Best Baked Pork Tenderloin

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Tender, juicy, delicious and delicious with a crunchy crust – the best baked pork tenderloin recipe ever has loads of garlic butter flavor baked to perfection in less than 40 minutes!

Pork can be kind of confusing to make if you haven’t made it before, but like chicken, is super simple, light and tender when done correctly. This recipe is the perfect beginner method to make super flavorful, tender, and juicy pork tenderloins – with over 5,000 five-star reviews.

When I got married, I tried making a pork tenderloin my husband requested – and after a lot of tweaking, I came up with this recipe that has become a family favorite. We’ve been using this recipe for over a decade, and so have Sweet C’s readers! It is the best-reviewed pork tenderloin – for a reason!

sliced pork tenderloin with parsley on top of aluminum foil
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carved pork tenderloin sliced and garnished with parsley in a garlic butter gravy on tinfoil

Easy Garlic Baked Pork Tenderloin

One of my favorite easy recipes has always been an easy baked pork tenderloin – it is hearty, rich and delicious, super easy to make, and so delicious.

This is a great recipe to try if you’ve never cooked pork before, as it is perfect for even beginner home cooks – though the flavor is rich enough to please even those with a lot of experience cooking at home!

This recipe has been one of the top-rated on the internet for some time now – with over 5 thousand five-star reviews! It’s no secret why- this method brings perfect, tender, juicy pork that is easy to whip up and melt in your mouth delicious – and it is one of the easiest dishes that pairs with most side dishes.

To make this dish, we’re going to quickly skillet-sear for better color and flavor, and then pop it into the oven where it cozies up to the most amazing garlic butter seasoning – making it’s own gravy right in the pan. This dinner is naturally gluten and grain free, and is also naturally low-carb.

For a slightly sweeter kick, check out my Teriyaki Baked Pork Tenderloin recipe.

You can also find some of our favorite pork recipes – like our garlic pork chops, air fryer pork chops, crunchy baked pulled pork, slow cooker pork steaks, and more in our complete pork recipe archives.

pork tenderloin sliced and garnished with parsley on tinfoil.

How to Bake Pork Tenderloin

Since tenderloin is a cut of meat that has very little fat, it can become tough very quickly when overcooked – I’m providing my best tips and tricks to bake the perfect dinner, every single time you make it.

  • Extra virgin olive oil – olive oil is a great lightly flavored fat that is perfect for browning pork tenderloin in before baking. Since pork tenderloin doesn’t have much fat, it is helpful to add oil to a pan to help brown it quickly without cooking through, so it can get a sear on all sides before going into the oven, for the best color and extra caramelized flavor!
  • Celtic sea salt and fresh cracked pepper – I find using a high quality celtic sea salt not only improves the flavor of foods, but doesn’t have as high a sodium content as table salt, even though it often has a “saltier” flavor. More intense salty taste, with less sodium. Likewise, we prefer using freshly cracked pepper for the most intense and flavorful heat from peppercorns.
  • Pork tenderloin – pork tenderloin is a fabulous low carb, lower fat meat that has a classic pork flavor and juicy texture when baked – the meat is easy to pair with other dishes, doesn’t contain much fat or gristle for picky eaters to fuss over, and is easy to prepare for beginners.
  • Butter – butter helps to add flavor and fat to this recipe by acting as a baste for our pork as it cooks in foil after browning, and mixes with pork’s juices and herbs to create a rich delicious garlic butter sauce that is great drizzled over sliced pork tenderloin when it is done cooking.
  • Garlic – garlic has a pungeant, earthy flavor that is a nice addition to pork’s light flavor, making it meatier, and giving a richer, more developed flavor. You can use a couple of teaspoons garlic powder to add even more garlic flavor.
  • Basil*
  • Oregano*
  • Thyme*
  • Parsley*
  • Sage*
  • *OR 2 tbsp Italian Herb Seasoning Blend – you can mix your own Italian Herbs or use pre-mixed herbs, fresh or dried, to flavor pork. Since pork has a light flavor, we’re going with classic Italian herbs that won’t overpower the pork and make a lovely sauce when mixed with butter as pork bakes. See other herb and flavoring ideas below.

Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, we’re going to follow this method:

  • Prep. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a small bowl, combine garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sage. Set aside. Generously season meat with salt and pepper.
  • Sear. In a large pan, heat oil until shimmery. Add to pan, and cook on all sides until dark golden brown.
  • Bake. Transfer to baking sheet. Generously coat with herb mix. Place pats of butter on top of the pork. Wrap in foil, bake until meat is 145 degrees internally at the widest, thickest part of the tenderloin (about 25 minutes for a 2lb roast).
  • Rest. When pork has come to temperature, remove and let rest, tented with foil, for at least five minutes to lock in juices.
  • Enjoy! Slice against the grain and serve immediately.
sliced pork tenderloin in a foil pouch with butter and garlic

Tips and Tricks to Bake Pork Tenderloin & FAQs

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These tips for how to cook tenderloin in the oven will help you get a perfect dinner, no matter what herbs or marinades you use with it!

My Pro Tip

Recipe Tip

Be sure to select a pork tenderloin, not a pork loin, when making this recipe. A pork loin will work – but it needs to roast in the oven longer. Since are both a lean cut of meat, the method is basically the same, just with different timing. Always use an instant-read thermometer to gauge your progress!

Pork loin vs tenderloin. I get a lot of questions on this recipe on whether to use a tenderloin or loin – and what the difference is between tenderloin and loin since they are similar cuts from the pig, and can both be used in this recipe. The two cuts are from similar areas (off the back of the pig), and are both leaner and respond to the same cooking methods, but a tenderloin is much longer and skinnier than a loin.

  • Loins tend to be much fatter, much heavier, and over 3 lbs – while a tenderloin will be longer, skinnier, and around 1-2 pounds.
  • For this recipe, I am calling for a Pork Tenderloin – but a loin will also work with the modification for time below. If you’re going for a one-pot pork loin dinner, please check out my knockout Garlic Herb Butter Pork Loin and Potatoes recipe!
  • To make this recipe with a loin, which is larger and thicker than a tenderloin, continue with the recipe exactly as called for below, but plan on an additional 20-30 minutes (this will vary depending on your loin – I always advocate for cooking off temperature, rather than time, when cooking meat, but this time-frame should help you plan your dinner around.)

How to store leftovers. If you love this easy recipe, but can’t eat it all, never fear – it is beautiful and delicious as leftovers.

  • In the fridge. Place all leftovers in an airtight container and keep in refrigerator for up to three days.
  • In the freezer. To freeze so you can eat later, place in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap and keep in freezer for up to three months. Try to freeze in small batches – ideally, you will freeze in individual servings, or the amount you will need to reheat. If you freeze a large tenderloin and go to thaw and reheat it, you shouldn’t freeze again afterwards – so try to freeze only as much as you will be eating again when reheating in each freezer bag.

How To Reheat Leftovers. Let frozen leftovers thaw naturally in the refrigerator overnight, and bake at 350, wrapped in foil, until piping hot when ready to serve. If reheating from the refrigerator, bake at 350 in a foil pouch until piping hot. You can also pan-fry slices of pork tenderloin in a bit of butter or olive oil – simply cook on medium until very hot – and serve. Of course, you can always microwave to piping hot, too.

Marinate before cooking. Marinating or brining a tenderloin before cooking will always help to soften the meat and keep it from drying out. I love using a bottle of simple Italian Dressing or a cup of olive oil with some lemon juice, salt, and pepper for an easy overnight marinade. I’m not calling for marinade in this specific recipe because we’re wrapping it in foil and slathering it in butter so it cooks in its own sort of gravy (I designed this recipe to taste great even if you didn’t remember to marinate) – if you’d like to kick your dinner up a bit, or are trying a different technique, marinating makes this recipe taste even better.

Don’t overcook. Pork dries out very quickly when overcooked – and the meat can become tough and very chewy. I pull my tenderloin at 140 degrees and tent with foil to continue carryover cooking as it rests for about 10 minutes before serving.

Remove silver skin. If your tenderloin has a large sliver skin (the tough, white membrane that is often trimmed off and removed by many grocers, but is sometimes still left on), you can remove it by making a small slit with a sharp knife and pulling the membrane off the tenderloin to remove before marinating and cooking. This process is just like removing silver skin from ribs.

Brown before roasting. Get a good sear in a cast iron or heavy pan before baking. Getting a good sear first helps seal in the juices from the pork and brings a rich, caramelized flavor that makes this recipe irresistible! Searing meat before baking also helps it look less gray, giving it a much more appetizing appearance.

