Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin – Juicy, Flavorful & Perfect Every Time

If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive meal, this baked pork tenderloin is the answer! Coated in a savory spice rub and roasted to perfection, this juicy and tender pork is bursting with flavor. Best of all, it’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is quick to put together, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. Serve it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Minimal prep, just 10 minutes, and the oven does the rest!
✔ Juicy & Flavorful – The spice rub locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is tender.
✔ Healthy & Low-Carb – A protein-packed meal that fits many diets.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store well and can be used in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
✔ Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser with a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

What Is Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is a long, thin, and incredibly tender cut of pork that cooks quickly and is naturally lean. It’s not to be confused with pork loin, which is a larger, firmer cut that requires different cooking methods.

For this recipe, we use two pork tenderloins, which together serve about 8 people. If you need to cook just one, simply halve the ingredients and follow the same method!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Spice Rub:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Brings a mild smokiness and rich color.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Essential for a deep, savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that enhances the taste.
• ¾ teaspoon salt – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds just a touch of warmth.

For the Pork:

• 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps create a flavorful, golden crust while sealing in moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Tenderloins

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pat the pork tenderloins dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture (this helps with browning).
4. Trim off any silver skin (a thin, silvery membrane) from the pork tenderloins to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender.

Step 2: Season the Pork

5. Generously coat the pork with the seasoning mix, rubbing it evenly into all sides of the meat.
6. Place the seasoned pork in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
7. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, helping the seasoning stick while promoting a crispier crust.

Step 3: Bake the Pork

8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes.
9. Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the pork. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for a slightly pink, juicy center.
10. If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes, checking regularly to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Rest & Slice

11. Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step locks in the juices, keeping the meat tender.
12. Slice into ½-inch thick pieces and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Pork Tenderloin

🔥 Use a Meat Thermometer – The best way to ensure perfectly cooked pork is to check the internal temperature. 145°F (63°C) is the sweet spot for tender, juicy meat.
🌿 Let it Rest – Allowing the pork to rest for 5 minutes after baking prevents the juices from escaping.
🍯 For Extra Flavor – Add a glaze of honey, Dijon mustard, or balsamic reduction during the last 5 minutes of baking for a delicious finish.
🔥 Sear Before Baking (Optional) – For an even crispier crust, sear the pork in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before placing it in the oven.

Variations & Additions

🌶 Make It Spicy – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a kick.
🍯 Sweet & Tangy Glaze – Brush with a honey mustard glaze in the last 5 minutes of baking.
🌿 Herb Butter Finish – After baking, top with garlic herb butter for extra richness.
🥓 Wrap in Bacon – Wrap each tenderloin in bacon slices before baking for even more flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Wrap the sliced pork in foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
• Microwave: Heat in short 30-second bursts, covering with a damp paper towel.

Freezing

• Slice the cooked pork, store in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin

This juicy baked pork tenderloin pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:

🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, a classic side for pork.
🥗 Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
🍚 Rice or Quinoa – A simple, healthy grain to round out the meal.
🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the juices.

Final Thoughts

This baked pork tenderloin recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your regular meal rotation! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always comes out juicy and tender. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin

This simple and delicious baked pork tenderloin recipe is a family favorite! Coated in a savory spice rub, the tenderloins are roasted to perfection, staying juicy and flavorful. It's an easy dish that's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 37 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 Servings

Calories 163 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pork tenderloins about 1 pound each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels and trim off any silver skin. Evenly coat all sides of the pork with the seasoning mixture, gently rubbing it into the meat. Place the tenderloins in a 9×13-inch baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat reaches at least 145°F.
• Allow the pork to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This recipe yields two pork tenderloins, serving up to 8 people. If needed, you can halve the recipe to cook just one tenderloin.

Leftovers: Store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Wrap sliced pork tenderloin in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Ingredient Note: Be sure to use pork tenderloin, not pork loin. Pork tenderloin is long, thin, and naturally tender, while pork loin is larger and firmer. If you have a pork loin, try my Pork Loin Roast Recipe or Instant Pot Pork Loin instead!

🔥 Try this simple recipe today and enjoy a flavorful, perfectly cooked pork tenderloin!

Happy Cooking! 😊