Pork tenderloin is a fantastically versatile cut of meat. Lean, tender, and quick-cooking, it’s a favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, pan-searing, or even slow-cooking, pork tenderloin delivers juicy flavor every time.
This guide will explore a variety of delicious pork tenderloin recipes, offering inspiration for your next culinary adventure.
1. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Herb Butter
Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of pork tenderloin.
Crockpot Cuban Style Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:
1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the tenderloin.
Make the Herb Butter: In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped herbs, and softened butter. Mix well.
Grill the Pork: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Grill the tenderloin for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F.
Finish with Herb Butter: Remove the pork tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Top with the herb butter and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
2. Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions
This recipe is a classic for a reason. The sweetness of the apples and onions complements the savory pork perfectly.
Ingredients:
1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, sliced
2 apples, sliced
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Season Pork: Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown.
Roast with Apples and Onions: Transfer the pork tenderloin to a roasting pan. Arrange the sliced onions and apples around the pork. Pour chicken broth and honey over the vegetables. Add rosemary sprigs.
Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork reads 145°F.
Rest and Serve: Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the roasted apples and onions and any pan juices.
3. Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce
This recipe is a quick and elegant option for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Season Pork: Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
Sear Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown.
Cook Mushrooms: Remove the pork tenderloin from the skillet and set aside. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Pour white wine and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
Finish Sauce: Stir in butter and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Slice the pork tenderloin and serve with the mushroom sauce.
4. Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apricots and Dijon Mustard
This hands-off method results in incredibly tender and flavorful pork.
Ingredients:
1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine pork tenderloin, Dijon mustard, honey, apricots, onion, celery, and chicken broth.
Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Serve: Shred the pork and serve on buns, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
5. Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze
This recipe is simple yet elegant, perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
Season Pork: Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
Sear Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture has thickened slightly.
Finish Pork: Transfer the pork tenderloin to a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork reads 145°F.
Glaze Pork: Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and brush with the balsamic glaze. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Cooking Pork Tenderloin:
Don’t Overcook: Pork tenderloin is best cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking will dry it out.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let the pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
Season Simply: Pork tenderloin has a mild flavor, so it’s best to season it simply with salt and pepper.
Get Creative with Sides: Serve pork tenderloin with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.
Choosing the Right Pork Tenderloin:
Look for a tenderloin that is uniformly pink in color and has no signs of discoloration.
Avoid pork tenderloins that are excessively dry or have an off-odor.
Conclusion
Pork tenderloin is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, pan-searing, or slow-cooking, these recipes will help you create flavorful and satisfying meals. So, grab a tenderloin and get cooking!
