This Roasted Pork Tenderloin is a simple and tasty way to make a lean protein for dinner. It goes well with a lot of different sides, like Maple Glazed Carrots and Crispy Smashed Potatoes. It’s perfectly seared on the outside, but tender inside. It only takes 20 minutes to cook!.
Anytime I see pork tenderloin on sale at the store, I always snatch it up. It’s such an easy meat to cook as the focal point of any dinner.
The tenderloin cut has become a little more expensive in the last 5 years, but it’s still a pretty cheap meat. Especially considering it’s trimmed up already, and there’s no excess fat to cut away. What you get and cook is pretty much all lean protein that can be sliced and served.
This is a very lean cut, just like Beef Tenderloin. But unlike Pork Chops, it’s not very tough because it’s not a muscle that’s used a lot. I like to season it with a marinade or blend of spices because it’s so lean. I’ll talk more about this below.
Cooking pork tenderloin can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be with the right techniques When working with a 1.5 lb cut, getting the timing just right is key to ending up with a tender, juicy, and flavorful result In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a 1.5 lb pork tenderloin perfectly.
Why Pork Tenderloin is a Great Choice
Pork tenderloin has become increasingly popular for its lean yet tender qualities. The tenderloin comes from the tender muscle that runs along the spine, so it’s naturally more tender than other pork cuts. When cooked properly, the tenderloin has a delicate texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor that shines when paired with bold seasonings.
For home cooks, pork tenderloin offers convenience along with deliciousness. It cooks relatively quickly, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals. A 1.5 lb tenderloin can feed about 3-4 people, so it’s just the right size for many households. The uniform shape also makes it easier to calculate cooking times.
Factors that Impact Cooking Time
When working with a 1.5 lb pork tenderloin, the cooking time can vary based on several factors:
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Weight and thickness – Heavier and thicker tenderloins will take longer to cook through.
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Cooking method – The oven, grill, pan-searing, and slow cooker all require different cooking times. Higher heat means faster cooking.
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Temperature – Cooking at a higher oven temp or on a hotter grill will decrease cook time.
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Preparation – Meat at room temp will cook faster than meat straight from the fridge.
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Doneness – Pork safely cooks to 145°F, but you can go to 160°F for well-done. The higher the temp, the longer the cook time.
Oven Roasting Method
Roasting is a simple no-fuss way to cook tenderloin with fantastic results. Here are the steps
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or use a roasting pan.
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Pat the pork dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and olive oil.
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Place seasoned tenderloin on baking sheet/pan and roast for 25-30 minutes, until internal temp reaches 145°F.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.
At 400°F, a 1.5 lb tenderloin takes right around 25-30 minutes to reach the ideal internal temperature. Roasting brings out the pork’s natural flavors and gives you tender, juicy meat.
Grilling Tips
Grilling imparts delicious charred flavor. To grill a 1.5 lb tenderloin:
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Prepare a medium-hot grill, around 400°F. Oil the grates.
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Season the pork all over. For grill marks, coat with brown sugar.
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Grill over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Move to indirect heat to finish cooking until 145°F.
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Let rest before serving.
Quick searing followed by gentle indirect heat allows the pork to cook through without drying out. Grill times vary but plan for 25-35 minutes total to play it safe.
Pan Searing Method
For a quick weeknight dinner, pan searing is a great option:
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Pat pork dry and season all over. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once hot, add pork and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
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Reduce heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, until internal temp reaches 145°F, about 15-25 minutes.
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Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Let rest before slicing.
The key is searing to develop flavor then lowering heat to gently finish cooking. For a 1.5 lb tenderloin, estimate around 25 minutes total pan searing time.
Slow Cooker Guidelines
For hands-off ease, the slow cooker can make incredibly moist, fall-apart tenderloin:
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Rub the pork all over with spices and oil. Brown in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Place in a slow cooker and add anydesired liquid like broth or barbecue sauce.
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Cook on low for 3-4 hours until fork tender.
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Shred with two forks for pulled pork or slice into medallions.
The extended low cooking yields incredibly tender results. The pork shreds easily for sandwiches or tacos.
Use a Meat Thermometer
While these guidelines provide estimated cooking times, the most reliable doneness indicator is an instant read thermometer. Insert into the thickest part of the tenderloin without touching bone. For ideal juiciness and safety, cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The pork will continue cooking as it rests, reaching a perfect 150°F.
Cooking times always vary based on the specific size, shape and temperature of the meat along with your equipment. Rely on a thermometer for perfect results every time.
Resting and Carving the Pork
Resist digging in straight from the oven or grill! Resting is a crucial step to ensure tender, juicy pork:
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Transfer the cooked tenderloin to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil.
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Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes so juices can redistribute throughout the meat.
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To serve, slice the pork crosswise into medallions about 1/2 inch thick.
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Arrange slices on a platter or individual plates. Spoon any collected juices from the cutting board over the top.
Properly resting and slicing helps retain moisture so you enjoy exceptionally tender, flavorful pork tenderloin.
Cooking a 1.5 lb Pork Tenderloin with Confidence
A 1.5 lb pork tenderloin is the ideal size for serving 3-4 people. With the right cooking method and technique, you can achieve a tender and juicy interior with delicious browned exterior every time. Pay attention to the visual cues, temperature guidelines and resting times provided here to master cooking pork tenderloin for your family.
Take the Chill Off If You Can
Yes, you can cook the pork tenderloin right from the fridge. But if you want extra juicy pork, take the meat out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking and let it warm up on the counter.
Less cooking means less of a chance for drying out, and even juicier meat. I follow this same protocol with meats like Grilled Ribeye and whole roasted chickens like Peruvian Chicken. It makes a noticeable difference.
How Long to Roast the Meat
For the standard 1-lb or 1. 25-pound pork tenderloin, I usually say to bake it for no more than 10 to 15 minutes at 450 degrees F. A high temperature roast encourages extra browning on the outside, so do not lower the temperature. An instant-read thermometer should be used to check the temperature inside the thickest part of the meat. It should be 140F.
A thermometer (affiliate) is essential for making pork tenderloin, as it’s more difficult than other cuts of meat to go by feel. Since there’s such little fat in the meat, there’s little wiggle room for overcooking. You can get a good meat thermometer for $10. I use mine all the time because I don’t like risking overcooked meat.
The pork should be 140F when it’s done. Put it on a plate and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The meat will keep cooking for another 5 degrees or so at this point, and the juices will have a chance to spread out again.
When you cut into a piece of meat right out of the oven, all the juices rush out onto the plate. This is because the meat needs time to rest.
Pork Tenderloin Basics
How long to cook pork tenderloin?
To give you a better idea of the optimal cooking time for pork tenderloin based on its weight, here is a general guideline: For a 1-pound (450g) tenderloin: Cook for approximately 20 minutes. For a 1.5-pound (680g) tenderloin: Cook for around 25 minutes. For a 2-pound (900g) tenderloin: Cook for roughly 30 minutes.
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 to cook pork tenderloin in oven?
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, you can prepare your pork tenderloin. Remove the pork tenderloin from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes even browning in the oven.
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?