Cooking a one pound pork tenderloin in the oven results in a quick, easy and delicious weeknight dinner. The tender and lean cut becomes incredibly moist tender and flavorful when roasted properly.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to cook a perfect 1 lb pork tenderloin in the oven, including:
- Benefits of Cooking Pork Tenderloin
- Ingredients and Supplies You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Oven Roasting Instructions
- How Long to Cook a 1 lb Tenderloin
- What Temperature to Roast It To
- How to Tell When It’s Done
- Resting, Carving and Serving Tips
- Delicious Meal Ideas and Side Dishes
Once you learn this easy oven method, you’ll be able to get a satisfying homemade dinner on the table any night of the week!
Why Roast Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin offers several advantages that make it a smart choice for quick and easy oven meals:
- Very tender and lean so it cooks quickly
- Mild, slightly sweet flavor that takes on spices well
- Roasts beautifully in the oven and stays juicy
- Much less expensive than beef tenderloin
- Easy to slice or chop for sandwiches, salads, etc.
- Versatile – pairs well with many flavors and cuisines
For an easy roasted dinner ready in under an hour pork tenderloin can’t be beat!
Ingredients Needed to Roast 1 lb Pork Tenderloin
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
- Spice rub ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, etc.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage or thyme (optional)
- Chicken or vegetable broth or wine (for pan)
Equipment for Oven Roasting Pork
- Roasting pan or baking dish
- Roasting / cooling rack
- Aluminum foil
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting 1 lb Pork Tenderloin
Follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Tenderloin
Rinse the pork under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trim off any excess silver skin or fat.
2. Apply Dry Rub
Coat all sides with olive oil. This helps the spices stick and promotes browning.
Make a spice rub – suggestions salt, pepper garlic powder, onion powder dried thyme, paprika, oregano. Apply rub evenly on all sides.
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 425°F. Heating the oven while prepping allows it to fully preheat.
4. Sear the Tenderloin (Optional)
For deeper flavor, quickly sear the tenderloin on all sides in a hot skillet with oil.
5. Place Tenderloin on a Rack in a Pan
Place pork on a roasting rack in a pan. Add 1/2 cup broth or wine to the pan bottom.
6. Roast Uncovered
Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes to initially brown the outside.
7. Reduce Heat and Continue Roasting
Reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting until done, about 15-20 more minutes.
8. Test Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to test, it’s done at 145°F. If under, roast 2-3 more minutes and recheck.
9. Let Rest and Slice
Remove pork from oven, tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.
How Long to Roast a 1 lb Pork Tenderloin
For a one pound tenderloin, the roasting time will be approximately 30-40 minutes total:
-
15 minutes at 425°F to initially brown the exterior
-
15-20 more minutes at 350°F until it reaches 145°F internal temperature.
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer rather than just the cooking time to check for doneness. Pork should reach 145°F for the ideal medium temperature.
What Temperature Should Pork Tenderloin Reach?
The target internal temperature for properly cooked pork tenderloin is 145°F, according to USDA guidelines.
At 145°F, the pork will have a hint of pink inside and be juicy and tender. The temperature continues rising as it rests, so pull it from the oven when it reaches 140-142°F.
Using an accurate meat thermometer is crucial to prevent overcooking and achieve the perfect roast pork.
How to Tell When Pork Tenderloin is Done
Here are signs that your 1 lb pork tenderloin roast is fully cooked and ready to take out of the oven:
- Meat thermometer reads 140-142°F (continues cooking as it rests)
- Meat has slightly pink hue in the center
- Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
- Meat feels firm yet tender when pressed
- Spices and rub have formed a nice crust
The pork is done when it’s firm yet fork-tender and reaches the target internal temperature. Resist cutting into it before letting it rest first.
Let Pork Rest Before Carving
After roasting, tent the pork with foil and allow to rest 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when sliced.
To prevent overcooking, remove it from the oven when the internal temp is 140-143°F. It will continue cooking to 145°F as it rests.
Carving and Serving the Roast Pork
To serve the oven roasted tenderloin:
- Place rested roast on a cutting board and slice into rounds 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Arrange medallion slices on a platter. Drizzle with pan juices for extra flavor.
- Serve pork with favorite roast dinner sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, etc.
Sliced leftover pork is delicious in sandwiches, salads, grain bowls and more!
Meal Ideas and Side Dish Pairings
Pork tenderloin matches beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Quinoa pilaf or wild rice
- Glazed carrots
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
Serve it with a sauce like:
- Creamy mustard sauce
- Herb-garlic pan juices
- Fruit chutney
- Red wine reduction
A 1 lb pork tenderloin easily feeds 3-4 people, making it perfect for weeknight family dinners. With a vegetable side and/or salad, it creates a fast, balanced meal everyone will love.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Oven Roasted Pork
-
Choose 1-1.5 lb tenderloins for even cooking. Larger sizes take longer.
-
Dry the tenderloin thoroughly so the spice rub sticks.
-
Apply a flavorful spice rub under the skin and on the outside.
-
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
-
Roast at a high temp first to brown, then reduce heat.
-
Let it rest before slicing to retain moisture and juices.
-
Allow the pork to come closer to room temp before roasting for faster cooking.
-
Pair it with sauces and sides that complement, not overpower the pork.
With this simple oven roasting method, you can enjoy incredibly tender, juicy pork tenderloin any night of the week.
For more even cooking, select individual 1-1.5 pound tenderloins rather than one large roast. Apply a flavorful spice rub before roasting to give the lean meat a flavor boost.
Roast the pork uncovered in a 425°F oven for 15 minutes to initially brown it, then reduce the heat to 350°F until it reaches 145°F internal temperature.
Let the pork rest before slicing into juicy medallions. Serve with your favorite sauces and side dishes for a complete meal.
With its quick roast time and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with various seasonings, pork tenderloin is an easy and delicious dinner option. Follow this oven roasting guide for tender, juicy results every time.
EASY Pork Tenderloin In Oven Recipe – So Simple, So TASTY!
FAQ
Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400?
How long to cook a 1 lb pork tenderloin at 350 degrees?
How long to cook pork tenderloin per pound at 400 degrees?
How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out?
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 long does pork tenderloin take to cook?
This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven. You can use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven has reached the desired temperature. It’s important to note that if your oven is not preheated, your pork tenderloin may not cook evenly. This can result in overcooked or undercooked meat, which can be tough and dry.
How do you cook a pork tenderloin in a frying pan?
Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the pan, then, once hot, remove the pork tenderloin from its marinade and let the excess drip off, then place it in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned, then cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove the pork tenderloin from heat, then brush it with additional marinade.
What temperature should a pork tenderloin be?
We want the pork tenderloin to have an internal temperature of 145° (F). An instant read thermometer is an essential tool everyone should have on hand. After 25 minutes, check the thickest part of the meat. Once the internal temp is at least 145° (F), you’re good to remove from the oven.