Pork tenderloin is a quick cooking and lean cut of meat that can easily dry out if overcooked. The trick is using a low temperature oven method to gently cook the tenderloin while keeping it incredibly moist and juicy. Roasting at around 275 degrees F is ideal for achieving fork-tender perfection. But exactly how long does it take to cook pork tenderloin at 275 degrees?
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about cooking times, techniques, tips, and tricks for oven-roasting juicy pork tenderloin at 275 degrees F.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Benefits of 275 Degrees for Pork Tenderloin
- Estimated Cook Times Per Pound
- Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Using a Meat Thermometer
- How to Tell When It’s Done
- Preventing Dryness and Ensuring Juiciness
- Serving Suggestions for Perfect Pork Tenderloin
- Freezing and Storage Tips
Let’s get started!
Why Cook Pork Tenderloin at 275 Degrees?
Cooking pork tenderloin at the relatively low oven temperature of 275 degrees F provides several advantages compared to higher heat methods
- Gently and evenly cooks the meat without drying it out.
- Allows time for flavorful roast pork flavors to develop.
- Enables fat to baste the lean meat and keep it moist.
- Provides flexibility in cook times without overcooking.
- More forgiving if oven temperature fluctuates slightly.
- Tenderizes meat for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The moderate 275 degree temperature gives the pork tenderloin time to cook through while staying incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor. Let’s look at approximate cook times.
Estimated Cook Times Per Pound at 275°F
For 1-inch thick pork tenderloin roasted at 275 degrees F, estimate about 15-20 minutes per pound.
Here are some examples:
- 1 lb tenderloin: 15-20 minutes
- 1.5 lb tenderloin: 23-30 minutes
- 2 lb tenderloin: 30-40 minutes
- 3 lb tenderloin: 45-60 minutes
These cook times are guidelines only. Always rely on an instant read meat thermometer for accuracy since oven temperatures and tenderness can vary.
Next, let’s look at the complete step-by-step method.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin Perfectly at 275°F – Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps for oven-roasted pork tenderloin with a tender, juicy interior:
1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
- Start with a 1-3 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin and excess fat.
- Pat dry and rub generously with oil, then season all over with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs.
- For added moisture and flavor, inject tenderloin with a marinade using an injector syringe.
- Let marinate 30-60 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate meat.
2. Preheat Oven to 275°F
- Preheat oven to 275°F. This low roasting temp is key.
- Use a roasting pan fitted with a rack to elevate pork, or a baking dish.
- The rack or pan should allow airflow under tenderloin for even cooking.
3. Roast Pork Tenderloin
- Place seasoned tenderloin on prepared pan and insert meat thermometer into thickest part.
- Roast at 275°F, basting occasionally with pan juices, until thermometer reaches 140-145°F.
- Estimate 15-20 minutes per pound, but rely on thermometer for accuracy.
4. Rest, Slice and Serve
- Remove pork from oven and tent loosely with foil for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- This resting step allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
- Slice tenderloin into medallions or slices. Season further to taste.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauces and sides!
Next, let’s go over how to accurately determine when pork tenderloin is perfectly cooked using a meat thermometer.
Use a Meat Thermometer for Perfect Results
Using an instant read digital meat thermometer is crucial for cooking pork tenderloin properly without overcooking
- Insert thermometer into the thickest part of tenderloin, away from bone.
- Pork is safe to eat and perfectly juicy when it reaches 140-145°F.
- If temperature exceeds 150-155°F, tenderloin will become dry.
- Let roast rest 5 minutes before taking temp – it will rise 5-10 degrees.
Relying on cook times alone isn’t reliable as each tenderloin varies. Let the thermometer be your guide for juicy pork perfection every time.
Next, let’s look at ways to prevent dryness and achieve super tender and moist pork tenderloin.
Preventing Dry Pork and Ensuring Juicy Results
Pork tenderloin is lean and prone to drying out. Here are some tips for incredibly moist, succulent oven-roasted tenderloin:
- Roast at 275°F – higher heat dries out the tenderloin.
- Use a meat thermometer – don’t overcook past 145°F.
- Baste with pan juices – keeps surface moist.
- Tent with foil at end – seals in moisture as temp rises.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes – allows juices to redistribute.
- Slice across the grain – prevents toughening of fibers.
- Add a sauce – provides extra moisture and flavor.
With proper roasting temp and use of a meat thermometer for accuracy, you can achieve perfect juicy results every time.
Serving and Meal Ideas for Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is extremely versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Medallions – Slice into rounds and top with sauce.
- Sandwiches – Slice and add to rolls with fixings.
- Tacos – Chop or slice for tacos with pico and guacamole.
- Salad – Slice and serve over a fresh garden salad.
- Kabobs – Cut into chunks and thread onto skewers.
- Stir fry – Thinly slice and add to veggie stir fry.
- Noodles – Toss sliced pork with pasta, veggies and herbs.
- Appetizers – Top baguette slices with pork rounds and fig jam.
Get creative with this lean and tender cut of pork!
Storage and Freezing Pork Tenderloin
Fresh pork tenderloin will keep 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze extra tenderloin:
- Freeze pork in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
- Label package with cut, weight and date.
- Use within 3-6 months for best quality.
- Thaw in fridge before gently reheating.
With proper storage in the fridge or freezer, you can enjoy juicy oven-roasted pork tenderloin for months!
Roasting pork tenderloin at the relatively low oven temperature of 275°F delivers incredibly tender, moist and delicious results. Allow 15-20 minutes per pound, relying on an instant read thermometer for doneness – pork should reach 140-145°F at the thickest part.
Follow the tips provided for preventing dryness and achieving fork-tender perfection. With the right method, pork tenderloin makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or impressive dish for guests.
The Ultimate Pork Tenderloin Recipe Transformation
FAQ
How long will a pork loin take at 250 degrees?
Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow?
How many minutes per pound pork tenderloin at 400?
What temperature should a pork tenderloin be cooked at?
For medium to medium well, remove between 135 degrees F and 140 degrees F. The pork will continue to cook for about 10 more degrees outside of the oven and will stop cooking after that. Our 1 ½ pound pork tenderloin was removed from the oven at the 14 minute mark at 135 degrees F and stopped cooking at 147 degrees F.
How long do you cook pork tenderloin in a pan?
Turn the heat to medium, cover the skillet; cook the tenderloin for 10-15 minutes, or just until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees F. Remove the pork tenderloin from the skillet to a platter; cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the temperature to rise to 140-145 degrees at the center.
How do you cook pork tenderloin in a Dutch oven?
Add pork tenderloin to the bag, seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Transfer pork with marinade to a Dutch oven. Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours. Transfer pork from the Dutch oven to a plate, reserving drippings in the pan. Cover pork to keep warm and set aside.
How long do you Slow Roast Pork Tenderloin?
Slow roast the pork for approximately one and a half to two hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the tenderloin. Once it reaches the desired temperature, rest it for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.