How Long Should You Cook Two Pork Tenderloins for Perfectly Juicy Meat?

With its mild flavor and tender texture, pork tenderloin makes for a quick and easy dinner option. While larger cuts of pork require prolonged cooking, the tenderloin’s leanness means it can hit the table in under 30 minutes But figuring out exactly how long to cook two pork tenderloins without drying out the delicate meat can be tricky

Undercook pork and you risk foodborne illness But overcook these lean cuts and you’ll end up with dry, stringy meat So what’s the ideal oven cook time for two pork tenderloins? Follow this guide for tips on achieving two tender, juicy pork tenderloins every time.

Benefits of Cooking Multiple Pork Tenderloins

Cooking two pork tenderloins at once has some advantages:

• More portions Get twice the servings for meals and leftovers A 1-pound tenderloin serves about 3 people

• Less work: Season and cook two roasts together with minimal extra effort.

• More flavor: The tenderloins impart flavor to each other as they cook.

• Time savings: You can roast veggies or cook side dishes while the pork cooks.

• Lower cost: Buying meat in bulk quantities can mean savings. Stock up when pork tenderloins go on sale.

With proper time and temperature, you can easily achieve two moist, tender pork tenderloins cooking together.

Choosing the Right Size Pork Tenderloins

For even cooking, choose two tenderloins that are similar in size, ideally in the 1 to 1 1⁄2 pound range each. Larger cuts will need more time. Look for:

• Uniformly sized tenderloins

• 1 to 2 pounds each

• White marbling throughout

• Minimal fat cap

• No unpleasant odors

Before cooking, trim away any excess fat and silver skin. Even minor size differences won’t significantly impact cook time when roasted together.

How Long Should You Cook Two Pork Tenderloins?

With their lack of fat and connective tissue, pork tenderloins cook quickly. Use these guidelines for oven roast times when cooking two tenderloins:

• 2 tenderloins at 1 pound each:

  • 400°F oven: About 18-22 minutes
  • Internal temp: 145°F

• 2 tenderloins at 1.5 pounds each:

  • 400°F oven: About 25-30 minutes
  • Internal temp: 145°F

• 2 tenderloins at 2 pounds each:

  • 400°F oven: About 30-35 minutes
  • Internal temp: 145°F

Always rely on an instant-read thermometer over cook time. Cooking two tenderloins together adds more meat mass to the oven, which can increase cook times slightly.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Two Tenderloins

Follow these steps for perfect oven-roasted pork tenderloins:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Pat tenderloins dry and coat with oil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings.

3. Sear tenderloins on stove 2-3 minutes per side to brown.

4. Place tenderloins side by side on a sheet pan or baking dish.

5. Roast in middle of oven, flipping halfway through.

6. Cook until internal temp reaches 145°F, about 18-35 minutes.

7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing into medallions.

Top Tips for Juicy Pork Tenderloins

Here are more tips for keeping two pork tenderloins tender and moist:

• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, not just time.

• Brush with oil or marinade for extra moisture and flavor.

• Preheat the oven fully before cooking.

• Place tenderloins side by side with space between for air flow.

• Turn tenderloins halfway during cooking to prevent uneven cooking.

• Let meat rest 10+ minutes before slicing to retain juices.

• Slice into 1⁄2 to 1-inch medallions across the grain.

Common Pork Tenderloin Mistakes

Avoid these errors when cooking two pork tenderloins:

• Overcooking past 145°F internal temperature.

• Skipping the sear step for added flavor.

• Crowding tenderloins or oven racks preventing air flow.

• Neglecting to let pork rest before slicing.

• Forgetting to remove the tough silver skin membrane.

• Using tenderloins of very different sizes.

• Not using a meat thermometer for doneness.

Marinade and Seasoning Suggestions

Coating the tenderloins in an oil-based marinade or dry rub adds a ton of flavor. Try:

• Soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger

• Orange juice, olive oil, rosemary

• Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder

• Dijon, maple syrup, thyme

• Pepper, oregano, lemon

Experiment with your favorite herbs, spices, oils, vinegars and sweet ingredients. The pork will soak up any flavors nicely.

What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin

Here are tasty side dishes to pair with roasted pork tenderloins:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Sauteed spinach, kale or broccoli

• Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts or asparagus

• Rice pilaf or wild rice medley

• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette

• Fresh sliced fruit like peaches

• Applesauce or cranberry relish

Can You Freeze and Reheat Leftovers?

Cooked pork tenderloin freeze beautifully for up to 3-4 months. To freeze:

• Let pork cool completely, then slice.

• Portion pork into freezer bags, removing excess air.

• Add any pan sauces or gravy.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge then gently warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Is Pork Tenderloin Done When Still Pink Inside?

Yes, it can be! Pork tenderloin cooked to an internal temp of 145°F is considered safe to eat. The pork may still have a hint of pink inside when sliced, but is perfectly cooked. Letting it rest to 150°F will yield uniformly white meat. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Cooking two pork tenderloins together results in a quick and easy protein-packed dinner. With the proper time and temperature along with ample resting, you’ll achieve tender, deliciously juicy pork ready to slice and serve. Just be sure not to overcook these lean cuts, and your patience will be rewarded with perfect pork tenderloins worth repeating.