This pork tenderloin recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a tender and flavorful meal. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper enhances the natural taste of the pork, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but if you don't usually cook with pork, you might need to pick up a pork tenderloin from the supermarket. Make sure to choose a fresh, high-quality cut for the best results.
Ingredients for Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Pork tenderloin: A lean and tender cut of pork that cooks quickly and is perfect for roasting.
Olive oil: Used to coat the pork, helping to keep it moist and adding a rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the pork and helps to season the meat.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor that complements the pork beautifully.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your pork tenderloin is evenly cooked and juicy, consider searing it in a hot pan with olive oil for about 2-3 minutes on each side before placing it in the oven. This will create a beautiful crust and lock in the flavors from the salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork tenderloin - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can be cooked similarly to pork tenderloin, offering a mild flavor that pairs well with various seasonings.
pork tenderloin - Substitute with beef tenderloin: Beef tenderloin is another tender cut of meat that can be used in place of pork, providing a richer flavor and similar texture.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking and searing meats.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral oil with a high smoke point, suitable for cooking and adding a light flavor to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the taste of the dish while providing a different depth of flavor.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals and a cleaner taste, making it a suitable alternative for seasoning meats.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different taste profile, often used in lighter-colored dishes.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick to the dish, offering a different type of heat and flavor.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar garlic flavor and is convenient for quick seasoning.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a different aromatic quality to the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the pork tenderloin to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the meat from becoming soggy.
- Wrap the pork tenderloin tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and flavor.
- Place the wrapped pork tenderloin in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This ensures that the meat stays fresh and prevents any odors from seeping in or out.
- Store the pork tenderloin in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This keeps the meat at a safe temperature and maintains its quality.
- For longer storage, freeze the pork tenderloin. Place the wrapped meat in a freezer-safe bag or container, and label it with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.
- When ready to use, thaw the pork tenderloin in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the meat's texture and flavor.
- If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be cautious as this can sometimes partially cook the meat.
- Once thawed, reheat the pork tenderloin in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures that the meat is heated through without drying out.
- Alternatively, you can slice the pork tenderloin and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil or butter. This method adds a bit of extra flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature before serving. This guarantees that your pork tenderloin is both delicious and safe to eat.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the leftover pork tenderloin in an oven-safe dish.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or apple juice to keep the meat moist.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Heat for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Stovetop Method:
- Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter.
- Add the pork slices to the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.
- Serve immediately.
Microwave Method:
- Slice the pork tenderloin into thin pieces.
- Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving.
Sous Vide Method:
- Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Place the pork tenderloin in a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath.
- Heat for about 45 minutes.
- Remove from the bag and sear quickly in a hot skillet if desired for added texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the pork tenderloin at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for the pork tenderloin to cook evenly in the oven.
Meat thermometer: Ensures the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Cutting board: A stable surface to rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Knife: Used to mince the garlic cloves and slice the pork tenderloin after it has rested.
Measuring spoons: Helps measure the exact amounts of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Tongs: Useful for handling the pork tenderloin without piercing it, which helps retain juices.
Aluminum foil: Can be used to tent the pork tenderloin while it rests, keeping it warm and juicy.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the pork tenderloin to save time.
Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on preparation time.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or foil on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Rest while roasting: Prepare side dishes while the tenderloin roasts to maximize efficiency.
Instant-read thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to quickly check the internal temperature.
Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork Tenderloin
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
Check out these recipes too!
- Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
- Pumpkin Empanadas Recipe55 Minutes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
- Pumpkin Carrot Cake Recipe1 Hours
- Pumpkin Apple Cake Recipe1 Hours
- Pretzel Crust Cheesecake Bars Recipe50 Minutes
- Plum Clafoutis Recipe1 Hours
- Plum Almond Crostata Recipe1 Hours
- Pistachio Rose Macarons Recipe45 Minutes
- Pistachio Macarons Recipe45 Minutes
- Pistachio Baklava Recipe1 Hours 15 Minutes
Leave a Reply