Baked Pork Tenderloin

Juicy, flavorful pork tenderloin made easy in the oven with herbs, butter, and lemon.

This Baked Pork Tenderloin recipe is a simple yet impressive main dish that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and dinner guests. The pork turns out incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor thanks to a blend of herbs, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter. With no searing required and only one pan to clean, it’s a fuss-free dish that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 40 minutes
• Juicy and tender: Butter and foil-wrapping keep it moist
• One-pan cleanup: Minimal mess and no pre-searing required
• Customizable flavors: Switch up the herbs or add garlic for variety
• Perfect for any occasion: Weeknight dinner or holiday meal

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 4 tablespoons butter, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Prepare Pork:
   Place each pork tenderloin in the center of a sheet of heavy-duty foil. Rub with olive oil.
3. Season:
   In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub seasoning mix evenly over the pork. Drizzle with lemon juice.
4. Add Butter:
   Slice the butter into slabs and place on top of each pork tenderloin.
5. Wrap and Bake:
   Wrap the foil around the pork to form packets. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Broil to Brown:
   Open the foil and broil the pork for 3–4 minutes to develop a lightly browned crust.
7. Rest and Serve:
   Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Tips / Storage / FAQs

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer for best results and food safety.
• Allow pork to rest before slicing to retain juices.
• For browning, skip searing and use a broiler to simplify cleanup.
• Heavy-duty foil prevents tearing and keeps the pork juicy.

Variations:

• Substitute thyme, oregano, or basil for Italian seasoning.
• Add garlic powder or minced garlic for a punch of flavor.
• Swap butter for more oil if needed, though butter enhances tenderness.

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs:

• Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin? Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time.
• Can I prep ahead? You can season and wrap the pork in foil a few hours in advance.
• Do I have to broil? It’s optional, but it adds a nice color and flavor to the crust.

Final Thoughts

Baked Pork Tenderloin is a go-to recipe that’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions. With just a few ingredients and under an hour from start to finish, you’ll have a flavorful, juicy main dish that’s sure to impress. Customize it with your favorite herbs and enjoy a no-fuss meal packed with taste and tenderness.

📖 Recipe

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Baked Pork Tenderloin

Baked Pork Tenderloin is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Ready in 40 minutes, this easy one-pan dinner is perfect for any occasion.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Baked Pork Tenderloin

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon juiced
• 4 tablespoons butter sliced

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

Prepare Pork:

• Place each pork tenderloin in the center of a sheet of heavy-duty foil. Rub with olive oil.

Season:

• In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub seasoning mix evenly over the pork. Drizzle with lemon juice.

Add Butter:

• Slice the butter into slabs and place on top of each pork tenderloin.

Wrap and Bake:

• Wrap the foil around the pork to form packets. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Broil to Brown:

• Open the foil and broil the pork for 3–4 minutes to develop a lightly browned crust.

Rest and Serve:

• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for best results and food safety.

Allow pork to rest before slicing to retain juices.

For browning, skip searing and use a broiler to simplify cleanup.

Heavy-duty foil prevents tearing and keeps the pork juicy.