11 Irresistibly Juicy Pork Tenderloin Recipes (2024)

When you imagine pork tenderloin recipes, chances are you think of oven roasting or grilling. We've got plenty of those in our collection of the best recipes, but we've also included twists like quick air-fryer dishes, tacos, and succulent bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, these easy recipes will satisfy.

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One-Pot Pork Cassoulet

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Slow-cooked cassoulet originated in the Languedoc region of southern France, but we're giving the comfort food a modern, speeded-up makeover with this oven-roasted pork tenderloin recipe. Done in less than an hour, this hearty stew still tastes as though it's simmered all day, thanks to aromatic vegetables, turkey sausage, tomato paste, herbs, and chicken broth.

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Pork Skewers with Couscous Salad

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While the cashew- and cherry-studded couscous is good, what really steals the show in this grilled pork tenderloin recipe is the turmeric. The golden-hued, earthy, peppery, and slightly bitter spice lends extra flavor to the smoky grilled tenderloin pieces. Garam masala, chili powder, and fresh lime also star in the unique (and uniquely tasty) meat marinade.

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Barbecued Pork Tenderloin Salad

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This is no wimpy lettuce-only salad. In fact, this is a dish that might just change your definition of "salad." Piled high with protein-rich grilled pork tenderloin, bacon, and black-eyed peas, this dish is as visually vibrant as it is flavorful. You'll want to dig into this BBQ pork tenderloin entrée salad early and often every summer.

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Pork, Ginger, and Delicata Stir-Fry

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This is one of the best pork tenderloin recipes when you're craving Asian-inspired fare. Shake up your stir-fry routine with this low-calorie dish that's high in flavor. Sturdy delicata squash and protein-rich pork soak up layers of complexity from fresh ginger, soy sauce, rice and balsamic vinegars, and red curry paste. For even more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

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Air-Fryer Jerk Pork Skewers with Black Bean Mango Salsa

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One bite of this air-fryer pork tenderloin recipe will transport you to the Caribbean. Dressed in zesty jerk seasoning and sweet coconut flakes, then faux-fried until crispy on the outside but tender on the inside, these pork tenderloin skewers are tasty and easy. We want you to feel like you're on vacation. Pair the skewers with a fresh mango, black bean, and red onion salsa and serve them on a fluffy bed of rice.

Buy It: Gourmia Air Fryer ($60, Target)

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Make-It-Mine Sheet Pan Dinner

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Assemble a truly different meal customized to the season, all on one sheet pan, using this clever baked pork tenderloin technique. Choose your own dinner adventure with our rub ideas—Greek, barbecue, mustard-thyme, or sweet 'n' spicy—then add vegetables and (of course) the pork. Once baked, take the flavor over the top with a pesto, Greek yogurt, or citrus sauce.

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Pan-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Carrots, Chickpeas, and Cranberries

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This roast pork tenderloin recipe looks (and tastes) as though it took all Sunday afternoon to prepare, but looks are deceiving. It takes only about 25 minutes to prep and less than 30 minutes of oven time. Also, everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a snap.

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Pork-Wasabi Tacos

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Instead of cooking the entire pork tenderloin, slice and skewer the meat. It will grill up surprisingly quickly. For this zippy taco recipe, a hoisin glaze complements the savory meat beautifully. The final pork product is so incredible, you'll want to try it in tortillas, atop rice, or on its own next to a big pile of veggies. You can't go wrong.

Buy It: Royal Gourmet 13-Inch Flat Skewers ($20, Target)

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Chile-Lime Pork

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A zesty marinade of lime, cilantro, and seasonings gives pork tenderloin loads of flavor before it even hits the grill. No wonder one BH&G home cook thinks this recipe is so great: "Very easy to make, and my husband loves it!" Serve it with a green salad or pasta salad for a perfect cookout dinner.

