum foil: This tool is useful to prevent the meat from sticking to the baking sheet.
Backing rack: It is used to place the pork meat and also facilitate the easy air pass while baking. As a result, it makes the meat soft but not mushy.
Tongs: This is helpful to take out the baked steak from the baking sheet to a serving plate.
Kitchen thermometer: You can use this tool to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure its doneness.
Paper towel: It is used to remove the excess moisture from the steak.
Heat-resistant gloves: You can use this tool to remove the baking sheet from the oven after baking is finished. It helps to prevent your hands from getting burned.
Serving plate: It is used to serve the pork tenderloin once it is baked.
Timer: It allows you to know the exact baking time. As a result, prevents the meat from undercooking or overcooking.
How To Bake Pork Tenderloin
Ingredient Measurements
Pork tenderloin: 1.5 pounds
Oil or butter: 1-2 tablespoons
Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper:1/2 teaspoon
Chilli powder: 1 teaspoon
Cumin powder: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Dried herbs: 1 teaspoon
Note: you can adjust the ingredients based on your taste.
Instructions
Follow the given instructions properly to cook the best pork tenderloin in the oven:
1. Preheat the oven
The initial step is to set the oven to heat for around 400°F (200°C) temperature. This allows the oven to generate a heated temperature inside to bake the pork steak quicker than usual time. Preheating the oven also eliminates the extra time that may be required to bake the meat.
2. Prepare the meat
The second step is to prepare the pork tenderloin. Start by unpacking the meat and place it over the baking paper on a clean surface. Then, use a paper towel to pat the steak dry to remove the excess moisture or oil.
Use a fork to pierce the meat. This allows the seasonings to get into the meat and, as a result, makes the meat more delicious.
Get a bowl and add all the ingredients such as garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin powder, and dried herbs into that bowl. Use a whisker to mix all the ingredients well.
After that, apply the oil or melted butter to the steak properly. Then, rub the mixed ingredients on the surface of the meat. Ensure the meat is evenly coated with seasonings.
5. Sear the meat
Although this step is not mandatory but can be followed to obtain the desired results. Heat the pan on the stove and add oil. Once the oil simmer, add a piece of pork tenderloin and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes or until it turns into a soft brown color.
Here, don't overcrowd the steak in the pan. If steaks are a bit bigger, sear each one in batches.
Prepare the baking sheet by placing the baking paper over it. You can place the baking rack over the baking sheet if you have it. After that, use a tong to transfer the seared pork tenderloin to the baking sheet. Arrange the steak in a way that has some space among them, meaning they shouldn't touch each other.
7. Bake the meat
It's time to place the baking sheet inside the preheated oven. Bake the steak for about 20-25 minutes. This amount of time is needed to cook the steak properly.
When the internal temperature of the pork reaches up to 145°F (63°C), this indicates the pork is nicely cooked. To measure the temperature, use a kitchen thermometer.
After the pork is baked evenly, wear heat-resistant gloves and take out the baking sheet from the oven. Leave the steak on the baking sheet for about 5-8 minutes. During the resting time, the juice spreads throughout the meat and makes it more tender and juicy.
After that, transfer the pork to a shallow dish and squeeze some lemon juice over it. Use a knife and cut the tenderloin against the grain and serve with some green salads, or roasted green beans for a better experience.
Always choose the fresh pork tenderloin with some clusters of fat.
Brine the pork for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
Use sufficient seasonings or incorporate additional seasonings to make the dish more flavorful.
How Long To Bake Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is widely consumed due to its easy availability and affordability. The crispy and tender texture of the steak is what keeps people coming back for it. The cooking time to prepare the steak depends on the method used along with its size.
In the case of baking, pork tenderloin, which weighs 1.5 pounds, typically takes around 20-25 minutes to be properly cooked. This time varies based on the size of the steak. if the steak is bigger, then takes more than 20-25 minutes to bake. Whereas, smaller ones take less time to be ready.
Besides that, check the temperature to know if the meat has cooked within the stipulated time. When the pork tenderloin is ready, the internal temperature reaches up to 145°F (63°). This temperature applies to all sizes of steaks, whether the steak is 2 or 3 pounds.
So, consider both, the time and internal temperature, to check for the doneness of the steak. If the 2 pounds of pork tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°) in 30 minutes, the steak is well cooked. That's how you'd know how long to bake your pork tenderloin.
Whether you have leftover pork steaks or freshly bought ones, properly storing them becomes crucial to maintaining freshness and quality. Here are two ways to keep the cooked or raw pork tenderloin:
Refrigerator
Raw pork tenderloin can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Place the steak in an airtight container and store it in the bottom part of the refrigerator to avoid spoiling other foods from its juices in case it drips. If you have more than one pork steak, keep each one in a separate airtight bag or container.
On the other hand, cooked pork tenderloin can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. After the steak is cooked, let it rest for up to 1-2 hours. Once the meat is completely cool, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
In both cases, ensure the temperature is maintained at 40°F (4°C) to retain the freshness and quality.
Freezer
Freezing the pork tenderloin is the best option if you want to store it for a long-term purpose. Raw pork steak can be stored for up to 6 months. For that, place each raw steak individually in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer. To prevent cross-contamination, ensure that there's no space for airflow in the container.
While cooked pork tenderloin can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality. Before placing the meat in the tightly sealed bag or container, cool down the cooked meat for about 1-2 hours. After that, you can transfer it to an airtight bag or container and keep it in the freezer.
To maintain the freshness and quality, set the temperature to 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps the food fresh for a longer time.
Serving Suggestions
If you want some new flavors on your plate while enjoying the baked pork tenderloin, here is your guide. Pair the given side dishes with the steak to make it more interesting and delightful.
Pork tenderloin pairs smoothly with the garlic mashed potatoes. This is because the buttery and garlicky flavor of the potatoes beautifully contrasts with the crisp and tender meat.
This comfort dish can be enjoyed as lunch or dinner and keeps your empty tummy full. However, Its intake can be heavier in the breakfast.
2. Honey glazed carrots
This side dish is mainly popular in the US, UK, and several parts of European countries. It is easy to make and consume less time to prepare.
The caramelized carrots along with the addition of honey give a sweet and slightly chewy texture. Serving this sweet side dish with baked steak, lets you enjoy the rich and balanced flavors.
Green salads are best when it comes to pairing them with pork tenderloin or any kind of meat. It is because green salads are made from green veggies which are filled with fiber and other essential nutrients. The nutrients help to digest the meat quickly and keep you light. You can enjoy this combo for lunch or dinner.
4. Sauteed mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the best veggies that complement the pork tenderloin. The fried mushroom along with some butter and garlic provides rich and savory flavors on a plate. When it is served with baked pork tenderloin, you can experience the richness in flavors that satisfy your tastebuds.
The earthy and crunchy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts blend well with the tender and juicy pork steak. When Brussels is roasted in a pan, it brings out the natural sweetness. The sweetness balances out the slightly spicy flavor of the meat. You can enjoy this combo for lunch or dinner along with some sauce.
Author
Editor
Biswas Kharel
Biswas Kharel is a food blogger and writer who brings a sharp eye and adventurous palate to every bite he writes about. Known for his thoughtful reflections and down-to-earth style, Biswas blends personal anecdotes with rich culinary insights—from quiet village kitchens to lively urban eateries.
His blog is a flavorful mix of travel, tradition, and honest food reviews, offering readers a window into the heart of every dish. For Biswas, writing about food isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of documenting life, one meal at a time.
