Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that many find easy to cook and enjoy. But where exactly on the pig does this tasty cut of pork come from? Let’s explore the anatomy of a pig to identify the origin of the pork tenderloin.
Pork Tenderloin Comes From the Loin
The pork tenderloin is located in the loin section of the pig. More specifically, it is a long, thin muscle that runs along either side of the backbone
Visually, the tenderloin looks like a tube shape that tapers at the ends. It sits beneath the spine behind the ribs along the inside curve of the loin muscle.
Difference Between Pork Tenderloin and Loin
It’s easy to confuse pork tenderloin and pork loin when shopping for recipes. While both come from the loin primal cut, there are some key differences:
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Shape: The tenderloin is long and narrow while the loin is wide and flat.
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Bone: Pork loin can be sold bone-in or boneless. Tenderloin is always boneless.
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Size: Tenderloins weigh around 1-2 lbs each. Loin roasts are much larger at 3-6 lbs.
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Texture: Tenderloin is extremely tender with little fat. Loin has more marbling and firmness.
Why the Tenderloin is Tender
The reason this cut of pork is so tender is because the tenderloin muscle doesn’t get much work.
Unlike shoulder or leg muscles that see extensive use, the tenderloin just hangs between the spine and ribs. It moves very little, keeping it soft and tender.
Quick Cooking Time
Due to its petite size and lack of fat, the pork tenderloin cooks much faster than other pork cuts. Tenderloins usually roast in about 30 minutes at 400°F, while a pork loin roast takes closer to 1 hour.
The tenderloin’s leanness also means it can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and remove it from the oven at 140-145°F for a hint of pink.
Multiple Tenderloins Per Pig
Each pig contains two separate tenderloin muscles, one on either side of the backbone. When trimmed, the tenderloins weigh approximately 1-2 pounds each.
Most pork tenderloin roasts sold raw at grocery stores contain two whole tenderloins tied together to form one roast. This provides plenty of meat for multiple servings.
How to Cook Tenderloin
The pork tenderloin’s uniform shape makes it perfect for roasting whole. The tapered ends offer built-in handles for easy maneuvering. Common cooking methods include:
- Roasted in the oven
- Grilled or pan seared
- Sliced for stir fries or kabobs
- Pounded into medallions or cutlets
- Ground into patties
Don’t miss this versatile cut’s mild flavor and extreme tenderness. Just look for the long, slim pork tenderloin nestled under the loin to identify its location on the hog.
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FAQ
Which is better, pork loin or pork tenderloin?
Where is pork tenderloin on a pig?
What is another name for pork tenderloin?
What is a pork tenderloin?
Pork is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, from roasting to grilling to stir-frying. But when it comes to pork cuts, it can be confusing to know which part of the pig each cut comes from. One cut that often causes confusion is the pork tenderloin.
What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
Pork tenderloin is a long and narrow cut of meat that is boneless and comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone of the pig. On the other hand, pork loin is wider and flatter, and can be boneless or bone-in. Pork loin comes from the back of the pig.
Which cut of pig is a tenderloin?
The loin is a leaner cut that includes the tenderloin, which is the most tender part of the pig due to its lack of use for locomotion. The side/belly is where bacon comes from, while the leg is often used for ham. It’s important to pay attention to the specific cut of pork you have when choosing the best preparation methods.
How do you find pork tenderloin on a pig?
To locate the pork tenderloin on a pig, one must first look for the psoas major muscle. This muscle runs along the backbone of the pig, starting at the lumbar vertebrae and extending to the upper thigh. The pork tenderloin is taken from the rear of this muscle, specifically from the narrowest part of the muscle near the hip bone.