Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
270 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin
Description
Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin combines pork tenderloins coated in a spice blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The addition of butter during baking helps keep the meat juicy while enhancing flavor. The tenderloins are baked at 400°F until they reach 145°F internally, then rested before slicing into medallions, ensuring a moist center with a slightly caramelized exterior.
The recipe yields 6-8 servings and the pan juices can be spooned over the pork or side dishes like mashed potatoes for extra taste. The use of tenderloin, not loin, ensures a quicker cook with a more tender result.
Using an instant read thermometer to check doneness is recommended to avoid overcooking. The recipe highlights the safe pink interior modern pork cooking allows, resulting in a juicy and flavorful entree.
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloin 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 black pepper or to taste
- 1/4 cup butter cut into pats
- parsley optional, to taste, chopped
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 ingredients for one tenderloin.
- Use pork tenderloin, not loin, as the latter requires longer cooking and differs in texture.
- Cook pork to 145°F for safe eating; resting brings the temperature slightly higher, producing a safe, juicy result with slight pinkness.
- Monitor temperature with an instant read thermometer to avoid over or undercooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 270 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 270kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 119mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 534mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 631mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 509IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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