I have zero doubts that you are going to LOVE this easy roasted pork tenderloin recipe. Zero. Doubts. You can be sure that the pork tenderloin you make will be the tastiest you’ve ever had thanks to the rub, the method, and the tips.
We cook a lot of pork tenderloin at home because it’s a cheap protein that tastes great the next day, soaks up spices and marinades well, and is SO easy to cook. Fast, also. I probably wind up making it once a week and this is the exact method I use.
If you want more pork recipes that will blow your mind, try these honey garlic pork chops, this slow cooker BBQ pulled pork, or teriyaki pork tenderloin. One of the best and easiest recipes ever.
Pork tenderloin is a lean, flavorful cut of meat that cooks quickly and easily Many recipes call for roasting pork tenderloin in the oven While metal pans are often used, cooking pork tenderloin in a glass baking dish is a great option as well.
Benefits of Using a Glass Pan
There are a few advantages to using a glass pan rather than a metal one when cooking pork tenderloin:
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Better browning – The pork will brown better in a glass pan than a metal one since the glass doesn’t conduct heat as well. This helps give the pork a nice crust.
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Easy to monitor doneness – Glass baking dishes allow you to easily check on the doneness of the pork as it cooks The see-through sides make it simple to visually assess when the pork is cooked through.
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Prevents steaming – Metal baking pans can sometimes cause pork tenderloin to steam rather than properly roast. The pork may end up boiled rather than nicely browned. Glass pans allow for better air flow and circulation for improved roasting.
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Holds juices – Glass baking dishes contain all the delicious juices that run off the pork as it cooks. This keeps moisture close to the meat and allows you to easily make a flavorful pan sauce after.
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Quick cleanup – Glass pans clean up easily after cooking compared to metal pans which can discolor and require scrubbing.
Tips for Cooking Pork Tenderloin in a Glass Pan
Follow these tips to ensure perfect results when cooking pork tenderloin in a glass baking dish:
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Use oven-safe glass – Be sure to use an oven-safe glass baking dish like Pyrex that can withstand oven temperatures. Do not use regular glass which could shatter.
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Preheat properly – It’s important to preheat your oven fully before adding the pork. Glass needs proper preheating to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes.
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Prevent sticking – Lightly oil or spray the glass pan first to keep the pork from sticking while cooking. You can also use a meat roasting rack inside the pan.
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Brown first – Browning the tenderloin on the stove first before roasting gives great color and flavor. Pat pork dry before searing.
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Roast uncovered – Roasting uncovered encourages air flow and improves browning. Tent loosely with foil only at the very end if needed.
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Check temperature – Always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness rather than relying on cook times. Pork should reach 145°F.
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Rest before slicing – Let pork rest at least 5-10 minutes after removing from oven before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow this simple process for cooking perfect pork tenderloin in a glass baking dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs, garlic, or spices for seasoning (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper.
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In an oven-safe glass baking dish, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Sear seasoned pork on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Remove pan from heat. Roast in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
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Remove pork from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 10 minutes.
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Slice pork and serve immediately with pan juices drizzled over the top.
And that’s it! By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfect oven-roasted pork tenderloin using an easy glass baking dish. The glass pan helps the pork brown beautifully while containing all the flavorful juices.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While roasting in a glass pan is recommended, pork tenderloin can also be cooked using other methods:
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Grilling – Grill over direct high heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
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Pan searing – Cook in a hot skillet on the stovetop until browned and cooked to proper temp.
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Broiling – Place under the broiler in oven, flipping halfway through cooking. Monitor closely.
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Slow cooker – Add to a slow cooker with sauce or liquids and cook on low for 3-4 hours until tender.
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
Pork tenderloin is deliciously flavorful on its own, but you can also add extra taste with simple seasoning tricks:
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Coat with fresh herb rub – Try chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, or oregano.
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Use spice blends – Cajun, jerk, or herb seasoned salt work well.
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Marinate before cooking – Soak in a marinade up to 24 hours for added flavor.
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Stuff with fillings – Fill center with cheese, spinach, or other stuffed ingredients.
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Roast with veggies – Carrots, potatoes, and onions roast well with pork.
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Make a pan sauce – Use pan drippings after cooking to create an easy sauce.
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Pair with a glaze – Brush with sweet glazes near the end of roasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size glass pan should I use?
An 8×8 inch or 9×13 inch glass baking dish works well for a 1-2 lb pork tenderloin. Make sure the pork fits lay flat and fits comfortably.
Should the pork touch the sides of the pan?
It’s best if the tenderloin doesn’t touch the sides so it can roast evenly. If needed, cut in half crosswise so it lays flat.
Do I need to flip the pork while cooking?
Flipping isn’t necessary since the hot air circulates around the pork. Juices will self baste. Just rotate pan halfway through if browning unevenly.
How long does pork tenderloin take to cook?
Cook times range from 15-30 minutes depending on thickness and doneness level. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Can I stuff a whole pork tenderloin?
Yes, you can carefully slice the tenderloin lengthwise to open it up, stuff it, then tie back together. Just ensure even thickness for even cooking.
Should I tent pork with foil while cooking?
Tenting too early can cause steaming. Only tent at very end to preserve browning. Always let rest before slicing.
The Perfect Pork Tenderloin Every Time
Cooking pork tenderloin in a glass baking dish makes for easy, fool-proof results. The see-through sides allow monitoring of doneness, and the contained juices make an effortless pan sauce. Follow the recipe steps and seasoning ideas for tender, juicy pork tenderloin that impresses every time.
How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin in Oven
It will take about 15 minutes in the oven for the pork tenderloin to reach 145°F on the inside. Once the 15 minutes are up, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature inside, or you can use an in-oven thermometer to keep an eye on it the whole time it’s in the oven.
Tips for the Best Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Although cooking pork tenderloin is very easy and straightforward, it’s always a good idea to have a few tips handy in case you need them. Our best tips are below!.
- Don’t cook it too long; the KEY to juicy, delicious pork tenderloin is to take it out of the oven when it reaches 145°F. A thermometer is the best way to check the temperature, either while the pork tenderloin is in the oven or after 15 minutes.
- Use strong seasonings. Pork tenderloin can be bland on its own, so make sure to cover it in a lot of a strong spice blend (or marinade) before cooking. The spice rub that comes with this recipe is GREAT!
- I don’t know if this will make your pork tenderloin taste *better*, but whenever you’re cooking pork tenderloin, I suggest cooking two (instead of just one) for dinner that night. Pork tenderloin freezes really well, so it’s a great meat to cook in large amounts at once.
