Pork fillet, also known as pork tenderloin, is a lean and tender cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection in the oven. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful pork fillet cooked through yet still moist and tender.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to oven-roast pork fillet, from choosing the right cut to foolproof cooking techniques Follow this guide, and you’ll be able to serve up tasty, melt-in-your-mouth pork fillet any night of the week
Selecting the Best Pork Fillet
The first key to success is choosing high-quality pork fillet, sometimes labeled pork tenderloin. Here’s what to look for:
- Weight of 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds – This size feeds about 4 people
- Uniform shape with tapered ends – Avoid oddly shaped or fatty pieces
- Nice pink color – Indicates freshness rather than pale gray
- Minimal silverskin or fat – Trim off any excess before cooking
Well-trimmed pork fillets around 1 pound are ideal for even cooking Pass on pre-seasoned or injected fillets and opt for natural pork so you control the flavors
Prepping Pork Fillet for the Oven
Before cooking take a few quick steps to prep your pork fillet
- Trim away any excess fat or silver skin
- Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels
- Generously season all over with salt and pepper
- Brush lightly with oil if desired
Make sure to pat the fillet very dry so it will brown better during the oven roasting process.
Oven Roasting Method
To cook pork fillet in the oven, follow this simple process:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Place fillet on a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F
- Remove and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing
Roasting at a high temp helps the pork fillet achieve a lightly browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness – 145°F is ideal for a tender, slightly pink center.
As the fillet rests, juices redistribute through the meat. Be sure to let it rest after cooking!
Seasoning and Flavoring
Plain roasted pork fillet tastes great, but you can amp up the flavor in a few ways:
- Coat with fresh or dried herbs before roasting
- Rub on a spice blend, like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning
- Brush with a sauce glaze in the last 5 minutes of roasting
- Serve sliced fillet with a sauce like chimichurri or cherry compote
Get creative with seasonings! Chili powder, citrus zest, garlic, mustard – the possibilities are endless.
Serving Suggestions
Pork fillet is quite versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Slice and serve over salad greens for a main course salad
- Pair with roasted veggies like potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Add to sandwiches, wraps, or tacos for an easy protein
- Cube and toss with pasta, rice, or grains for a one-pan meal
- Top with chimichurri or tomato salsa for a Latin-inspired dish
Leftover sliced pork fillet also makes an excellent addition to breakfast dishes like eggs, hash, or avocado toast. It reheats beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Follow these tips to prevent dry, overcooked pork fillet:
- Don’t overcook – Use a thermometer and stop at 145°F for the juiciest meat.
- Allow the fillet to rest before slicing into it
- Avoid thin fillets under 1 pound – They dry out more easily
- Don’t crowd the pan – Give the fillet room so it cooks evenly
- Bring to room temp before cooking for even roasting
With proper prep and care, pork fillet cooked in the oven results in a tender and delicious entrée. Now that you know how to cook this lean cut to juicy perfection, say goodbye to dry pork! Enjoy your next oven-roasted pork fillet meal.
EASY Pork Tenderloin In Oven Recipe – So Simple, So TASTY!
FAQ
What is the cooking temperature for pork fillet?
Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400?
How do you keep pork fillets from drying out?
What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork fillet?
How do you cook pork tenderloin in the oven?
Mouthwatering, buttery tender pork tenderloin seasoned to perfection and roasted in the oven for about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 425° (F). Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Trim pork tenderloin of any excess fat or silverskin. Pat pork dry and coat with olive oil. Rub seasoning mix all over pork tenderloin.
How do you cook pork ribs in the oven?
Heat oil in a large oven proof skillet (Note 3) over high heat. Add pork and sear until golden all over. When pork is almost seared, push to the side, add garlic and cook until golden. Pour sauce in. Turn pork once, then immediately transfer to the oven. Roast 15 – 18 minutes or until the internal temperature is 68C / 155F (Note 4).
How long do you cook pork tenderloin in a pan?
Bake the pork for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into ¼ -inch thick rounds. Pour the pan juices over the pork tenderloin slices and serve with a little minced parsley, for color.
How to cook pork tenderloin in a frying pan?
Mix the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix over all sides of the pork. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork, working in 2 batches if your pan is not big enough to fit both tenderloins without them touching.