Savory Balsamic Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Indulge in the savory flavors of this Balsamic Garlic Pork Tenderloin, where tender pieces of pork are expertly infused with fragrant garlic and enriched by a bold balsamic vinegar and olive oil marinade. The delicate balance of dried rosemary and thyme adds a touch of herbal complexity, making this dish a centerpiece worthy of any occasion. With its juicy texture and robust flavor, this pork tenderloin is a delectable option for family dinners or entertaining guests, paired beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork tenderloin
2 lbs (trimmed)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic
2 cloves (sliced)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (finely chopped)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2
Prepare the pork tenderloin by making several slits across its surface, inserting thin slices of fresh garlic into each slit.
3
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
4
Carefully rub the balsamic mixture all over the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5
Transfer the seasoned pork tenderloin to a baking dish, ready to roast.
6
In another bowl, mix together salt, pepper, finely chopped rosemary, and dried thyme to create a robust seasoning blend.
7
Generously rub the spice mixture over the pork tenderloin, making sure to cover all sides.
8
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the meat is cooked through.
9
Once roasted, remove the pork from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
10
Slice the tenderloin into medallions and serve with your choice of sides, drizzling any leftover juices from the baking dish over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of trimmed pork tenderloin.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) for roasting the pork.
How should I prepare the garlic cloves?
The garlic should be sliced thinly and inserted into several slits made across the surface of the pork.
What makes up the liquid marinade?
The liquid marinade consists of two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Which dried herbs are included in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I season the pork?
First rub with the balsamic and oil mixture, then apply a blend of salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme over all sides.
How long does the pork need to roast?
The pork tenderloin typically roasts for approximately 20 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the pork?
The pork is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Why is it important to rest the meat?
Resting the meat for 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier texture.
How should the pork tenderloin be sliced?
It should be sliced into medallions for serving.
What should I do with the juices in the baking dish?
Drizzle the leftover juices from the baking dish over the sliced pork medallions before serving.
What side dishes go well with this pork?
Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad are excellent choices to pair with this savory dish.
Is this recipe considered easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals and beginners.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic.
Should the rosemary be chopped?
Yes, the dried rosemary should be finely chopped before being added to the spice mixture.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
Is the pork covered during roasting?
No, the pork is roasted uncovered in a baking dish and only covered with foil after it is removed from the oven.
How do I ensure the pork is evenly coated?
Carefully rub the balsamic mixture and the spice blend all over the meat to cover all sides.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Yes, its robust flavor and elegant presentation make it a centerpiece worthy of entertaining guests.
What kind of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and quality.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: pork, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
What is the texture of the finished pork?
When prepared correctly, the pork tenderloin results in a juicy and tender texture.
Can I use this recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it is quick to roast and easy to prepare, it is ideal for family dinners.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is a main dish focused on roasted pork with herbal and balsamic notes.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are included to taste as part of the robust seasoning blend.
How do I prepare the pork surface before seasoning?
Make several slits across the surface of the meat using a knife to hold the garlic slices.
What is the specific amount of balsamic vinegar?
You will need exactly 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How should the garlic be inserted?
Thin slices of fresh garlic are inserted directly into the slits you made in the pork.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish features a savory, garlicky flavor enriched by bold balsamic vinegar and aromatic herbs.
Is the pork trimmed before cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify using 2 lbs of trimmed pork tenderloin.