The Best Easy Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This pork tenderloin recipe is perfectly crusted on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. Its ready in just about 30 minutes, offering a flavorful and easy dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 pork tenderloins (1 lb. each)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken stock
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Prepare a large oven-proof skillet by heating it over medium-high heat.
- Trim and season the pork: Trim the silver skin (the tough connective tissue) from the pork tenderloins. Season both tenderloins evenly with salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and herbes de Provence. Make sure to cover the pork evenly with the seasonings.
- Cook the pork tenderloin: Add olive oil to the heated skillet. Place the pork tenderloins in the pan and cook them undisturbed until they are golden brown on one side, which should take around 5 minutes. Flip each tenderloin and cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing them to brown on the other side.
- Deglaze the pan: Add the white wine or chicken stock to the pan. Let it cook for about 1 minute, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
- Finish in the oven: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 19 minutes, or until the pork is slightly pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer reads 145F (63C). The pork should still be juicy and tender.
- Rest the pork: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pork to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.
- Slice and serve: Slice the pork tenderloins into medallions and serve with the pan juices. Enjoy!
Test Kitchen Tips:
- When trimming the silver skin, use a sharp knife and slide it underneath the tough tissue, angling the knife upward to avoid cutting into the meat.
- Season generously! A liberal seasoning creates a wonderful crust, enhancing the flavor of the pork.
- If you don't have an oven-proof skillet, no worries! Sear the pork in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
- Avoid moving the pork around in the pan once it hits the heat. This is key to achieving a beautifully crispy, golden crust.
- Let the pork rest before slicing it ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender.
What to Serve With Easy Pork Tenderloin: Explore a variety of side dishes to complement your meal, such as Chef John's Perfect Polenta, Braised Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, or Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 208
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
- Sodium: 503mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 506mg
This recipe for easy pork tenderloin is simple yet incredibly delicious. With just a few ingredients, you can create a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. The key to success lies in the seasoning and the technique, which results in a crispy exterior and tender, moist interior. Served with its own flavorful pan juices, its sure to impress any dinner guest.
Origin and History
Pork tenderloin has been a popular cut in many culinary traditions due to its tenderness and versatility. It is one of the leanest cuts of pork, making it a healthier option compared to other types of meat. The origins of cooking pork tenderloin can be traced to various European and American culinary traditions, where roasting or pan-searing was a common technique for tender cuts. In the United States, this particular recipe became popular as home cooks sought easy yet elegant dishes for weeknight meals. Today, its a staple in American kitchens for its flavor, ease of preparation, and quick cook time.
Regional Variations
Though the pork tenderloin is a widely-loved dish, it has different variations depending on the region. In Southern America, it is often seasoned with a blend of spices like paprika and chili powder to give it a more robust flavor, while in European cuisines, especially French and Italian, herbs like thyme, rosemary, and garlic are commonly used. This recipe, featuring herbs de Provence, is more closely aligned with French culinary traditions, where aromatic herbs elevate the flavor of meat dishes.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
While there are many ways to prepare pork tenderloin, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor profile. What makes this pork tenderloin unique is the combination of herbs de Provence and the technique of pan-searing followed by oven roasting. This method allows the meat to retain its juices while developing a beautiful golden crust. Many similar recipes may use marinades or slow cooking, but this quick method delivers perfect results in under 35 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
Where Its Typically Served
This dish is often served in home kitchens but is equally popular at casual dining restaurants. Its a favorite for family meals, dinner parties, and special occasions, thanks to its elegance and ease of preparation. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. Additionally, the pan juices can be used to create a light gravy, further enhancing the flavor of the meat. Its a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Interesting Facts
1. Did you know that pork tenderloin is often referred to as the filet mignon of pork due to its tenderness and mild flavor? Its one of the most desirable cuts of pork because it cooks quickly and remains juicy.
2. Pork tenderloin can be found in various forms whole, pre-marinated, or as part of pre-packaged meals. The cut is incredibly lean and provides a good source of protein and iron.
3. In some cultures, pork is considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance, which makes pork tenderloin a popular choice for holiday meals and celebrations.
Conclusion
The Best Easy Pork Tenderloin is an accessible yet flavorful dish that works for a wide range of occasions. Whether youre cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a special event, this recipe is sure to deliver juicy, tender pork with minimal effort. The combination of herbs, olive oil, and white wine or chicken stock creates a savory and aromatic pan sauce that complements the meat perfectly. With its easy preparation and delicious result, this dish is one youll want to make time and time again.
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FAQ about The Best Easy Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Comments
KATHY381
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I Loved it my friends loved it Simple Any Day Meal made along side roasted potatoes and steamed green beans ... thank you love to see nicole recipes and videos.
FeistyAcai3023
01/15/2024 01:58:23 AM
I used only 2 tsps of salt but otherwise followed the recipe to a t and it turned out perfect! Kudos to the commenter who suggested making gravy with mushrooms, sweet onion, a bit of flour, chicken broth and the pan drippings while the pork is resting. Very easy and a very nice addition! I served it with mashed cauliflower.
ZippyBeef8623
10/28/2023 06:44:02 PM
very very good! my only problem was i used a cast iron skillet and it cooks way hotter than others...need to modify if use cast iron...definitely don't want to cook on med/high. There also wasn't any pan juice this way...
ClassyTea2985
08/12/2025 11:16:08 PM
Great recipe. Very simple and easy to follow. I quartered and parboiled a few potatoes, tossed them with garlic powder and herbes de Provence and roasted them in the same pan along with some carrots. The pan sauces mingled well with the potatoes and made everything delicious.
