Mastering the Perfect 1.5 lb Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that makes for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner. A 1.5 pound tenderloin is a nice small size for feeding a couple people or meal prepping. With the right techniques, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful tenderloin in under 30 minutes.

Benefits of Cooking Pork Tenderloin

There are many reasons why pork tenderloin is a smart choice

• Fast cooking – With a cook time of just 20-30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights

• Tender and lean – The tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of pork and is very lean.

• Versatile – Suits a variety of cooking methods like roasting, grilling, broiling, and pan searing.

• Flavorful – Takes well to marinades, rubs, and spices.

• Affordable – Costs less than other lean cuts of meat.

• Nutritious – Provides protein, vitamins, and minerals.

With proper preparation and cooking, pork tenderloin always delivers an easy, delicious meal.

Average Cook Times for a 1.5 lb Tenderloin

The cooking time can vary a bit depending on the size of your tenderloin and factors like your oven and cooking method. Here are some general guidelines:

• Oven roasted – Roast at 400°F for 25-35 minutes

• Grilled – Grill over medium heat for 15-25 minutes

• Pan seared – Cook in a skillet for 12-15 minutes total

• Broiled – Broil 3-4 inches from heat for 15-20 minutes

The best way to ensure your pork reaches a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Cook until the tenderloin reaches 145°F. Then, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.

Step-by-Step Cooking Methods

Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy pork tenderloin.

Oven Roasted

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Pat dry tenderloin and coat all over with oil.

3. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and other spices.

4. Place on a baking sheet and roast 25-35 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

5. Rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Grilled

1. Prepare a medium-hot grill, around 375°F.

2. Coat tenderloin with oil and season all over.

3. Place tenderloin on grill and cook 15-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

4. Grill until internal temp hits 145°F.

5. Allow to rest 5-10 minutes before cutting.

Pan Seared

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Pat dry pork tenderloin and season all over.

3. When oil is shimmering, add pork and cook for 6-8 minutes per side.

4. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

5. Remove pork to a cutting board and let rest 5-10 minutes.

Flavoring Your Pork Tenderloin

One of the best parts about cooking pork tenderloin is that it takes well to endless flavor combinations.

Rubs and Spices

• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon pepper
• Barbecue rub
• Moroccan spices
• Jerk seasoning
• Chili powder
• Italian seasoning

Marinades

• Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic
• Lime juice, cilantro, chili powder
• Balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic
• Greek yogurt, lemon, oregano

Compound Butters

• Pesto butter
• Garlic herb butter
• Chili lime butter
• Maple mustard butter

Get creative and use your favorite spices, herbs, citrus, vinegars, mustards, etc. A flavorful crust is key to an incredible tenderloin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to dry out pork tenderloin since it is so lean. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer for 145°F.

• Skipping seasoning – Pork benefits from bold flavors.

• High heat entire time – Start high, then turn down.

• Not resting – Resting keeps pork juicy.

• Uneven cooking – Rotate pan/meat for even browning.

• Cutting too early – Let meat rest before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

A 1.5 lb tenderloin feeds about 2 hungry people or 3 with sides. Here are tasty ways to serve it:

• With mashed potatoes and gravy or pan sauce
• Sliced over salad greens with vinaigrette
• In sandwiches with pickles and mustard
• Diced up in fried rice or pasta
• With roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts
• Alongside scalloped potatoes
• Topped with chimichurri sauce

Pork tenderloin takes well to many cuisines like American, Latin, Greek, Italian, and more.

Safely Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Since pork tenderloin cooks quickly, you may have leftovers. Here are some storage tips:

• Store cooked pork in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.

• Freeze extra pork for 2-3 months.

• When reheating, use the oven or microwave until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes per slice.

With proper storage, leftovers can make easy meals for the week ahead.

Cooking a Juicy, Tender Pork Tenderloin

A 1.5 lb pork tenderloin is the perfect size for cooking any night of the week. In around half an hour, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal. With the right seasoning, sear, and cooking method, you’ll achieve tender, succulent pork easily. Rely on a meat thermometer for doneness and let the tenderloin rest before slicing. Soon this versatile cut will become a staple in your dinner rotation.