This roasted pork tenderloin is tender, juicy, and full of flavor thanks to the addition of smashed garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for a special occasion!
Whether it’s beef or pork, tenderloin is a cut of meat made for a special occasion. It’s lean, tender (hence the name!), and yes, a little bit pricy if you buy from a high-quality source, which is why it’s often reserved for holidays. There are a lot of ways to cook pork tenderloin, but this roasted pork tenderloin recipe is my absolute favorite!
(Love a good pork recipe? Give my Instant Pot Pork Roast a try too!)
Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Making roasted pork tenderloin is easy; first, you sear the meat to seal in all of the juices, then you finish cooking it in the oven. To infuse it with even more flavor, the tenderloin is returned to the stovetop, where it’s basted with herbed garlic butter.
If this sounds amazing, you’re right! (Be sure to check out my Garlic Butter Steak Bites too!)
When you’re planning to make this recipe, be sure to allow for the time the tenderloin needs to rest before cooking. It will also need to rest for 8 minutes before you carve it, which is how it stays juicy and delicious!
Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin – Also the main ingredient for City Chicken!
- Vegetable oil – Another high smoke point cooking oil can be substituted.
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Garlic cloves
- Unsalted butter
- Salt & pepper
Buying Pork Tenderloin
When you’re shopping for pork tenderloin, the package should say pork tenderloin. Pork loin, pork loin filet, and pork roast are different cuts of meat.
How to Make Roasted Pork Tenderloin
1. Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Cut any excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin, then season it with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Let the tenderloin rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Sear the Tenderloin
Heat the oil in a large cast iron or blue steel sauté pan until it’s smoking. Carefully place the seasoned tenderloin into the hot pan and sear it for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Roast the Tenderloin
Transfer the pan to the oven and roast the pork for 8 minutes.
4. Baste with Butter
Remove the pan from the oven and return it to high heat on the stovetop. Add the butter, thyme, and garlic. Using a large spoon, baste the pork with the butter mixture for 2 minutes.
5. Rest and Carve
Transfer the roasted pork tenderloin to a platter or carving board and let it rest for 8 minutes before slicing.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Roasted Pork Tenderloin
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in a baking dish covered with foil in a 325ºF oven until heated through to an internal temperature of at least 165ºF.
FAQ
Is pork tenderloin a good cut of meat?
Yes, pork tenderloin is considered one of the best cuts of meat because it’s so lean and tender.
Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?
Although their names are very similar, pork loin and pork tenderloin are very different cuts of meat with different cooking methods and times.
What goes well with roasted pork tenderloin?
I love serving roasted pork tenderloin with Mashed Potatoes, Yeast Dinner Rolls, and Roasted Broccoli.
More Pork Recipes
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 garlic cloves unpeeled & smashed lightly
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F.
- Remove any excess fat and silverskin from the tenderloin and season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Heat the oil in a large sauté pan, preferably cast iron or blue steel, until smoking.
- Gently place the seasoned tenderloin into the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Move the pan to the oven and roast for 8 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and place the pan over high heat on the stove. Add butter, thyme, and garlic and, using a large spoon, baste the pork with seasoned butter for 2 minutes.
- Remove the tenderloin to a plate and let rest for 8 minutes before carving.
