
Classic Roasted Pork Tenderloin
A foolproof, juicy pork tenderloin with a savory herb and garlic crust, seared to golden perfection on the stovetop then finished in the oven. This weeknight-friendly recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort — tender, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes.
4 servings · Prep 10 min · Cook 25 min · Total 35 min
Main Course
Ingredients
Open in recipe scaler →Main
1.5 lb pork tenderloin silver skin trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
Rub
1 tsp kosher salt
0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
0.5 tsp dried rosemary crushed
0.5 tsp onion powder
Pan Sauce
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp unsalted butter cold, cut into pieces
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Equipment
Oven
Stovetop
Aluminum Foil
Mixing Bowl
Skillet
Cast Iron Skillet
Paper Towel
Wooden Spoon
Platter
Serving Platter
Fridge
Knife
Serving Platters (Large)
Pan
Tongs
Cutting Board
Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
Insulated Gloves
Meat Thermometer
Instructions
- Remove the @[Pork Tenderloin] from the fridge ~[15–20 minutes] before cooking to take the chill off. Pat it completely dry with paper towels — this is key for a good sear. If needed, trim any silver skin (the thin, shiny membrane) with a #[Knife].
- In a #[Mixing Bowl], mix together the @[Kosher Salt], @[Black Pepper], @[Garlic Powder], @[Paprika], @[Thyme], @[Rosemary], and @[Onion Powder]. Rub the mixture all over the @[Pork Tenderloin], pressing it into the surface on all sides.
- Preheat your #[Oven] to ![425°F]. Place an oven-safe #[Skillet] (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over ^[medium-high heat] and add the @[Olive Oil]. Heat until the oil is shimmering and just beginning to smoke.
- Add the @[Pork Tenderloin] to the hot #[Skillet]. Sear without moving it for ~[2–3 minutes] until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Rotate to the next side and repeat, searing all 4 sides (~[about 8–10 minutes] total). Add the @[Butter] in the last minute and tilt the pan to baste the @[Pork Tenderloin].
- Transfer the #[Skillet] directly to the preheated #[Oven]. Roast for ~[12–15 minutes], or until an instant-read #[Meat Thermometer] inserted into the thickest part reads %[145°F]. Do not overcook — @[Pork Tenderloin] is very lean and dries out quickly.
- Transfer the @[Pork Tenderloin] to a #[Cutting Board] and tent loosely with #[Aluminum Foil]. Let it rest for ~[5–10 minutes] — this is non-negotiable for juicy results. The internal temperature will rise a few degrees as it rests.
- While the @[Pork Tenderloin] rests, return the #[Skillet] to ^[medium heat] (use #[Insulated Gloves] — the handle is hot!). Add the @[Garlic] and sauté for ~[30 seconds] until fragrant.
- Pour in the @[Chicken Broth] and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a #[Wooden Spoon] — that's pure flavor. Stir in the @[Dijon Mustard] and let the sauce simmer for ~[2–3 minutes] until slightly reduced.
- Remove the #[Skillet] from heat and swirl in the cold @[Butter] pieces one at a time until melted and the sauce is silky. Add fresh @[Thyme] leaves if using. Taste and season with @[Salt] and @[Black Pepper] as needed.
- Slice the rested @[Pork Tenderloin] into medallions about 1 inch thick. Arrange on a serving platter, drizzle generously with the pan sauce, and serve immediately.
