Baked Pork Tenderloin

Introduction

Baked Pork Tenderloin is the go-to recipe when you want a main course that’s both quick to prepare and full of flavor. The lean, tender pork soaks up the seasonings beautifully, resulting in juicy slices with a perfectly caramelized exterior. It’s a dinner table favorite that’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for hectic weeknights.

Why Baked Pork Tenderloin Stands Out

This dish’s magic lies in its ability to deliver gourmet results with minimal effort. A simple seasoning rub and a high-heat bake bring out pork’s natural sweetness and create a golden, herb-scented crust. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can serve a protein that’s both moist and full of flavor.

The Secret to Juicy Baked Pork Tenderloin

The key to achieving a perfectly baked pork tenderloin is starting with a quick sear before finishing in the oven. This helps lock in juices and builds a robust, savory flavor. Allowing the pork to rest after baking ensures every slice turns out succulent and tender, not dry.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Pork Tenderloin

Pair your pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, drizzle pan juices over the sliced pork, or serve with a simple pan-made gravy or honey mustard sauce. Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches or grain bowls, making this recipe a powerhouse for meal prep.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

One average pork tenderloin yields about 4–6 servings, depending on portion size. Each serving provides lean protein and, with minimal added fat, typically contains around 180–220 calories (excluding sides and sauces), making it a wholesome choice for balanced meal planning.

Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe Recap

Baked Pork Tenderloin is a winning combination of juicy meat, a flavorful crust, and irresistible simplicity. Its elegance, speed, and adaptability make it a recipe you’ll turn to time and again—whether for easy weeknights or impressive family gatherings.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe and instantly create a grocery list with all ingredients sorted by store section. Make meal planning and shopping for your pork tenderloin dinner faster and easier than ever!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly grease a roasting pan.
2. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub the meat all over with olive oil.
3. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and (if using) smoked paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the pork, pressing to adhere. If you want extra tang, smear a layer of Dijon mustard under the seasoning.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side).
5. Transfer the pork to the baking sheet or pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the thickest part registers 145°F (63°C) with a meat thermometer.
6. Remove from oven and let the pork rest, tented with foil, for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step is essential for juicy, tender results.
7. Slice and serve with any accumulated pan juices. Enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

Baked Pork Tenderloin is a meal prep superstar. Save and schedule this recipe in your weekly meal plan to dynamically generate smart shopping lists and optimize your prep.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates totals if you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping extra for the week
• Consolidates ingredients with your other planned recipes
• Organizes groceries by store section for super-efficient shopping trips
• Reduces food waste and kitchen stress by making sure nothing is forgotten

Pro tip: When planning multiple meals featuring proteins, schedule your recipes so duplicated items are combined—saving time and money at the store.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy your tender, flavorful pork tenderloin dinner—and the simplicity that comes with streamlined meal planning!