You are going to love this tender and flavorful baked pork loin! Lean pork that is seasoned, and roasted to perfection. This juicy Pork tenderloin in the oven will leave you craving for more - it is an absolute favorite at our house! It is perfect served with mashed potatoes and gravy or twice baked potatoes. Let us show you just how to make it!
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Why This Recipe Works
You are going to love this recipe not long because of the amazing flavor, but because it is so dang easy to prepare. This is a perfect Sunday meal that can be paired with a variety of sides, like Au Gratin Potatoes or homemade Creamed Corn. This pork tenderloin recipe is going to be your new favorite because:
- Our easy oven-baking method helps to lock in the natural juices and flavors of the pork roast, resulting in a tender and moist final dish. While slow cooker or instant pot recipes may be popular, they don't deliver the same crust as oven roasting.
- It is easy to prepare - you can simply season the meat, pop it in the oven, and let it cook while you tidy up or watch a show.
- It's perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
About The Ingredients
Everything you need for this easy pork loin recipe can be purchased at your local grocery store. Here are a few items to note:
- Pork Sirloin Roast - when selecting a boneless pork loin look for a cut with a pinkish-red color. Avoid cuts that appear pale or have a grayish tint. The texture should be firm and spring back when you press your fingers into it. Look for a cut of meat that has visible marbling, the small streaks of fat within the meat. Marbling helps keep the pork loin moist and adds flavor during cooking.
- Seasonings - the best part of this recipe is the seasoning blend. We amp up the flavor with a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne. When purchasing spices opt for high-quality spices whenever possible.
- Olive oil - I prefer extra virgin olive oil. It is the least processed and has a wonderful flavor.
For a complete list of ingredients and amounts, see recipe card below.
How To Make Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Making pork tenderloin in the oven is so easy, you won't even believe it. To start, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9x13 baking dish with foil. Here's how to make a perfect pork loin:
- Start off by adding all of your seasonings to a large bowl. This includes 1 ½ tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional), and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Whisk until olive oil and seasoning is well combined.
- Toss pork loin in mixture until well coated.
- Transfer your pork tenderloin to your prepared baking dish.
- Bake pork tenderloin, uncovered, for 1.5 hours or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer - invest in a good meat thermometer. Our absolute favorite is thermoworks. Use it to check the internal temp while cooking. Pork should be cooked until the internal temperature of 145°F.
Variations
While this herb-crusted version is my favorite, there are several variations of this oven roasted pork loin. You could try one of the following:
- Honey Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin: Whip up a tasty glaze by combining honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Brush over the pork tenderloin during baking for a flavorful, caramelized crust.
- BBQ Pork Tenderloin: Marinate the pork tenderloin in your favorite barbecue sauce (Mine is Sweet Baby Rays) for 3 hours or up to overnight. Cook pork tenderloin until tender, basting with additional sauce right at the end.
- Asian-inspired Sesame Ginger Pork Tenderloin: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and bit of brown sugar to make a marinade. Let the pork tenderloin marinate for 3 hours or up to overnight, then roast.
- Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: Cut a slit lengthwise along the pork tenderloin and stuff it with all sorts of tasty things like spinach, cheese, mushrooms, or stuffing. Secure with toothpicks and roast it until cooked through.
How To Serve
There are several ways to serve this herb crusted pork tenderloin. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Sliced - serve it sliced with mashed potatoes and a veggies dish. This is simple, elegant and tasty. It is super versatile and goes well with so many different side options.
- Sandwiches - Thinly slice the tender pork tenderloin and use it on sandwiches. Layer it with your preferred toppings. You can serve it on a crusty baguette, or sandwich bread.
- Salads - Slice the pork tenderloin and use it as a protein topping for salads. Combine it with mixed greens, and your choice of dressing and toppings. Delicious!
Pro Kitchen Tips
- Choose the right cut: Look for a pork loin roast with good marbling and is evenly thick. This will help ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven before placing the pork loin inside. This ensures consistent and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: invest in a good meat thermometer. Our absolute favorite is thermoworks. Use it to check the internal temp while cooking. Pork should be cooked until the internal temperature of 145°F.
- Rest the meat: Once the pork loin is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, this will make the meat more moist and flavorful.
- Slicing technique: When it's time to slice the pork loin, use a sharp knife, like Cangshan, and slice against the grain. This helps to break down the muscle fibers and creates a more tender bite.
FAQs
Cooking time will vary based on the size of your roast. But the internal temp should be 145 degrees. Generally it takes 20 minutes per pound to cook pork loin.
No, it is not necessary. Baking uncovered will give a nice crust to your juicy pork loin.
Make sure the pork roast has cooled, and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you liked this oven roasted pork tenderloin, you'll love our pork chops and these other pork recipes:
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Herb Crusted Baked Pork Loin
Equipment
- 9x13 baking pan
Ingredients
- 2 pound Pork Sirloin Roast
- 1 ½ Tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a small cookie sheet or 9x13 pan with foil.
- In a small bowl combine spices and olive oil.
- Rub Roast with all of rub from small bowl.
- Transfer roast to your prepared baking pan.
- Baked uncovered at 350 degrees for 1.5 hours or until internal temp of roast reaches 145 degrees in the thickest part of the roast
- Let rest for 10-20 minutes before cutting
Video
Notes
- Choose the right cut: Look for a pork loin roast with good marbling and is evenly thick. This will help ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven before placing the pork loin inside. This ensures consistent and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: invest in a good meat thermometer. Our absolute favorite is thermoworks. Use it to check the internal temp while cooking. Pork should be cooked until the internal temperature of 145°F.
- Rest the meat: Once the pork loin is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, this will make the meat more moist and flavorful.
- Slicing technique: When it's time to slice the pork loin, use a sharp knife, like Cangshan, and slice against the grain. This helps to break down the muscle fibers and creates a more tender bite.
Sarah Morris says
This looks great! How many servings?