Classic Roasted Pork Tenderloin

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

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

  1. 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].
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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].
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.