Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that makes for a quick, easy protein option for dinner. When browsing recipes, you may frequently see pork tenderloin quantities listed in 4-ounce servings. But what does 4 ounces of pork actually look like on your plate?
Understanding accurate portion sizes for meats is important for both your health and your budget. This article will provide a visual guide to help give you a better sense of just how big 4 ounces of uncooked and cooked pork tenderloin is, along with tips for measuring portions
Why Portion Size Matters
There are a few key reasons why being aware of portion sizes for pork tenderloin is important:
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Nutrition tracking – If you are tracking calories or macros, accurate portions allow for better nutrient calculations.
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Controlling portions – Knowing appropriate serving sizes can help prevent overeating.
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Meal planning – Buying the right amount of pork for recipes and meals saves money and reduces food waste,
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Cooking properly – Different portion sizes affect cook times and temperatures.
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Weight management – Proper protein portions are part of an overall healthy diet and weight.
So understanding what 4 ounces actually looks like will make shopping, cooking and serving pork tenderloin easier.
What 4 Ounces of Raw Pork Tenderloin Looks Like
When purchasing and preparing raw pork tenderloin, use these visual comparisons to understand the size of a 4-ounce portion:
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Deck of cards – A 4-ounce cut of raw pork is about the same thickness as a deck of playing cards.
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Computer mouse – The width of a computer mouse is very similar to a 4-ounce raw pork tenderloin steak.
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Hockey puck – Picture a regulation hockey puck. A 4-ounce raw pork portion is similar in diameter and thickness.
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Meat thermometer – If you insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of a 4-ounce raw pork cut, the thickness from one side to the other is around 4 ounces.
So when trimming and slicing a whole pork tenderloin for meal prep or recipes, use these visual cues to estimate 4-ounce raw portions accurately.
What 4 Ounces of Cooked Pork Tenderloin Looks Like
When pork tenderloin is cooked, it loses moisture and shrinks slightly. Here are some comparisons to help gauge 4-ounce cooked portions:
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Bar of soap – Take a standard bar of soap. A 4-ounce cooked pork cut is about the same size as the bar.
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Lightbulb – Your average household lightbulb is very similar in size to 4 cooked ounces of pork tenderloin.
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Shot glass – Picture a typical 1.5-ounce shot glass. A 4-ounce portion of cooked pork is like 2.5 shot glasses stacked.
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Computer mouse – While smaller than raw, a cooked 4-ounce pork portion is still roughly the width of a computer mouse.
So use these common objects to help estimate finished 4-ounce pork servings after cooking tenderloin.
Measuring Tips for 4-Ounce Pork Portions
While visual comparisons help provide a general sense of portion sizes, the most accurate way to measure 4 ounces of pork is to use a food scale. To get precise 4-ounce portions:
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Weigh raw – For optimal accuracy, always weigh pork when it is raw before cooking.
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Use a food scale – Investing in a basic food scale allows you to weigh portions down to the exact ounce.
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Weigh in grams – For even more precision, look for scales that display grams, where 4 ounces = 113 grams.
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Divide into servings – Weigh the whole tenderloin, then divide into 4-ounce portions.
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Track cooked weight – If weighing cooked pork, make note of the reduced weight compared to raw.
Getting into the habit of weighing pork portions takes the guesswork out of trying to eyeball portion sizes.
Cooking Time for 4-Ounce Pork Portions
When cooking 4-ounce cuts of pork tenderloin, keep these cooking times in mind:
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Roasted in oven – Cook 4-ounce raw pork portions for about 18-22 minutes at 400°F.
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Pan-seared – Sear 4-ounce raw pork cuts about 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
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Grilled – Grill 4-ounce raw pork steaks for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
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Air fried – Air fry 4-ounce raw pork cuts around 15 minutes at 380°F, flipping halfway.
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Slow cooker – Add 4-ounce raw portions to a slow cooker with liquid and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Check temperature using a meat thermometer for doneness. 4 ounces of pork cooks faster than a whole tenderloin.
Tips for Serving 4-Ounce Pork Portions
Here are some tips for serving 4-ounce portions of pork tenderloin:
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For a complete meal, serve 4-5 ounces pork per adult along with veggies, starch, and salad.
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Cut any leftover cooked pork into smaller portions before refrigerating. 4 ounces is a good size for lunches and meals later in the week.
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For easy grab-and-go portions, prep and freeze individual vacuum-sealed 4-ounce pork servings to quickly defrost as needed.
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Pork tenderloin goes well with a wide variety of flavors. Get creative seasoning and saucing 4-ounce portions.
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Pair 4-ounce pork portions with simple veggie sides. Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus and green beans are all easy options.
Estimating and measuring 4-ounce portions of pork tenderloin takes a bit of practice. But with experience, visualizing this standard serving size will become second nature. Properly portioning pork makes cooking and meal planning much simpler.