When it comes to pork cuts, two popular options are pork loin and pork tenderloin. While they may sound similar, they are distinct cuts of meat with unique characteristics. It’s important to know the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin so you can pick the right cut for your recipe and get perfect results every time. This blog post will talk about the main differences between these cuts and give you tips on how to cook them perfectly.
The key distinction between pork loin and pork tenderloin lies in their location within the pig. Both cuts come from the back of the animal, but they come from different places, so their size, texture, and taste are different.
The back of the pig, specifically the area between the shoulder and the start of the leg, is where pork loin comes from. It is a versatile and tasty cut. It is known for its juicy and tender meat, making it a favorite for various culinary applications.
Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut that comes from a different part of the pig. A lot of people like it for quick and easy meals because it has a delicate texture and soft flavor.
Pork tenderloin is a delicious and lean cut of meat that comes from a very specific part of the pig. Knowing exactly where it comes from and what makes it different than other cuts can help you better appreciate this tasty versatile ingredient.
In this article we’ll take a close look at pork tenderloin and answer the question where does pork tenderloin come from on a pig? Read on for a deep dive into this healthy and delicious cut of pork!
An Overview of Primal and Retail Pork Cuts
To understand where pork tenderloin comes from, it helps to first look at how pigs are divided into primal cuts. Pigs are broken down into large primal sections, which are then further divided into the retail cuts you find at the grocery store.
The main primal cuts of pork are:
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Pork shoulder – This comes from the front leg/shoulder region. It includes cuts like Boston butt, picnic shoulder, and pork shoulder arm.
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Pork loin – This long section running along the back of the pig contains cuts like pork chops and pork tenderloin.
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Pork belly – The underside of the pig, which provides bacon and spare ribs.
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Pork leg – The rear legs, where ham is sourced from.
So pork tenderloin will come from one of the major primal sections. But which one?
Pork Tenderloin Comes from the Pork Loin
Pork tenderloin is located within the pork loin primal cut.
The pork loin runs from the hip of the pig to the shoulder blade area. It contains part of the backbone and covers the ribs. This area produces lean, tender cuts of meat.
Within the loin primal are sub-primals like the sirloin, center loin, and rib. Pork tenderloin comes from the center loin sub-primal.
Specifically, pork tenderloin is located along the backbone, just under the spine and next to the ribs. The tenderloin muscle runs the length of the loin on both sides of the backbone.
This muscle doesn’t get much exercise on the pig, so it remains very tender. Its position nestled along the backbone keeps it well-protected and free of fat.
What Makes Pork Tenderloin Different from Pork Loin
Pork loin and pork tenderloin come from the same primal cut but are very different cuts of meat. Here are some of the main factors that set tenderloin apart from loin:
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Location on the pig – Pork loin runs along the back, while tenderloin is right next to the backbone.
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Muscle use – Loin is more active, tenderloin doesn’t get much exercise.
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Fat content – Tenderloin is extra lean, loin has fat deposits throughout.
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Composition – Loin contains back ribs and backbone, tenderloin is one whole muscle.
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Cooking methods – Tenderloin is ideal for quick cooking, loin works better for longer cooking.
So while loin and tenderloin start in the same place, they produce uniquely different cuts of pork.
Key Characteristics of Pork Tenderloin
Now that we know where pork tenderloin comes from, let’s look at what makes it such a special cut of pork:
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Extremely lean and tender – With very little fat and connective tissue, tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts.
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Mild flavor – The lean meat has a more mild, subtle taste than fattier cuts.
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Quick cooking – The tenderloin can be cooked quickly with dry heat methods.
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Versatile uses – Slices beautifully and works great for everything from stir fries to sandwiches.
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Convenient size – Individual tenderloins are the perfect size for a single meal.
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Nutritious – As a leaner cut, tenderloin provides protein without much fat.
These characteristics make pork tenderloin a go-to choice for quick and healthy everyday meals.
