Smithfield pork tenderloins are easy to cook and only take 5 minutes to prepare. You can have a family dinner in 30 minutes or less. I gave you three easy ways to get the roasted pork tenderloin and different side dishes to the table hot and ready to eat.
For easy dinners all year, I mix and match different marinades and seasonings to get a wide range of great tastes.
While I worked on a small project with Smithfield Pork and the National Pork Board many years ago, this post is NOT for them. They have no idea I’m writing these helpful tips.
I truly do purchase plain Smithfield pork tenderloins at least once or twice a month for my family. I’ve learned how to make it in a number of different ways for quick family meals because it’s a reliable and cheap protein.
To help you and your family save money the next time these juicy pork loins go on sale, I’m going to tell you how I cook Smithfield pork and use it in simple, tasty meals.
Pork tenderloin is a popular, lean cut of meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Smithfield offers pre-marinated and seasoned pork tenderloins that make cooking this healthy protein even easier But how long does pork tenderloin last after purchasing? And what is the shelf life of cooked pork tenderloin leftovers? This complete guide will walk you through proper storage, freezing, defrosting and food safety for getting the longest lasting pork tenderloins.
Overview of Smithfield Pork Tenderloins
Smithfield pork tenderloins are sold pre-marinated and seasoned for extra flavor They offer a variety of flavors including applewood smoked bacon, roasted garlic & herb, roasted garlic & cracked black pepper, steakhouse seasoned, and slow roasted golden rotisserie. These tenderloins can be found prepackaged in the refrigerated meat section at grocery stores.
When handling any raw meat, proper food safety is key. Be sure to store the pork tenderloin sealed in the original packaging until you are ready to use. Then wash hands, prep surfaces, utensils and cutting boards before and after working with the raw pork. This helps prevent any bacteria on the raw pork from spreading.
Shelf Life of Fresh Pork Tenderloin
Fresh, raw pork tenderloin that has been properly refrigerated will generally stay fresh for 3-5 days after the packaged date. If the use-by date is not printed on the packaging, it is best to use within 3-5 days of purchasing for peak freshness and quality.
It’s important to store the pork tenderloin at a proper refrigeration temperature of 40°F or below. Storing in the coldest section of your refrigerator will help maintain freshness. The pork should also remain sealed in the original packaging until ready to use.
If the pork has a foul odor, slimy texture or sticky surface when the package is opened it has spoiled and should be discarded. Fresh pork should be pink in color with no strong odors.
Freezing and Thawing Pork Tenderloin
For longer storage, pork tenderloin can safely be frozen and thawed for later use. To freeze, simply place the sealed, fresh pork tenderloin package directly in the freezer. Frozen pork tenderloin will last around 4-6 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline.
When ready to use, there are two methods for safely thawing frozen pork tenderloin:
-
Refrigerator Thawing: Place the frozen pork in the refrigerator. It will slowly thaw overnight and be ready to cook the next day. This is the preferred method as it keeps the pork at a safe temperature while thawing.
-
Cold Water Thawing: Fully submerge the frozen pork in a bowl or container of cold water. Change out the water every 30 minutes until the pork is thawed. This method defrosts the pork within 1 to 3 hours.
Do not thaw pork on the counter or in hot water which allows bacteria to grow. Cook pork immediately after thawing for safety.
Proper Internal Temperature for Cooked Pork
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to 160°F before eating for safety. At 145°F the pork will be just slightly pink in the middle and juicier. Cook to 160°F for well done pork with no pink.
Use a meat thermometer to check temperature in the thickest part of the pork, without touching any bones. The safe internal temperature kills potential bacteria, parasites and illnesses that can be found in fresh pork. Allow the cooked pork to rest for at least 3 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Shelf Life of Cooked Pork Tenderloin
Cooked pork that has been refrigerated at 40°F or below should keep for 3 to 4 days. It’s best to eat within this time frame for food safety and quality.
The cooked pork can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the cooked pork to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap, freezer bags or an airtight container. Label package with date and contents. Frozen cooked pork can keep for 2 to 3 months before quality begins to decline.
