Roasting pork tenderloin with vegetables is a delicious, healthy, and easy way to put dinner on the table fast. The tenderloin cooks up juicy and flavorful while the veggies roast to caramelized perfection. With minimal prep time, you can have a complete meal ready in under an hour.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Tenderloin and Veggies Together
There are several advantages to roasting pork tenderloin and vegetables together on one sheet pan:
- Saves time – Everything cooks together, reducing prep and clean up.
- Adds flavor – The pork juices baste the vegetables as they roast.
- Easy clean up – Just one sheet pan to wash makes clean up a breeze.
- Healthy – Cooking meat and vegetables together increases veggie intake.
- Weeknight friendly – A complete meal with minimal hands-on time.
Choosing the Best Pork Tenderloin for Roasting
Not all pork tenderloins are equal. Here are tips for picking the best quality cut:
- Look for marbling – Some visible fat helps keep the lean meat juicy and flavorful.
- Size – 1-2 lbs is ideal, allowing it to cook quickly.
- Color – Light pink indicates freshness.
- Feel – Should be firm but have some give.
- Labeling – Look for “certified humane” and “no antibiotics”.
- Heritage breed – Berkshire or Duroc have superior flavor.
Preparing Pork Tenderloin for the Oven
Proper prep ensures roasted pork tenderloin stays tender and moist:
- Trim – Remove the silverskin membrane for better presentation.
- Season – Generously season all over with salt and pepper.
- Coat – Brush with oil or mustard to help form a flavorful crust.
- Sear – Optional, but browning before roasting adds texture and depth of flavor.
- Rest – Let rest 10 minutes after cooking for juicy slices.
Roasted Vegetables – The Best Veggie Pairings
Roasted veggies pair deliciously with pork. Good options include:
- Potatoes – Russets, reds, or Yukon golds work well. Cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Carrots -Peel and slice carrots 1/2-inch thick.
- Brussels sprouts – Trim and halve sprouts before roasting.
- Asparagus – Snap off woody ends before roasting.
- Onions – Cut into 1-inch wedges.
- Squash – Small tender squash roast quickly.
- Broccoli – Chop into florets for tender roasted broccoli.
Seasoning and Flavoring Ideas
Beyond just salt and pepper, extra flavors take roasted pork tenderloin and veggies to the next level:
- Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano add aroma.
- Spices – Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika.
- Citrus – Lemon or lime zest brighten up flavors.
- Mustard – Coarse grained or Dijon-style add a tangy touch.
- Garlic – Fresh minced or garlic powder seasoning.
- Oils and vinegar – Balsamic, red wine, or apple cider vinegars.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness enhances the pork.
Step-by-Step Method for Roasting Pork Tenderloin and Veggies
Follow these simple steps for perfect oven roasted pork tenderloin and vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line sheet pan with foil or use oven-safe meat thermometer.
- Prep pork tenderloin by trimming silverskin. Season all over with salt and pepper.
- Place prepared vegetables on sheet pan. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place seasoned tenderloin on pan with veggies. Brush pork with oil or mustard glaze.
- Roast 25-35 minutes until pork reaches 145°F and veggies are tender.
- Remove pork to cutting board to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- If needed, return veggies to oven to roast 5 more minutes.
- Serve veggies topped with juicy pork slices. Enjoy this easy roasted dinner!
Serving Suggestions and Meal Ideas
Beyond just a sheet pan dinner, leftovers allow for all kinds of tasty meals:
- Pork tenderloin sandwiches with caramelized onions
- Rice bowls topped with pork and roasted vegetables
- Hearty salad with pork, veggies, greens, and citrus dressing
- Breakfast hash with eggs, pork, potatoes, and veggies
- Pork ramen with roasted veggies and broth
- Tacos with sliced pork, onions, cilantro and lime
With so many possibilities, you’ll look forward to leftovers after roasting pork tenderloin and vegetables for dinner.
Tips for the Best Roast Pork Tenderloin and Veggies
- Choose quality pork with marbling for flavor and tenderness
- Preheat sheet pan in oven while it preheats for faster roasting
- Cut vegetables evenly for consistent doneness
- Use meat thermometer for perfect doneness without overcooking
- Let pork rest before slicing for juicier meat
- Return veggies to oven if needed for added browning while pork rests
Common Questions About Cooking Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables Together
Should the pork touch the vegetables when roasting?
It’s fine if they touch, but not necessary. Placing tenderloin in center with veggies around edges works well.
Do you need to flip the pork during cooking?
No flipping required. Pork tenderloin cooks evenly due to its shape.
Which is better – bone-in or boneless pork?
Boneless is easier and cooks more quickly. Bone-in may have slightly better flavor.
Can you roast pork from frozen?
Yes, but extend cooking time. Thaw in fridge 1-2 days for best results.
Is pork tenderloin done at 145°F?
Yes, 145°F is the USDA recommended safe temperature for pork today.
The Perfect Pairing – A Flavorful Pan Sauce
A quick pan sauce takes the roast pork and veggies over the top. To make:
- After removing pork, drain excess fat from sheet pan.
- Place pan over stove burner on medium-high heat.
- Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and simmer, scraping up browned bits.
- Whisk in 1 tbsp butter and season with salt and pepper.
Pour the savory sauce over sliced pork tenderloin or roasted vegetables for a restaurant-quality meal from your home kitchen.
Roasting Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables for a Crowd
Cooking for a crowd? Roasting multiple pork tenderloins is an easy way to feed a party:
- Use two sheet pans, or roast in batches.
- Double or triple the seasoning amounts.
- Add tenderloins seam-side down for more even cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.
- Allow pork to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Keep meat warm in a low oven if veggies need more time.
With minimal hands-on effort, you’ll have perfect, juicy pork tenderloin and crisp-tender vegetables your guests will rave about.
A Simple, Healthy, and Delicious Roast Pork Dinner
Roasting pork tenderloin and vegetables together makes for a fast, easy, and flavorful weeknight dinner or elegant entertaining option. Preparing everything together on one sheet pan minimizes dirty dishes. Infusing the pork juices into the veggies adds tons of flavor. With hundreds of seasoning possibilities, you can customize recipes to suit any taste. Best of all, you get a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and even starch all in one pan. Skip the takeout and enjoy this simple roasted dinner tonight!
Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Vegetables
FAQ
How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out?
To avoid drying out, pork tenderloin should only be cooked for a brief period of time in a hot oven. For 20 to 25 minutes, bake pork tenderloin at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of time needed to cook the tenderloins will depend on their size and how long you seared them.
Is pork tenderloin better at 350 or 400?
Many recipes call for cooking the pork tenderloin at 350 degrees, but if you’re after that extra crispy crust and juiciness, try turning up your oven to 400 degrees. Try different things until you find the perfect texture and taste combination for you.
Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow?
Leaner pork tenderloin is best cooked quickly at a high heat, as opposed to thicker, fattier pork roasts, which can cook low and slow for hours to produce pull-apart-tender meat. Overcook it, and pork tenderloin will be chalky and chewy.
Should I sear pork tenderloin before roasting?
The best way to make pork tenderloin that is truly juicy is to pan-sear it before baking it.