Description
This Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe offers a flavorful and juicy main dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Coated with a vibrant blend of spices and olive oil, the tenderloin is roasted at a high temperature to seal in moisture and develop a delicious crust, resulting in tender, savory pork with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin
Spice Rub
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the pork tenderloin.
- Prepare Pork: Remove the pork tenderloin from the refrigerator and packaging. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, which helps it cook evenly. Pat the meat dry thoroughly with paper towels to promote better browning.
- Make Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and ground black pepper until evenly combined.
- Oil and Pierce: Rub the pork tenderloin all over with olive oil. Pierce the meat several times on both sides using a fork to allow seasoning to penetrate and to help with even cooking.
- Apply Spice Rub: Generously sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the entire surface of the pork and rub it in with your hands so that the flavors adhere well.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place the seasoned tenderloin on a sheet pan fitted with a wire rack or use a roasting tray to allow air circulation around the meat for even cooking.
- Roast the Pork: Bake the pork in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads between 145 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which indicates the pork is safely cooked but still juicy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest undisturbed for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful slices when cut.
Notes
- Letting the pork rest at room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
- Using a wire rack or roasting tray prevents the meat from sitting in its own juices and promotes better browning and texture.
- Resting the meat after cooking retains the juices and keeps the pork tender.
- Adjust spice quantities or types to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Check internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer to ensure food safety and desired doneness.
- This recipe is ideal for quick roasting and pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
