Ultimate Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Discover the secrets to a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin that guarantees moistness and tenderness with every bite. This foolproof recipe not only showcases the natural flavor of the pork but also allows for complete customization with your choice of herbs and spices. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this method ensures that even if you cook multiple tenderloins, each will turn out beautifully without drying out. For an effortless complete meal, consider adding roasted vegetables to the same pan—perfectly timed to finish alongside your succulent pork. Elevate your cooking game with this recipe that is sure to impress!
4
Servings
46
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork tenderloin
1 (pound)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Dry seasoning
to taste (any combination of thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, savory, or Italian seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by ensuring your oven is accurate and well insulated; this is crucial for success. If you suspect your oven has significant temperature fluctuations, you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
2
Check the exact weight of the pork tenderloin from the packaging, as this will determine the cooking time.
3
Preheat your oven to a blazing 500°F (260°C). While the oven is heating, remove the pork tenderloin from the refrigerator.
4
Generously season the pork with salt, pepper, and your choice of dry seasonings such as thyme, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. Feel free to be creative!
5
Place the seasoned tenderloin in an uncovered roasting pan, ensuring it’s positioned on the bottom third shelf of the oven.
6
Bake the tenderloin for precisely 5 1/2 minutes per pound. This timing is critical; adjust based on your oven's performance if needed.
7
If available, use an oven probe or thermometer that can monitor the temperature without opening the door. Set the target temperature alarm for 140°F (60°C) and watch for when it alerts.
8
Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F, turn off the oven but do not open the door. Allow the pork to rest in the closed oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This residual heat continues cooking the pork to perfection.
9
After the resting time, remove the pork from the oven, lightly cover it with foil, and let it sit for another 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10
When ready to serve, slice the tenderloin and check that the internal temperature is between 145°F and 150°F (63°C to 66°C) for optimal juiciness.
Nutrition Information
1.6g
Fat
0.2g
Carbs
7.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the Ultimate Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin stays moist?
The secret to moistness is using the high-heat method followed by a long rest in a closed, turned-off oven, which uses residual heat to finish cooking without drying the meat.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F (260°C) before the pork is placed inside.
How long should I bake the pork tenderloin per pound?
Bake the tenderloin for precisely 5 1/2 minutes per pound of weight.
What internal temperature should the pork reach before I turn off the oven?
The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) before you turn off the oven.
How long does the pork need to rest in the closed oven?
Allow the pork to rest in the closed, turned-off oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Can I open the oven door while the pork is resting?
No, it is critical not to open the door during the resting period to maintain the residual heat needed for cooking.
What is the recommended final internal temperature for serving?
For optimal juiciness, the final internal temperature should be between 145°F and 150°F (63°C to 66°C).
What seasonings are recommended for the herb crust?
You can use any combination of salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, savory, or Italian seasoning.
Do I need to cover the roasting pan while baking?
No, the seasoned tenderloin should be placed in an uncovered roasting pan.
Where in the oven should the pork be placed?
The roasting pan should be positioned on the bottom third shelf of the oven.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 46 calories, 7.2g of protein, 1.6g of fat, and 0.2g of carbohydrates.
Can I cook more than one tenderloin at the same time?
Yes, this method ensures that even if you cook multiple tenderloins, each will turn out beautifully without drying out.
Should I rest the pork after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, after removing it from the oven, lightly cover it with foil and let it sit for another 5-10 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to the pan?
Yes, you can add roasted vegetables to the same pan so they finish alongside the succulent pork.
Why is the weight of the pork important?
The weight determines the specific initial bake time (5.5 minutes per pound) required for the recipe's success.
Is a meat thermometer necessary for this recipe?
Yes, using an oven probe or thermometer is recommended to accurately monitor the 140°F internal temperature alert.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is tagged for meal prep and is great for preparing ahead of time.
What kind of pork cut is required?
The recipe calls for a one-pound boneless pork tenderloin.
What if my oven has temperature fluctuations?
If your oven is not well-insulated or fluctuates, you may need to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, with only 0.2g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a very low-carb option.
Does this recipe work for dinner parties?
Yes, it is designed to impress guests and is ideal for dinner parties due to its consistent results.
What type of seasoning should I use for a crust?
Dry seasonings work best; you can use any combination of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
When should I take the pork out of the refrigerator?
Remove the pork from the refrigerator while the oven is preheating to 500°F.
Why is the 45-60 minute rest time necessary?
The long rest in the closed oven allows the residual heat to gently cook the meat to perfection without the intensity of a direct flame.
What should I do if my pork tenderloin is more than one pound?
Calculate the initial bake time by multiplying the exact weight by 5.5 minutes.
How is the seasoning applied?
The pork should be seasoned generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and your chosen dry seasonings.
What is the primary benefit of this cooking method?
This foolproof method guarantees tenderness and prevents the meat from drying out, even for beginners.
Can I use Italian seasoning?
Yes, Italian seasoning is one of the recommended dry seasoning options for this recipe.
Should the meat be sliced immediately after taking it out of the oven?
No, you should let it rest for 5-10 minutes under foil first to allow the juices to redistribute.