Indulge in the culinary delight of succulent pork tenderloin, expertly cooked in your oven at 350°F. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the intricacies of preparing this delectable dish, ensuring a flavorful and tender outcome that will tantalize your taste buds.
Cooking Time and Temperature: Achieving Perfection
Recommended Cooking Time:
- For optimal results, cook pork tenderloin in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
- The average cooking time is approximately 20 minutes per pound.
Adjusting Cooking Time:
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the tenderloin:
- Smaller tenderloins (1 pound or less): Reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes per pound.
- Larger tenderloins (over 1 pound): Increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes per pound.
- Thinner cuts: Reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
- Thicker cuts: Increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
Perfecting Your Pork Tenderloin: Essential Tips
- Marinate: Enhance the flavor and tenderness of your pork tenderloin by marinating it for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Seasoning: Rub the tenderloin with your favorite herbs, spices, or marinades to infuse it with delectable flavors.
- Sear: Sear the tenderloin in a hot skillet before transferring it to the oven. This technique seals in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
- Rest: Allow the cooked tenderloin to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and succulent texture.
Step-by-Step Oven-Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the pork tenderloin.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Rub the spice blend all over the surface of the tenderloin.
- Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the meat.
- Cook in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Seasoning and Marinating: Exploring Flavorful Options
Seasoning Options:
- Classic Combination: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder
- Herb Infusion: Rosemary, thyme, sage
- Spice It Up: Paprika, cumin, chili powder
Marinating Techniques:
- Citrus Burst: Orange or lime juice, minced garlic, honey
- Asian Fusion: Soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, sriracha
- Wine and Dine: Red wine, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme or rosemary
Side Dishes to Complement Your Baked Pork Tenderloin
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes
- Herbed Potatoes: Baby potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Fresh carrots, butter, honey, paprika or cinnamon
- Quinoa Salad: Quinoa, chopped herbs, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic
Storing Leftover Pork Tenderloin: Maintaining Freshness
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap within two hours of cooking.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Reheating Leftover Pork Tenderloin: Restoring Flavor
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Sear the tenderloin slices on each side for a few minutes until heated thoroughly.
- Microwave Method: Place the tenderloin slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking for doneness after each interval.
Repurposing Leftover Pork Tenderloin: Creative Ideas
- Pork Stir-Fry: Slice the tenderloin into thin strips and use it as a protein in a flavorful stir-fry with vegetables and your choice of sauce.
- Pork Tacos: Shred the cooked tenderloin and use it as filling for tasty tacos. Top with salsa, cheese, and any other desired toppings.
- Pork Sandwiches: Thinly slice the tenderloin and layer it onto bread or rolls with your favorite condiments and toppings for a satisfying sandwich.
- Pork Fried Rice: Chop up the cooked tenderloin into small pieces and incorporate it into homemade fried rice along with vegetables, rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs.
How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin
Depending on the desired temperature, determine how long to bake the pork tenderloin. In the last ten or so years, the recommended methods for cooking pork have changed. Previously, pork had to be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, but the USDA changed this requirement to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
To get your pork tenderloin to 145F, you’ll cook it in an oven pre-heated to 350F. It will be in there for about 20-27 minutes, depending on size. You’ll want to check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer to be sure. Start checking it at the 20 minute mark and then every 3 minutes after that. Once it’s at 145F, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
What Temperature Should I Cook a Pork Loin At?
Your pork loin will cook more quickly overall if you bake it at a high temperature. But a high temperature runs the risk of overcooking pork loin, producing dry, chewy results. Baking the pork slowly and thoroughly at 325 or 350 degrees is a fantastic way to prevent it from becoming dry.
The National Pork Board recommends that the ready-to-eat internal temperature of the roast should be between 145 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (or 63 to 65 degrees C) for medium-rare. The cook time it takes to get there depends on a number of factors, such as the oven temperature and size of the roast.
This is particularly true when baking a smaller quantity, like a pound of meat. It benefits you to cook it slowly unless you’re in a hurry, so Otherwise, the narrow temperature window doesn’t pass you by.
When cooking several pounds of pork and are short on time, it only makes sense to bake at 400 degrees or higher.
How long do you cook pork at 350?
FAQ
How long does it take to cook pork tenderloin at 350?
Should I wrap my pork tenderloin in foil?