What Temperature to Roast Pork Tenderloin for Perfectly Juicy Results

Pork tenderloin is a quick, easy, and delicious dinner option. But nailing the right oven temperature is key to avoiding dried out, overcooked meat.

Follow this complete guide for roasting juicy, tender pork tenderloin to perfection every time.

Why Oven Temperature Matters for Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is an ultra-lean, delicate cut of meat from the loin primal. With very little fat or connective tissue, it can dry out very quickly if overcooked.

Choosing the proper oven temperature accomplishes two important things:

Brings the interior to safe temperature fast so it doesn’t overcook
Provides enough heat to brown and crisp the exterior before inside dries out

Too low, and you’ll end up with underdone pork Too high, and the outside will burn while the inside is still raw

Finding the right balance is the difference between succulent, juicy meat and a tough, disappointing dinner.

Best Oven Temperature for Pork Tenderloin

The ideal oven temperature range for pork tenderloin is 400-425°F. This relatively high heat sears the exterior to lock in juices while gently roasting the interior.

Here are some more oven temp guidelines:

375-400°F – Good for thinner tenderloins to prevent overcooking
350°F – Minimum temperature needed for good browning
450°F+ – Avoid extremely high temps that risk burning exterior

Since it’s so lean and cooks quickly, pork tenderloin does best at moderately high oven temperatures. Just be sure to monitor it closely.

How to Roast Pork Tenderloin to Perfection

Follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the Tenderloin

Trim silverskin and pat dry. Lightly coat with oil or mustard and rub generously with herbs and spices.

2. Preheat Oven to 400-425°F

Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature. Center rack in middle of oven.

3. Roast Pork Tenderloin

Place tenderloin on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast for 15-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

4. Rest and Slice Pork

Remove pork from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into medallions.

5. Make a Pan Sauce

Make an easy pan sauce from the drippings for extra flavor. Serve pork tenderloin topped with sauce.

How Long to Roast Pork Tenderloin

Follow these estimates as a guide, but always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness:

1 lb tenderloin – 20-25 minutes
1.5 lb tenderloin – 25-30 minutes
2 lb tenderloin – 30-35 minutes

The shape and thickness of your particular tenderloin will impact cook time. Check temperature early and often.

Should You Sear Pork Tenderloin First?

Searing isn’t necessary since the high oven heat will brown the exterior. But for deeper flavor, you can sear the tenderloin in a hot skillet before roasting.

Roasting Pan Options

A rimmed baking sheet or metal roasting pan work well. The pan should accommodate the tenderloin snugly without crowding.

For easy pan sauce, choose an oven-safe skillet to roast the pork right in the pan. Deglaze with wine or stock after.

Pork Tenderloin Roasting Tips

Always allow tenderloin to rest before slicing for juicier meat
Add fresh herbs, spices, or citrus zest to complement the mild flavor
Leftover roasted pork makes amazing sandwiches or breakfast hash
Pair tenderloin with a bright chimichurri sauce or fruit salsa

With the right oven temp, roasting pork tenderloin is fast, easy, and impressive. For more recipe inspiration, check out these flavorful ideas:

What temperature to cook a pork tenderloin at?

FAQ

Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400?

2021• Tips & Tricks. First, you will want to preheat your oven to 400° F. You will end up lowering the heat later on but it is important to start at a high temp to trap the moisture inside the pork loin.

What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked at?

Because of this, the USDA suggests cooking it to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the same temperature for every variation of pork you might choose from pork tenderloin to shoulder. However, once your meat has hit this mark, you’re not too far off from overcooking the product.

How long should I cook pork tenderloin at 400 degrees?

Bake at 400 degrees F until pork registers between 145- and 150-degrees F (63 and 65 degrees C) at the thickest part of the tenderloin, 15-25 minutes depending on thickness. This means the pork will be juicy and slightly pink in the middle.

How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out?

Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F, then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at the high temperature of 425 degrees F helps it cook quickly and prevents it from 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?

Creating even heat on the grill is challenging, and the super-lean tenderloin dries out very quickly. The oven method: I baked pork tenderloin on a sheet pan in an oven set to 425° for a cook time of 25 minutes. While this method resulted in evenly cooked pork tenderloin, there was absolutely no browning or crust.

Can you cook pork tenderloin in a pan?

Pan-seared pork tenderloin, finished by baking to your ideal temperature, is tender, juicy, and delicious! With excellent browning from cast iron searing, it is still moist and tender from oven roasting— an easy, 30-minute dinner recipe. Seasoning of your choice— Kosher salt and black pepper is enough, but adding garlic powder is suggested.