Let rest. Let meat rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to lock in the juices – don’t cut too early, or they will all run out!

Done at 145 degrees. The USDA set the guideline of 145 degrees as a safe temperature for pork consumption. This might look a touch pink – pink pork is no longer an indicator of “doneness”, or that the tenderloin is unsafe to eat, as long as it has reached 145 degrees. Don’t overcook out of fear and turn your dinner tough and dry!

Remove pork at 140 degrees. Cooking to 145 means removing tenderloin from the oven at 140 degrees – as it will carryover cook the additional 5 degrees in the foil as you let it rest.

Try other herbs & spices. Add a couple teaspoons garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary – even some mustard – to customize your own flavors! You want 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning total, so you can mix and match your favorites as you’d like.

Make gravy. Combine pan sauce drippings with a simple roux in a pan with some broth to make a rich, decadent gravy. Simmer on the stove at medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until thickened.

Go by temp, not by time. I get a lot of comments from readers saying they loved the recipe, but it took longer or shorter. ALWAYS go by the temperature from an electronic meat thermometer, rather than your clock. Tenderloins can vary wildly in size and shape, and are often confused with larger pork loins. The time in the recipe is simply a guideline – do not use it as the rule!

pork tenderloin in garlic butter on aluminum foil

Recipe FAQs


What temperature should I cook pork at?

This recipe calls for baking pork at 350 degrees in a foil pouch.
While this is lower than many roast pork recipes, it works with the pouch to keep your pork from drying out and staying tender and juicy!

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

When cooking a lean cut of pork like tenderloin, it’s generally recommended to cook it at a temperature of 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). However, cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) can also be done if desired, as long as the cooking time is adjusted accordingly.
Cooking at a higher temperature will result in a faster cooking time, but it can also cause the pork tenderloin to dry out if not carefully monitored. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the center before removing it from the oven, regardless of the cooking temperature used.

Should pork tenderloin be cooked fast or slow?

This recipe can be cooked using either a fast or slow cooking method, depending on personal preference and the recipe being used.
Fast cooking methods like grilling or roasting at higher temperatures are great for getting a crispy exterior and locking in the juices, resulting in a flavorful and tender pork tenderloin. Methods like this recipe typically involve cooking the tenderloin for a shorter period of time, such as 15-20 minutes at 375°F for a 1-pound tenderloin.
Slow cooking methods like braising or slow-roasting at lower temperatures are better for achieving a more tender and juicy dinner. These methods typically involve cooking the pork for a longer period of time, such as 1-2 hours at 325°F (160°C) for a 1-pound tenderloin.
Ultimately, the best cooking method for cooking will depend on personal preference and the specific recipe being used.

Should I Use Fresh or Dried Herbs?

You can use either fresh or dried herbs in this recipe.
If using fresh, you might want to add a bit more, since dried herbs are more intense.

Can Pork Be Pink?

Pork can be slightly pink and fully safe to eat as long as it has reached 145 degrees internal temperature.

When is pork tenderloin done cooking?

Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees to remove the risk of foodborne illness, but this will sometimes still have a light pink color.

When should I take pork tenderloin out of the oven?

Remove baked pork tenderloin from the oven at 140 degrees as it will carryover cook to 145 degrees as it rests before serving.

How can I reheat pork?

Pork can be reheated in a foil pouch, baked in the oven at 350 degrees until it reached 140 degrees F.
It can also be pan fried with a little butter, or microwaved, to reheat. Use or reheat pork within 3-4 days.

Do I need to remove silver skin from pork tenderloin?

If your tenderloin has a large silver skin you may remove it, however, this method will give you tender pork regardless.

How do I reheat in the microwave?

Reheat individual slices of pork for about 30 seconds in the microwave.

baked garlic pork tenderloin sliced and garnished with parsley on tinfoil.

What to Serve With Baked Pork Tenderloin

Serve this dinner with veggies, no knead bread, sautéed vegetables (this easy pan fried broccolini or this roasted green bean salad are favorites of mine), lighter air fryer french fries, or alongside cauliflower ricerice pilaf, or perfect buttery soft Parker house style dinner rolls!

We also LOVE to spoon Zhoug (Skhug) Sauce over pork – this tangy spicy cilantro sauce is heaven.

