How Much Does An Average Pork Tenderloin Weigh?

Pork tenderloin is a tasty and versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in endless ways. But when shopping for pork tenderloin, it can be tricky trying to figure out how much to buy, especially if you don’t know how much an average pork tenderloin weighs.

Here’s a quick guide to help figure out approximate pork tenderloin sizes so you can buy the right amount for your recipe or meal plans.

Typical Weight Range of Pork Tenderloins

On average, most pork tenderloins fall between 1 to 2 pounds in weight. However, there can be some variation:

• Smaller tenderloins may weigh around 3⁄4 pound to 1 pound.

• Average sized tenderloins are around 11⁄4 to 13⁄4 pounds

• Jumbo pork tenderloins can weigh from 13⁄4 to 21⁄4 pounds.

So when looking at pork tenderloin packages in the store, you’ll usually see them labeled somewhere in this range.

It’s also common to find pork tenderloins sold in packs of 2, with each tenderloin ranging from 1 to 11⁄2 pounds each.

Factors That Affect Pork Tenderloin Weights

There are a few things that cause pork tenderloins to vary in size:

• Breed of pig: Some heritage hog breeds just tend to have larger tenderloins. Industrial pork breeds are bred more for leanness resulting in smaller tenderloins.

• Sex of pig: Barrows or male pigs that were neutered young tend to yield slightly larger tenderloins than female pigs or intact boars.

• Weight/size of pig: Larger hogs over 300 lbs live weight will have bigger tenderloins than smaller pigs around 220-270 lbs.

• Butchery: The pork processor’s butchery skills in removing the tenderloin cleanly from the carcass impacts size.

So tenderloin size can range quite a bit based on all those factors. But on average, they fall right around 1 to 2 pounds each.

Buying Tips for Pork Tenderloin

When shopping for pork tenderloin, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for tenderloins that are evenly sized through the length. Avoid ones that bulge or taper dramatically at one end.

• Select tenderloins that feel firm and solid when gently pressed, not squishy or mushy.

• Pick pork tenderloins that have a healthy pink color throughout with minimal fat or connective tissue.

• For even cooking, choose similar sized tenderloins if buying more than one.

• Allow about 1⁄2 pound per person if pork tenderloin is the main dish.

• For optimum freshness and flavor, cook pork within 3-5 days of purchasing.

How Much Does Pork Tenderloin Shrink When Cooked?

One important point when figuring how much pork tenderloin to buy is that it will shrink quite a bit during cooking.

Raw pork contains around 65% water. As the meat cooks, this moisture evaporates shrinking the size.

So if you buy 2 pounds of raw pork tenderloin, it will only yield around 11⁄4 to 11⁄2 pounds of cooked meat.

Here’s a rough estimate of how much pork tenderloin shrinks:

• A 11⁄4 pound raw tenderloin reduces to around 3⁄4 pound cooked.

• A 11⁄2 pound raw tenderloin becomes about 1 pound cooked.

• A 2 pound raw tenderloin shrinks to around 11⁄4 pounds after cooking.

Knowing this pork shrinkage factor helps make sure you buy enough tenderloin for the number of people eating.

Sample Recipes and Portions

To give you an idea of how pork tenderloin portions work out in recipes, here are some examples:

• A 1 pound raw tenderloin provides 2 (6 ounce) main entree servings.

• 11⁄4 pounds raw tenderloin gives around 3 (5 ounce) main servings.

• A 2 pound raw tenderloin yields 4 to 5 (4-5 ounce) main servings.

• If serving sliced pork tenderloin sandwiches, a 11⁄2 pound raw tenderloin makes 4 decent sized sandwiches.

So when looking at pork tenderloin recipes, keep the raw weights and serving sizes in mind to determine how much to purchase.

Freezing Pork Tenderloin

Since pork tenderloins are usually sold in packs of 2, you may need to freeze one if not using both right away. Here are some freezing tips:

• Wrap uncooked pork tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, squeezing out air.

• Place wrapped pork in a freezer bag or airtight container.

• Add a label with cut, weight, and freeze date.

• Pork tenderloin keeps well frozen for 4-6 months at 0°F.

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Freezing the extra tenderloin ensures it stays fresh until you need it!

So on average, most raw pork tenderloins weigh between 1 and 2 pounds. Smaller tenderloins are around 3⁄4 to 1 pound, while jumbo ones can be over 2 pounds.

Aim for about 1⁄2 pound per person, and remember it will shrink by 25-35% when cooked.

Keeping the typical pork tenderloin weight ranges in mind makes it easier to shop for and cook the perfect amount of this delicious, versatile cut of meat!