BoldDish6382
02/26/2024 02:14:06 AM
The method is perfect for pork loin. I didn't use the seasoning suggested in the original recipe. I made more of a teriyaki version and dry seasoned with my own pork rub. I used pineapple juice to deglaze the pan. It was quick, very tender and juicy. The leftover sauce from the pan was delish to use for dipping or to drizzle over the cooked meat. A definite winner! This one is going into my recipe file.
GoofyBran3050
10/03/2023 05:09:41 PM
The best pork loin i have ever made. I didnt have herbs provence, so i added marjoram and rosemary with the S&p and garlic. The cook times were on point. I thought it may be too much seasoning when putting on loin, but it was perfect!
KarinD
01/03/2025 03:58:40 PM
I did not have Herbes de Provence, so I used salt, pepper, adobo and Italian seasoning. I used my cast iron pan. There was ample liquid in the pan to shake in some flour and have a gravy. Super easy and delicious. This recipe was requested again!
SpiffyDill6979
10/13/2023 09:51:20 PM
This recipe lives up to its description of the most tender pork tenderloin. I followed the instructions using chicken stock, not wine (no white wine open and I didn't feel like finishing a bottle). The generous sprinkling of herbes de Provence did indeed form a wonderful crust. The pan juices were paltry by the time I got the pork to temperature, so after I put the pork on a plate to rest, I added more chicken stock to deglaze the pan, then I added a generous dollop of sour cream. My husband loved the sauce. I had already put sweet potatoes in the oven before I found the recipe, but next time, I'm going to serve this with mashed potatoes as illustrated so we have another way to sop up the sauce. Delicious!
janmauss
01/16/2024 06:58:27 PM
This recipe looked too good to be true, but with a couple of caveats, turned out well. I'm constantly tempted by pork tenderloin--such a cute little thing and 1 is perfect for a small family. Most problems with this rather tasteless cut have to do with overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and take it out of the oven at least by 160F--it will continue to cook to 165 or higher, absolutely in the "safe" range. Since trichinosis is no longer an issue with American domestic pork, we like it best a little pink--more like 145-150F, or medium well. The other thing is to serve it with a good sauce. My family particularly likes cranberry apple chutney, fig & Vidalia onion, marsala sauce with onions & mushrooms, or mustard cream sauce. When I smoke pork tenderloin, I make a spectacular smoked blackberry bourbon sauce--it's worth turning on the smoker for that alone and I make a double or triple batch. But this is a nice stove top/oven method, and the wine based pan sauce is ok. I think apple juice or cider is the best sub for white wine.
Lori L
11/17/2023 12:43:43 PM
So tender and juicy! After I placed the pork tenderloin on a cutting board to rest, I added 2T of unsalted butter to the pan while swirling it around and scraping up any brown pieces from the pan. This made the pan juice super silky and so flavorful!! I served it with goat cheese risotto and steamed broccoli.
MEESELF
12/15/2023 04:29:28 PM
Very easy to make. I followed the recipe and did not make my own changes. Pork was juicy and tender. I did not remove the silver skin, since I didn't need the extra work. I used white cooking wine instead of the broth, but I'm sure either would be fine. I had a HUGE tenderloin, so I had to cook and bake mine longer, so I used my meat thermometer to test for doneness. I will definitely use this recipe again.
chris
08/11/2025 09:39:48 PM
Delicious! Very easy. Pork was moist and flavorful.
Lynne
07/23/2025 01:46:24 PM
I transferred the meat to a metal 9 x13 and roasted it covered for 15 minutes, rested it for a full ten minutes. The roast was truly butter tender and moist. This is going to be a go-to dish, especially when friends come over for dinner. I served it with fresh green salad and fried polenta disks.
UniqueStew6567
07/13/2025 10:47:42 PM
I made this and accidentally grabbed a package of pork tenderloin pieces out of the freezer instead of the tenderloin. When I realized the mistake it was getting Close to dinner time so I followed the recipe the same and then made the whole thing into a meat gravy and served it over mashed potatoes. The flavors were delicious over garlic mashed potatoes!
foodie41
05/12/2025 08:55:32 PM
Easy and delicious. Used chicken stock to deglaze. So tender and juicy. The spices are spot on!
JC Bart
05/12/2025 02:51:57 PM
Very easy to make! I added onions and mushrooms in the pan with the meat. Delicious taste with sauveniogn blanc and Herb de Provence. Started and on the table in 1 hour.
SusanVey
04/25/2025 11:25:01 PM
I used powdered garlic scapes because it was what I had on hand. Everything else, as written. Delicious. The pan juices were fantastic. Oh, I did reduce the pan juices and stir in a couple of pats of butter. Yum!
Michelle S11
04/25/2025 10:50:59 PM
I’ve made this several times and everyone loves it. I add more chicken stock than called for to ensure a lot of juiciness.
WobblyWrap8298
04/16/2025 10:32:23 PM
Absolutely amazing. So tender and the flavor is outrageous. For anyone without the Herbs, I did some googling and made a mix that was equal parts marjoram, oregano, thyme and rosemary. I would just recommend cutting back on the salt if you're using stock. I used better than bouillon and the pan sauce was a touch salty but this recipe is incredible. Such a great flavorful crust and so juicy!
Christine Smith
04/15/2025 09:47:24 PM
Tried it just now — incredible!