How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin Per Pound for Perfectly Moist and Juicy Results

Pork tenderloin is a lean tender cut of meat that can make for an easy delicious weeknight dinner or impressive entrée for guests. With a mild, slightly sweet flavor, pork tenderloin adapts well to a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. However, to get the best results when cooking this versatile pork cut, it’s crucial to know how long to cook pork tenderloin per pound.

Undercooking leaves the pork underdone and unsafe to eat. Overcooking results in dry tough meat. By following proper timing guidelines per pound you can achieve tender, juicy pork tenderloin every time. In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide on how long to cook pork tenderloin per pound.

Factors That Affect Pork Tenderloin Cook Time

Several key factors impact how long it takes to cook pork tenderloin to perfection. Being aware of these elements allows you to better gauge the proper timing as you prepare this tasty cut of pork.

Weight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of your pork tenderloin are major determinants of cooking time. A 1-pound tenderloin will take much less time than a 2-pound roast. Similarly, a thicker cut will require more oven time than a thinner, smaller tenderloin.

When calculating how long to cook your pork tenderloin per pound, the thickness is just as crucial as the weight. A 2-pound tenderloin that’s long and narrow may cook faster than a 2-pound roast that’s much thicker.

Oven Temperature

The oven temperature you cook at dramatically impacts total cook time. A hotter oven of 400°F will roast the pork tenderloin much faster than a more moderate 300°F oven. High heat helps create a browned exterior while cooking the inside rapidly.

Lower oven temperatures result in slower cooking, which can lead to a tender interior but longer total cook time. Oven temperature is a key element in determining how quickly the pork will be finished.

Cooking Method

In addition to oven roasting, pork tenderloin can be successfully grilled, pan seared, or even slow cooked. Faster, hotter cooking methods like grilling or searing over high heat will cook the tenderloin more rapidly than slower roasting or braising.

The technique you choose will require adjusting the cook time per pound accordingly. Grilling may take only 8-12 minutes per pound, while braising could require up to 30 minutes per pound to fully tenderize the meat.

Meat’s Initial Temperature

The starting temperature of the pork tenderloin also plays a role. Meat straight from the fridge will take longer to cook through than meat that’s closer to room temperature when it goes into the oven or pan.

For quicker cooking, allow refrigerated pork to stand at room temp for 30 minutes before cooking. This small step can shave valuable minutes off the total time needed.

How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin Per Pound

Now that you know the various factors that can affect pork tenderloin cook time, let’s discuss specifics on timing.

Use these guidelines for approximate cook times per pound based on the most common preparation methods. Remember that an instant-read thermometer is the best tool for determining when your pork tenderloin is perfectly cooked.

Oven Roasting

For oven roasting, preheat your oven to 350-375°F. Place the tenderloin on a sheet pan or baking dish, and roast uncovered. Cook time will be:

• 20-25 minutes per pound for a 1-2 pound tenderloin
• 25-30 minutes per pound for a 2-3 pound roast
• 30-35 minutes per pound for a 4-5 pound pork roast

Roast until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing. The residual heat will carryover cook the pork to a safe final temperature of 150°F.

Grilling

To grill pork tenderloin, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F direct heat. Grill with the lid closed as much as possible. Cook times are faster than oven roasting:

• 8-12 minutes per pound for a 1-2 pound tenderloin
• 10-15 minutes per pound for a 3-4 pound roast

Rotate the tenderloin every few minutes to prevent burning. Grill until the internal temp hits 140-145°F to account for carryover cooking after removing from the grill.

Pan Searing

For pan searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Cook the pork tenderloin for:

• 3-5 minutes per side for a 1-pound tenderloin
• 4-7 minutes per side for 2-3 pounds

Turn the tenderloin every few minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The quick, hot searing will give you a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking methods like braising or cooking in a slow cooker allow the pork to become fall-apart tender but require more time. Cook for:

• 25-30 minutes per pound on LOW in a slow cooker
• 45-60 minutes per pound covered in a Dutch oven

Slow cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F breaks down the pork’s collagen for maximum tenderness. The meat can then be shredded or cut into chunks easily.

Tips for Cooking Pork Tenderloin Perfectly

Follow these tips in tandem with the proper cook times per pound, and you’ll achieve fantastic results:

• Pat the tenderloin dry before cooking for enhanced browning.
• Lightly coat the pork with oil or rub with spices before cooking.
• Allow oven roasted pork to rest before slicing to retain juices.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; don’t rely solely on cook times.
• Let the pork come closer to room temp before cooking for faster cook time.
• Adjust heat as needed if pork seems to be cooking too quickly or slowly.

Mastering the ideal cook times per pound is the key to cooking moist, flavorful pork tenderloin. Approximate times are 20-35 minutes per pound for oven roasting, 8-15 minutes per pound for grilling, and 3-7 minutes per side for pan searing. Let a meat thermometer be your guide for when the pork reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F.

With the proper technique, timing, and temperature, you’ll be rewarded with succulent, delicious pork tenderloin every time. This versatile cut can make for an easy yet impressive dinner option whether you’re cooking for family or guests.