If you’re looking for a pork chop version, please check out my guide to cooking pork chops, as well as this garlic butter pork chop recipe that is super simple and a huge family favorite!

a slice of baked pork tenderloin on foil pouch

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picture of sliced baked pork tenderloin topped with parsley on aluminum foil

Best Baked Pork Tenderloin

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

The Best Garlic Baked Pork Tenderloin recipe - delicious easy melt in your mouth tender pork tenderloin baked to perfection in a buttery garlic sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle Italian Salad Dressing (optional marinade)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
  • 2 lb pork tenderloin
  • 4 tbsp butter, sliced into 4-6 pats
  • 2 tbsp diced garlic
  • 1 tsp dried basil*
  • 1 tsp dried oregano*
  • 1 tsp dried thyme*
  • 1 tsp dried parsley*
  • 1/2 tsp dried sage*
  • *OR 2 tbsp Italian Herb Seasoning Blend

Instructions

  1. (Optional) Place pork tenderloin in a Ziplock bag or bowl and cover in the Italian Dressing, marinate for 12-24 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  4. In a small bowl, combine garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sage. Set aside.
  5. Generously season meat with salt and pepper.
  6. In a large pan, heat oil until shimmery.
  7. Add meat to pan and cook on all sides until dark golden brown.
  8. Transfer to baking sheet.
  9. Generously coat with herb mix.
  10. Place pats of butter on top of the pork.
  11. Wrap in foil, bake until meat is 145 degrees internally at the widest, thickest part of the tenderloin (about 25 minutes for a 2lb roast)
  12. When pork has come to temperature, remove and let rest, tented with foil, for at least five minutes to lock in juices.
  13. Slice against the grain and serve immediately.
  14. To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and keep in refrigerator for up to three days.
  15. To freeze leftovers, place in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap and keep in freezer for up to three months.
  16. To reheat, let thaw naturally in the refrigerator overnight, and bake at 350, wrapped in foil, until piping hot when ready to serve.

Notes

Pork tenderloin might look pink in middle - if thermometer reads 145 degrees in center of tenderloin, it is fully cooked, regardless of color.

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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 3 oz
Amount Per Serving Calories 344Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 131mgSodium 1400mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 40g

Nutrition is automatically calculated by Nutritionix - please verify all nutrition information independently and consult with a doctor or nutritionist for any and all medical and diet advice.

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About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

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500 Comments

  1. This recipe was fabulous. The pork was so tender, juicy and delicious. I think it’s the best pork tenderloin I’ve ever had. It’s my new favorite.

  2. This recipe was fabulous. The pork was so tender, juicy and delicious. I think it’s the best pork tenderloin I’ve ever had. It’s my new favorite.

  3. Lean pork needs to be brined to keep it nice and juicy and takes less time than marinading or you can combine the processes and be ready to cook in a couple of hours. Use 16 to 1 kosher salt and water, 32 to 1 if using table salt. Add whatever marinading ingredients and give it a soak for about 2 hours, kneeding the tenderloin a few times during the process. Dry, sear on all sides using a neutral oil of some kind and pop into a 425 oven for appx 20 mins. Author was correct that over cooking leads to tough meat so watch it closely. Make Sure You Rest for at least 5 mins

    If you have a sous vide heat to 135 for 1 to 2 hours with the brine solution in the bag, dry it and sear on all sides. No need to rest

  4. This recipe is amazing! My only issue is that I have to cook it for at least double the time you have suggested to get the pork to cook completely. When I cook it for only 25 mins, it is completely raw in the middle. I have looked at other pork recipes that suggest something like 20-25mins per pound (i.e., 40-50mins for a 2lb roast). Am I doing something wrong?

    1. I expect the difference is how long and hard you sear the tenderloin or whether it is very thick. I will note that time suggestion and see if I can figure that out when I make this recipe for my family.

  5. This is my favorite pork tenderloin recipe! Thank You!! Can you prepare this the day before? Everything but the actual cooking it?

    1. YES, absolutely! In fact, your pork will be even more flavorful and more tender, since it will marinate longer 🙂

    1. I suppose if you cooked this in a slow cooker it might be tender enough to shred, but pork tenderloin doesn’t have enough fat to really shred well for pulled pork.

    2. WOWZA!!! I cooked this STEP BY STEP by your recipe… It was a GRAND SLAM HOME RUN!
      Thanks for sharing… My wife loved it… I’m a HERO!