How to Cook Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin benefits from quick cooking methods that preserve moisture and tenderness without overcooking. Recommended cooking methods include:
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Roasting – Roast whole at 400°F for 45 mins to an hour.
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Grilling – Grill over direct medium heat, turning occasionally, for 20-25 mins.
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Pan searing – Cook in a hot pan for 2-3 mins per side to get a nice crust.
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Baking – Bake in a 425°F oven for 30 mins wrapped in bacon.
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Sous vide – Cook low and slow in a water bath to maximize juiciness.
Pork tenderloin can be left whole or cut into medallions. Marinate before cooking or use a spice rub for added flavor. Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Popular Ways to Use Pork Tenderloin
This versatile, quick-cooking cut lends itself to all kinds of easy recipes:
- Tenderloin medallions
- Stuffed tenderloin
- Tenderloin kebabs
- Tenderloin sandwiches
- Tenderloin stir fry
- Chili lime tenderloin
- Brown sugar glazed tenderloin
- Pork tenderloin with mushrooms
- Balsamic roast tenderloin
And much more! Pork tenderloin is delicious served on its own, in sandwiches, in stir fries and soups, and as an ingredient in main dishes.
Buying and Preparing Tenderloin
When purchasing pork tenderloin, look for cuts that are pinkish-red in color without any bruising. Calculate around 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.
Trim excess fat and silverskin before cooking. The tenderloin is attached to the bone so you may need to cut it off the loin before preparing.
Where Does Pork Tenderloin Come From: The Takeaway
So where does pork tenderloin come from? This prized cut of pork comes from the pork loin primal, specifically right next to the backbone within the center loin subprimal.
Its positioning gives it ultimate tenderness and leanness, making for a delicious and versatile ingredient. Quick cooking methods like grilling, roasting and pan searing bring out the best in delicate pork tenderloin.
Now that you know exactly where your tenderloin comes from and what distinguishes it, you can better appreciate this fabulous cut of pork!
Can Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin Be Substituted for Each Other?
For the most part, both cuts come from the same part of the pig, but they are different in size, texture, and flavor. Due to these differences, pork loin and pork tenderloin are not direct substitutes for each other in recipes. But if you make the right changes to the cooking time and methods, you can get delicious results with either cut, as long as you remember what makes each one special.
To choose the right cut for your cooking projects, you need to know the differences between pork loin and pork tenderloin. Pork loin is bigger, has a stronger flavor, and can be cooked in a lot of different ways. Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is leaner, more tender, and has a milder flavor. If you pick the right cut and cook it the right way, you can make dishes that make your mouth water and bring out the best in each cut.
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FAQ
What part of pork is pork tenderloin?
How many tenderloins are in a pig?
Which is healthier, pork loin or tenderloin?
What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin roast?
Where does pork tenderloin come from?
This muscle runs along the backbone of the pig, starting at the lumbar vertebrae and extending to the upper thigh. The pork tenderloin is taken from the rear of this muscle, specifically from the narrowest part of the muscle near the hip bone. It is a long and slender cut of meat, usually weighing around one pound.
What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
Pork tenderloin is a long and narrow cut of meat that is boneless and comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone of the pig. On the other hand, pork loin is wider and flatter, and can be boneless or bone-in. Pork loin comes from the back of the pig.
How do you find pork tenderloin on a pig?
To locate the pork tenderloin on a pig, one must first look for the psoas major muscle. This muscle runs along the backbone of the pig, starting at the lumbar vertebrae and extending to the upper thigh. The pork tenderloin is taken from the rear of this muscle, specifically from the narrowest part of the muscle near the hip bone.
Where do Tenderloin ribs come from?
The tenderloin is taken from the rear of the pork loin and baby-back ribs come from the upper ribcage area of the loin. Above the loin is another section of fatback which can be used for making lard, salt pork, or added to sausage or ground pork.