How Long to Cook a 1 3 lb Pork Tenderloin for Perfectly Juicy Results

Pork tenderloin is a lean tasty cut of meat that can make for a quick easy, and delicious dinner. When cooked properly, pork tenderloin is tender and juicy on the inside with a nice sear on the outside. But getting the timing right can be tricky, especially for a 1 3⁄4 lb tenderloin. Undercook it and you’ll be left with tough, chewy pork. Overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, stringy meat. So how long should you cook a 1 3⁄4 lb pork tenderloin to get it just right? Read on for a complete guide.

What is Pork Tenderloin?

Before getting into exact cooking times, it helps to understand what pork tenderloin is and why it’s so popular Pork tenderloin is a cut of meat from the tenderloin portion of the pig, which runs along the animal’s spine This muscle doesn’t get much use, so it stays very tender.

Some key features of pork tenderloin:

It’s very lean and low in fat A 3 oz serving contains just 3 grams of fat
It’s small, usually around 1-2 pounds. This makes it perfect for quick weeknight meals.
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that takes well to marinades and spice rubs.
It cooks faster than other pork cuts like shoulder or loin.
It’s extremely versatile – you can roast, grill, sauté, or bake pork tenderloin.

No wonder it’s such a popular choice! Now let’s look at how long to cook it.

How to Cook a 1 3⁄4 lb Pork Tenderloin

Cooking times can vary based on the size and shape of your tenderloin, as well as your preferred doneness. Here are some general guidelines for a 1 3⁄4 lb tenderloin:

Oven Roasted

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Prep tenderloin: Pat dry and coat with oil, salt, and pepper or use a spice rub.
Roast: Place tenderloin on a baking sheet or pan and roast for 25-35 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Rest: Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Grilled

Preheat grill: Get your grill heating to medium high heat, around 400°F direct heat.
Prep: Coat tenderloin with oil and seasonings.
Grill: Place tenderloin on hot grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Grill until internal temp hits 145°F.
Rest: Allow to rest 5 minutes off heat before serving.

Sautéed

Heat skillet: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook: Add tenderloin and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until internal temp reaches 145°F.
Rest: Let meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Slow Cooker

Prep: Add seasoning and 1⁄2 cup liquid like broth or wine.
Cook: Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours until tenderloin is very tender.
Shred: Use two forks to shred tenderloin before serving.

The most foolproof way to test doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the tenderloin, making sure not to touch any bones. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, check for visual cues like lightly pink meat inside.

Tips for Cooking a Perfect Pork Tenderloin

Follow these tips for guaranteed tender, juicy results every time:

Bring to room temp: Take tenderloin out of fridge 30 minutes before cooking so it’s closer to room temp when it hits the heat.
Pat dry: Dry the outside with paper towels for better browning.
Use a thermometer: This eliminates any guessing and ensures pork reaches a safe internal temp.
Sear hot: Use high heat to develop a nice brown crust on the exterior.
Cook to 145°F: This temperature yields juicy, tender meat.
Let it rest: Never slice straight from the heat. Resting allows juices to redistribute.
Slice against the grain: This produces the most tender cuts of meat.
Add flavor: A simple salt and pepper dry rub adds lots of flavor. Other options are marinades, herbs, spices, or glazes.

Common Mistakes

It’s easy to over or undercook pork tenderloin. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Overcooking: Cooking beyond 145°F leads to dry, stringy meat.
Undercooking: Not reaching a safe internal temp of 145°F can cause foodborne illness.
Not resting: Skipping resting causes juices to run out and meat to dry out.
Slicing with the grain: This makes meat chewy rather than tender. Always slice against the grain.
Not using a meat thermometer: This leads to guesswork and over or undercooked pork.
Cold from fridge: Not allowing meat to come closer to room temp before cooking slows down cooking time.

Flavorful Pairings for Pork Tenderloin

The mild taste of pork tenderloin pairs nicely with a variety of flavors. Consider serving it with:

Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage
Garlic, onions, shallots
Spices like cumin, paprika, coriander
Citrus flavors from orange, lemon, lime
Sweet glazes with fruit, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup
Hearty roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips
Tangy sauces like chimichurri, garlic aioli, mustard
Bright, acidic flavors like vinegars, wine

Pork tenderloin also goes well with starchy sides like roasted potatoes, rice, or pasta. The options are endless!

Juicy Pork Tenderloin Recipes to Try

Here are a few delicious recipes perfect for a 1 3⁄4 lb pork tenderloin:

Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin – roasted with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze
Pork Medallions with Apple Cider Sauce – pan seared pork medallions in a reduced apple cider sauce
Citrus Herb Grilled Pork Tenderloin – zesty citrus marinade with fresh herbs
Pork Tenderloin with Peaches – roasted with juicy summer peaches
Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Tenderloin – crusted with browned butter, brown sugar, and tons of garlic
Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches – sliced tenderloin on toasted buns with pickles and mustard

So next time you’re cooking up a 1 3⁄4 lb pork tenderloin, use these cooking times and techniques for the most tender, juicy, flavor-packed results. With the right preparation, seasoning, and cooking method, you’ll have a delicious and easy dinner that’s sure to satisfy.

EASY Pork Tenderloin In Oven Recipe – So Simple, So TASTY!

FAQ

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

2021• Tips & Tricks. First, you will want to preheat your oven to 400° F. You will end up lowering the heat later on but it is important to start at a high temp to trap the moisture inside the pork loin.

How long does it take to cook a small pork tenderloin at 350?

From oven oven-roasting to grilling, here’s a quick guide to cooking times: How long to cook pork tenderloin in oven at 350°F: Placed in a baking dish and cooked uncovered, a pork tenderloin will take around 20-27 minutes at 350°F.

How long to cook pork tenderloin per pound at 400 degrees?

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 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 do you cook a pork tenderloin in the oven?

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, prepare your pork tenderloin by trimming any excess fat or silver skin. This will ensure that your meat cooks evenly and results in a more tender final product. Once your pork tenderloin is trimmed, it’s time to season it to perfection.

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?