Pork tenderloin, also known as the “other white meat,” is a lean and flavorful cut of meat that is easy to cook and delicious to eat. It’s a versatile cut that can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or slow-cooked, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs.
If you’re new to cooking pork tenderloin or looking for some new recipe ideas, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks for cooking pork tenderloin to perfection, along with some of our favorite recipes.
Before we get into the how-to’s of cooking pork tenderloin, let’s begin by discussing a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for this cut of meat.
Buying Pork Tenderloin
When buying pork tenderloin, look for meat that is pinkish-red in color and has a thin layer of white fat on the surface. You want a piece of meat that is firm to the touch and has a uniform thickness. Avoid pork tenderloin that looks dry or discolored, as this could indicate that it’s been sitting on the shelf for too long.
Pork tenderloin can be sold either as a whole loin or cut into individual portions. If you’re cooking for a small family or a few people, it’s usually best to buy individual portions. If you’re cooking for a larger group, a whole loin may be more cost-effective.
Cooking Pork Tenderloin
Now that you’ve picked out the perfect cut of pork tenderloin, it’s time to start cooking. Here are a few methods and recipes to try:
Roasting
Roasting is one of the simplest ways to cook pork tenderloin. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place it on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°F. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Grilling
Grilling adds a smoky flavor and attractive grill marks to pork tenderloin. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Brush the pork tenderloin with your favorite marinade or seasoning, and place it on the grill. Grill for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook pork tenderloin. Cut the pork tenderloin into thin slices and season with salt and pepper. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the pork slices. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
Slow-Cooking
Slow-cooking is a great way to tenderize pork tenderloin and infuse it with flavor. Place the pork tenderloin in a slow cooker and add your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Pork Tenderloin Recipes
Here are some of our favorite pork tenderloin recipes to try:
Herb-Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:
– 2 pork tenderloins
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the pork tenderloins.
4. Grill pork tenderloins for 10-15 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Ingredients:
– 2 pork tenderloins
– 2 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Place pork tenderloins in a slow cooker.
2. Add sliced apples and onion on top of pork.
3. In a small bowl, mix together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour mixture over pork and apples.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:
– 2 pork tenderloins
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloins.
4. Place pork tenderloins in a baking dish.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs:
1. What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?
Pork loin and pork tenderloin are both cuts of pork, but they come from different parts of the hog. Pork loin is a larger, thicker cut of meat that comes from the back of the pig. Pork tenderloin is a thin, narrow cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the spine.
2. Do I need to marinate pork tenderloin?
While marinating pork tenderloin can add flavor and tenderness to the meat, it’s not necessary. Pork tenderloin is a naturally tender and flavorful cut of meat, so it can be cooked without marinating.
3. How do I know when pork tenderloin is cooked?
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. Once the pork has reached this temperature, it should be removed from the heat and allowed to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
