Say goodbye to dry and flavorless pork tenderloin. With my easy cooking method, you can make the best, juicy, tender pork tenderloin in under 30 minutes.
If you’re tired of dry pork tenderloin, try this easy recipe. It guarantees moist and juicy pork, which you can make with your favorite spice rub.
I cook this pork tenderloin with onions and peppers the same way I cook the pork tenderloin in our apple recipe.
Cooking pork tenderloin seems simple enough – just throw it in the oven and roast until done But achieving the ideal balance of juicy, tender meat with browned, crispy edges takes a bit more finesse. Undercook the tenderloin and you’ll end up with tough, dry pork Let it go too long and you’ll have an overcooked, rubbery mess.
So how long should you cook a 1-2 lb pork tenderloin to perfection? Follow these tips and techniques for foolproof results every time.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Before we dive into specifics, it’s important to understand what affects the cooking time of pork tenderloin. This will allow you to better judge timing rather than relying on a generic recipe. Here are the key factors
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Weight – A 1 lb tenderloin will obviously cook faster than a 2 lb one. And thickness impacts time too. A long, skinny tenderloin will cook quicker than a short, fat one.
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Temperature – Room temp meat cooks faster than fridge cold. And a hotter oven temp reduces cooking time.
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Cooking method – Grilling or broiling cooks faster than roasting or baking.
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Additions – A simple seasoned tenderloin roasts quicker than one wrapped in bacon.
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Doneness – Pork cooked to 145°F will be done faster than if cooked to 160°F.
Keeping these variables in mind will help you better determine the timing for your specific tenderloin.
Oven Roasting Times per Pound
For oven roasting, a general guideline is to allow 15-20 minutes per pound at an oven temp of 350-375°F.
So for a 1 lb tenderloin, start checking for doneness at around 15-20 minutes. For a 2 lb tenderloin, begin checking around 30-40 minutes.
However, roasting time can vary quite a bit based on factors like a hotter oven temp, a cold pork start temp, and thickness. So while the minutes per pound estimate is helpful, always rely on a meat thermometer to assess doneness rather than just going by time.
Quick Tip
Bring your tenderloin closer to room temp before roasting to reduce cooking time. Roasted from fridge temp, it may take closer to 25 minutes per pound.
Target Internal Temp for Pork Tenderloin
The most foolproof way to know your pork tenderloin is properly cooked is to use an instant read thermometer. Check the internal temp in the thickest part of the tenderloin, without touching any bones.
According to USDA, the safe minimum internal temperature for pork is 145°F. At this temp, your pork will be perfectly cooked with a slight hint of pink inside.
For well done pork, cook to 160°F. But beware, this risks drying out the lean tenderloin. 145°F is ideal for juicy, flavorful meat.
Grilling Times per Pound
Grilling uses higher direct heat, so tenderloins cook faster on the grill than in the oven. Plan for grill times of:
- 1 lb tenderloin – 12-15 minutes
- 2 lb tenderloin – 20-25 minutes
Bring the pork to room temp before grilling for fastest cooking. Use medium-high heat, around 400°F. Sear both sides over direct heat for grill marks. Then move to indirect heat, close the grill, and finish cooking, flipping occasionally.
Check the internal temp a few minutes before the estimated time. And allow a 5 minute rest after grilling before slicing.
Quick Tip
Lightly coat the tenderloin with oil before grilling for optimal browning. Avoid flair-ups from drippings by using a drip pan.
Pan Searing and Baking Times
For an easy stovetop to oven method, first pan sear the tenderloin for enhanced flavor. Then transfer to a baking sheet and finish cooking in the oven.
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Sear for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
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Roast at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes per pound until 145°F.
The searing gives added caramelization and crispiness while the oven’s ambient heat gently roasts it through.
Key Tips for Perfect Results
Beyond proper cooking times, there are a few key tips that will ensure pork tenderloin success:
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Season well – A simple rub of salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and olive oil is all you need.
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Use a meat thermometer – Don’t rely solely on time. Pork needs to reach 145°F.
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Allow resting time – At least 5 minutes, up to 15. This makes the meat extra juicy.
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Slice against the grain – This yields the most tender cuts of meat.