Thaw frozen cooked pork in the refrigerator before reheating. Pork can be reheated on the stove, in the oven or microwave until warmed through, 165°F. Reheat only the amount that will be immediately served, do not keep reheated pork for later.
How to Know if Pork Has Gone Bad
It’s important to know the signs of spoiled pork to determine when it should be thrown out.
Fresh pork goes bad when:
- The pork has a foul, ammonia-like or rotten odor
- The flesh is sticky, tacky or slimy
- Discoloration is present, such as green, blue, gray or darkening
- Mold appears anywhere on the pork
Cooked pork has gone bad when:
- Drying out, hard or tough portions
- Mold growth
- Sour or bitter odor develops
- The pork has been left at room temperature for over 2 hours
Pork that displays any signs of spoilage should be discarded right away. Do not taste pork you suspect may be spoiled. Consuming bad pork can cause food poisoning or make you sick.
Tips for Getting the Longest Lasting Pork
Here are some helpful tips for making your pork tenderloins last as long as possible:
-
Purchase pork before the sell-by date and cook within 3-5 days for freshest quality.
-
Check package seal for damage or tears before buying. Avoid leaking packages.
-
Store pork sealed in original packaging at 40°F or below until ready to use.
-
Freeze pork if it will not be used within 3-5 days of purchasing.
-
Thaw frozen pork properly in the refrigerator or cold water method.
-
Cook pork to the recommended safe internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
-
Refrigerate cooked pork within 2 hours of cooking, store in shallow airtight containers.
-
Freeze cooked pork in freezer bags or airtight containers if not eating within 3-4 days.
-
Check cooked pork for signs of spoilage before consuming. When in doubt, throw it out!
Following proper storage, handling and food safety practices will help both fresh and cooked pork tenderloin last as long as possible. Use refrigeration and freezing to prolong the shelf life when needed.
Basic Pork Tenderloin Seasoning:
Back of the Yards and Gateway to the North are split 50/50 in my mix. With just a quick sprinkle of each, my pork is ready to cook in less than a minute.
This tasty blend will match almost any side dish you plan to make.
You could mix your own dry rub by using:
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
- Garlic Salt
- Onion Salt
- Brown Sugar
- Maple Sugar
Roasted Pork Tenderloin Cooking Instructions
Roasting pork in the oven is my favorite way to finish the pork tenderloins.
You can roast vegetables on the side of a pan meal in either a baking dish or a baking sheet.
When I use a liquid marinade, I like to use a baking dish, but it’s also useful when I use a dry rub.
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Pop the pork into the oven, theres no need to wait till it comes to room temperature first.
Put the pork in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F at the thickest part of the meat.
I flip my pork tenderloins over every half hour while they’re baking so both sides get a good brown color.
Smithfield Pork Tenderloins from Quaker Valley Foods
Does Smithfield pork tenderloin need to be cooked at 425?
Yes – 1 No – 1 We cooked our Smithfield pork tenderloin in our oven at 425 degrees until the meat reached 148 degrees, removed it from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes. During that time, the meat temperature went up another 5 degrees to 153 and it was perfect! The pork was pink in the center, super tender and very lean.
How do you cook Smithfield pork tenderloins?
Two cooked Smithfield Pork Tenderloins out of the oven resting before being sliced. Our three preferred ways to cook these delicious pork tenderloins are the oven, grill and slow cooker. To start, heat oven to 425 degrees.
How long to cook Smithfield smoked pork tenderloin?
The cooking time for Smithfield Marinated Pork Tenderloin may vary depending on the size and weight of the tenderloin. As a general guideline, you can cook it for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound. However, it is crucial to use a meat thermometer to determine the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C) for pork.
Is Smithfield pork tenderloin good?
Originating in the United States, Smithfield pork tenderloin has become a popular choice due to its mouthwatering taste and superior quality. With its lean, tender texture, this cut of pork is perfect for roasting in the oven. Plus, it’s a relatively budget-friendly protein option, especially for the quality you receive.