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Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions

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11 Irresistibly Juicy Pork Tenderloin Recipes (10)

Pork and apples are as natural a pairing as peanut butter and jelly, or peas and carrots. For this pork tenderloin with apples, we turn up the flavor volume with luscious caramelized onions. The classic-with-a-twist combination is sure to become a go-to dinner for busy weeknights.

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Pork, Brussels Sprouts, and Barley Bowls

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Boneless pork tenderloin recipes don't come more simple than this one. For a low-fuss, high-flavor meal solution, brush a simple orange-thyme vinaigrette over the pork and bake for 10 minutes. Then add the sprouts to the sheet pan, roast for 15 minutes more, and pair everything with your whole grain of choice.

11 Irresistibly Juicy Pork Tenderloin Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out? ›

Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F, then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at the high temperature of 425 degrees F helps it cook quickly and prevents it from drying out.

What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

Once the pork loin roast reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer, remove it from the oven, and let it rest on a cutting board for 20 minutes. This gives the meat time to reabsorb all its juices. You can also brine the pork before you cook it, which ensures the meat stays tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.

How do you make pork more moist? ›

Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop. Even a quick 30-minute brine (or up to four hours) makes a big difference.

Does cooking pork tenderloin longer make it tender? ›

At 400 degrees F, a 1-pound pork tenderloin will cook in 8 to 10 minutes after being seared on the stove. Unlike tough, fatty cuts of meat (like the shoulder used for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), leaner cuts like pork tenderloin do not become more tender the longer they cook.

How do you keep pork moist when baking? ›

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy ...

Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400? ›

Cooking a pork loin at 400°F will give a nice crust and cook it faster, reducing the risk of drying out. If using 350°F, cooking will take longer but be gentler, helping retain moisture.

How do Chinese make pork so tender? ›

How do you tenderise pork for stir fry? Velveting is a Chinese technique that helps keep meat tender during stir frying. Adding cornstarch and bicarb to your meat during the marinating process helps to coat your meat, giving it a velvety feel that makes the meat feel extra soft.

What is the best cooking method for loin? ›

CG: Roasting is the most natural way to cook a pork loin, and it's the easiest and the quickest to get into the oven. I like to sear the outside and then roast it, or you can just roast it as is. The indirect method of cooking preserves pork loin's inherent juiciness and tenderness.

What liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Aside from barbecue sauce, something tangy and sweet is a good go-to for slow-cooked pork. Apple cider vinegar has the right amount of acidity to break down the fattiness and is equipped with a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with pork. Using liquids you would normally drink is also a good choice.

Is there a difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin? ›

The names may be almost the same, but pork loin and pork tenderloin are different cuts of meat. A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone. A pork loin is wider and flatter, and can be a boneless or bone-in cut of meat.

How long should tenderloin sit out before cooking? ›

Once thawed, remove your roast from the refrigerator at least one hour (but not more than two hours) before cooking to allow the roast to come to room temperature. Season your Beef Tenderloin Roast well.

What is the best temperature to cook pork tenderloin? ›

At 400 degrees, the meat cooks most evenly and quickly enough to keep it nice and juicy and moist on the inside. If you're not sure if the pork tenderloin is baked through, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should read 145 degrees fahrenheit.

Should you salt pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

The key, as with many meats, is in the dry brine. Get started at least a day or two before the cook by giving the loin a good coating of salt. Then sit back and let the salt work its magic in the fridge.

Is it better to cook pork loin slow or fast? ›

Pork loin is a very lean cut of meat so it should be cooked LOW and slow. Please do NOT cook your pork loin on high in the crock pot. Cook on LOW for 2-4 hours. In general, smaller pork loins (3 pounds) will take closer to 2 hours and larger pork loins (5 pounds) will take closer to 4 hours).

Should you cover pork tenderloin when resting? ›

During the resting period, cover meat loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the surface from cooling off too fast. Make sure the meat is on a cutting board with a “gravy groove” or a rimmed baking sheet pan to catch any juices.

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