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Avoid overcooking – Pork dries out quickly. Stick to the 145°F temp.
Sample Roasting Timelines
To give you an idea of approximate total cook times, here are some examples:
1 lb Tenderloin
- Thinner: 20 min at 375°F
- Thicker: 25 min at 375°F
1.5 lb Tenderloin
- Thinner: 25-30 min at 375°F
- Thicker: 30-35 min at 375°F
2 lb Tenderloin
- Thinner: 30-35 min at 375°F
- Thicker: 35-40 min at 375°F
Remember, always rely on temp rather than time. But these timelines give you a ballpark estimate and starting point for your size of tenderloin.
Perfectly cooked pork tenderloin is easily achievable when you understand approximate cooking times and rely on temperature for doneness. For a 1-2 lb tenderloin, expect oven roast times around 15-20 minutes per pound at 350-375°F, checking for 145°F. For grilling, allow 12-15 minutes per pound over medium-high heat. Add a quick stovetop sear for extra flavor. Master these simple methods and you’ll be rewarded with juicy, flavorful pork tenderloin every time.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin
My favorite method for cooking pork tenderloin has two parts:
- On a stove, sear the pork until all sides are golden brown.
- Finish by baking them in the oven.
Before you start, you’ll need to remove any tough white or silver spots from the tenderloin and pat it dry, since searing wet meat won’t work. Then, season them with salt (hold off on other seasonings for a bit later).
Now, put the tenderloins in a skillet that can go in the oven and add some oil. Cook for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown all over. The pork will still be raw in the middle, but that’s okay. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Now that the pork is nicely seared, add your spice blend or herbs. These are added now because some spice mixes, especially those with milder herbs, can burn when the pork is seared in a hot pan.
To finish cooking the pork, roast it in a hot oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Slide your skillet into a 425°F oven and roast until cooked in the middle.
You can tell when pork tenderloin is cooked when an internal thermometer registers between 145°F and 150°F. At this temperature, the pork may be a little pink in the middle. You can continue to cook the pork, but it will be less moist and juicy in the middle.
For the juiciest pork tenderloin, make a quick pan sauce. Put this together in the same pan you used to cook the pork. Add about 3/4 cup of liquid. I love white wine or broth.
As the liquid cooks, use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan to get rid of all the browned bits that have stuck there. There is a lot of flavor there. When the liquid is reduced by half, swirl in a tablespoon of butter.
Baked pork tenderloin lasts stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it. It can be frozen for about a month if you wrap it in foil and put it in a freezer bag or pot. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin
I love serving pork tenderloin with that easy pan sauce over a bed of mashed potatoes. For something a little different, try mashed sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
Adding an extra veggie on the side is lovely, too. Like our pork, these roasted green beans and carrots are my favorite. They are both roasted in a 425°F oven. For a fresh side, try a salad. Mix your favorite salad ingredients together and drizzle with one of these simple homemade dressings: our easy ranch, our honey mustard, or our balsamic.
How To Make Roasted Pork Tenderloin – Dinner in 30 Minutes!
How long to cook pork tenderloin in oven?
Put the baking dish with the pork in the preheated oven. The cooking time will depend on the size and weight of your pork tenderloin. As a general guideline, cook it for about 20-30 minutes per pound. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. The pork is ready when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
How long should a pork tenderloin be cooked per pound?
While the 15-20 minutes per pound guideline is a helpful starting point, always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork tenderloin is perfectly cooked, as actual cooking times may vary based on factors such as the size and initial temperature of the tenderloin, as well as the specific cooking method and equipment you’re using.
How do you cook a pork tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is bland on its own. Doctoring it up with the below pork tenderloin rub will give it smokiness and depth. Sear the Meat First. Taking a few minutes to sear the outside of the pork on the stove prior to putting it in the oven forms a tasty “crust” that gives the pork an additional dimension of flavor. You’ll feel like a pro!
How long does it take to cook a pork loin?
Timing will depend on how much you’re heating, but one serving (6 ounces) should take about 1 minute. Reheat in the Oven for 10-15 minutes at 300 F. Wrap in foil to prevent drying out. Will this pork loin shred?