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The Best Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe for the Best Baked Pork Tenderloin features a tender, juicy pork tenderloin coated with a savory butter and Ranch seasoning mixture, then gently baked to perfection. With a quick stovetop sear followed by oven baking, the pork remains flavorful and moist. Fresh herbs add an aromatic touch, making this an easy yet elegant main dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin

Seasonings & Butter Mix

  • 1/2 tablespoon oil
  • Salt & pepper (just a pinch of each)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 1 (1-oz) package Ranch seasoning mix (or your favorite herb-based seasoning mix or homemade substitute)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 sprigs fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and catch any drippings.
  2. Sear the Pork: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper. Brown the pork on all sides for 1-2 minutes each side to seal in juices and develop flavor.
  3. Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, Ranch seasoning mix, and minced garlic until well combined. This will create a flavorful compound butter to coat the pork.
  4. Apply Butter and Add Herbs: Place the browned pork on the lined baking pan. Spread about three-quarters of the butter mixture evenly over the pork. If using fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, tuck the sprigs next to the pork to infuse aroma while baking.
  5. Bake Covered: Tent aluminum foil over the pork and seal tightly to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the pork reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.
  6. Finish Baking Uncovered: Carefully remove the pork from the oven and open the foil (watch out for hot steam). Spread the remaining compound butter over the pork, then return it to the oven uncovered. Continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, the safe recommended temperature for pork.
  7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest on the counter for 5 minutes. This resting time allows juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy slices. Finally, slice the pork tenderloin and serve.

Notes

  • You can substitute the Ranch seasoning mix with any herb-based seasoning or make your own by mixing dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper.
  • Using fresh herbs enhances the aroma but is optional.
  • Resting the meat after baking is crucial to keep it juicy.
  • Make sure to use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking.

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Find it online: https://flavorfestkitchen.com/the-best-baked-pork-tenderloin-recipe/