When cooking pork tenderloin, achieving a succulent result is the ultimate goal for any home chef. This pork cut is known for being tender and mild, which makes it a good choice for a wide range of spices and cooking methods. Although there are many ways to cook, the slow-and-low roasting method is one of the most reliable ways to make sure that the food is tasty. When you roast something in the oven, the proteins have time to break down and take on the flavor of whatever you put on top of it during preparation. The process of roasting is thankfully pretty easy, which makes it a great choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
If you follow our guide, you’ll be able to master this mouthwatering method and give your family and friends an unforgettable pork tenderloin experience. And if you’ve never cooked this cut before, don’t forget to trim it right—even people who love pork forget to do this important step during the prep.
Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that’s ideal for roasting in the oven. Cooking it low and slow at 275°F results in incredibly juicy, flavorful pork. But exactly how long should you bake pork tenderloin at this temperature?
The cooking time can vary a bit depending on the size and shape of the tenderloin. However, in most cases it takes 2-3 hours to roast pork tenderloin at 275°F for the best texture.
Follow this complete guide for tips on preparing tenderloin for roasting, how long to cook it, and the best way to ensure it turns out moist and delicious.
Why Cook Pork Tenderloin at 275°F?
Cooking pork tenderloin low and slow offers several advantages:
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The low 275°F temperature gently breaks down the proteins over time, resulting in very tender meat.
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The extended roasting time allows the meat to fully cook through without drying out
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Pork stays incredibly moist and juicy when cooked low and slow.
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Herbs, spices, and seasoning have hours to infuse their flavors into the meat.
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Less hands-on monitoring is required compared to high-heat roasting
So for incredibly flavorful, tender and juicy pork, 275°F is really the ideal roasting temperature.
How Long to Bake Pork Tenderloin at 275°F
The general roasting time is 2-3 hours for pork tenderloin at 275°F. Here are more specifics:
- 1 pound tenderloin: About 2 hours
- 1.5-2 pound tenderloin: 2 1/2 – 3 hours
However, roasting time can vary a bit depending on shape and thickness. The best way to ensure perfect doneness is to use an instant read meat thermometer.
Cook until the thickest part of the tenderloin reaches 140-145°F. Then, carryover cooking will bring it up to 145-150°F for a perfect medium done tenderloin.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for roasting pork tenderloin at 275°F:
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Prep the tenderloin – Trim off any excess fat or silver skin. Pat dry and season all over. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven – Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
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Roast – Place seasoned tenderloin on prepared pan. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part.
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Roast uncovered – Roast for about 2-3 hours until thermometer reaches 140-145°F.
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Rest – Remove pork from oven, tent loosely with foil and let rest 10 minutes.
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Slice and serve – Slice into medallions and serve. Enjoy your perfectly cooked pork!
And that’s it – nice and easy for awesome results every time. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness.
Roasting Pork Tenderloin at Higher Temps
While 275°F is ideal, you can also roast pork tenderloin at higher temperatures like:
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300°F – Will reduce roast time to around 1 1⁄2 hours. Use a thermometer as it can dry out easier.
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325°F – Cook time is only about 1 hour. Monitor closely and remove around 135°F.
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350°F – Cooks in 30-45 minutes. Best for smaller tenderloins. Don’t overcook.
Higher heat = less time but more risk of drying out. Lower and slower is best for 1-2 pound tenderloins.
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Pork
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Rest before slicing – Letting the pork rest redistributes juices for more tender meat.
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Use a thermometer – It takes the guesswork out and guarantees perfect doneness.
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Salt before roasting – Sprinkling with salt for several hours improves flavor and tenderness.
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Roast uncovered – Cooking uncovered allows the pork to brown slightly for better texture.
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Prevent overcooking – Pork dries out quickly if cooked past 150°F.
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Make a sauce – A sauce or gravy adds delicious flavor and moisture.
Common Questions
What if my pork tenderloin is larger?
For a 3-4 pound tenderloin, increase oven temp to 300°F and roast about 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours until 140°F internally.
Can I stuff a pork tenderloin?
Absolutely! Slice partially through the tenderloin lengthwise to open it up. Stuff with your favorite ingredients, then tie back together with kitchen string before roasting.
What temperature should I reheat leftover pork?
Slice pork and reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Lower, slower heating prevents drying out.
Can I roast a frozen pork tenderloin?
Yes, bake from frozen by adding 20-30 minutes to the roasting time. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
What if my pork tenderloin is undercooked?
Return an undercooked tenderloin to the 275°F oven for 15-20 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Delicious Ways to Prepare Pork Tenderloin
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Maple Glazed – For sweet flavor, brush with maple syrup during the last 15 minutes of roasting.
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Herb Crusted – Coat tenderloin with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper before roasting.
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Brown Sugar and Spice Rub – Rub tenderloin with brown sugar, chili powder, cumin and cayenne for a sweet heat flavor.
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Teriyaki Pork – Marinate overnight in teriyaki sauce for Asian inspired roast pork.
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Fiesta Lime Pork – Infuse Mexican zest with lime juice, cilantro, cumin and chili powder.
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Bacon Wrapped – Wrap boneless tenderloin in bacon to keep it moist and add smoky flavor.
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Citrus Pork – Stuff sliced lemons and oranges inside the tenderloin while roasting for juicy flavor.
Get Perfectly Cooked Pork Every Time
Roasting pork tenderloin low and slow at 275°F delivers incredibly tender, juicy and delicious results every time. Allow 2-3 hours for 1-2 pound tenderloins, and rely on a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness. Rest before slicing and season or marinate as desired for incredibly moist pork.
