Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will impress your family and friends?
Look no further than butterflied pork tenderloin! This versatile cut of meat can be cooked in a variety of ways, but today we’ll focus on how to cook it in the oven.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to cook a perfect butterflied pork tenderloin.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How Long To Cook Butterflied Pork Tenderloin In Oven?
Cooking a butterflied pork tenderloin in the oven is a simple and straightforward process. The key to success is to ensure that the meat is cooked to the right temperature, which will ensure that it is juicy and tender.
To begin, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are including vegetables in your dish, you can lower the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, prepare your spice mixture by combining ancho, chipotle, garlic powders, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Clean any fat and sinew off the tenderloin with a sharp knife and discard them. Butterfly the pork tenderloin by slicing it down the middle but not completely through, opening it like a book. Spread it out flat and rub the spice mixture on both sides. Allow it to rest while the oven heats up.
Place the butterflied pork tenderloin in a shallow baking dish and roast it in the oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit. A whole tenderloin weighing 1 1/2 pounds will take approximately 30 minutes to reach this temperature. Begin checking your butterflied roast at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
If you prefer to grill your butterflied pork tenderloin, you can oil the grill and cook it for 12 minutes, turning halfway through. Baste it with any BBQ sauce if desired before turning and again on the other side. The meat should be cooked with an internal temperature of 135°-145°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Preparing The Pork Tenderloin
Before cooking your butterflied pork tenderloin, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure that it cooks evenly and is flavorful. Start by seasoning the pork with salt and pepper. If desired, you can also add chopped fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
Next, heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the pork evenly on all sides, then transfer it to a baking sheet.
Once the pork is on the baking sheet, place it in the preheated oven and cook it for 18-20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit. While the tenderloin is cooking, you can begin to prepare any sauces or sides that you plan to serve with it.
After removing the pork from the oven, allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will give the juices time to redistribute within the meat and will result in a juicier and more flavorful final product.
Remember that overcooking your butterflied pork tenderloin can result in a dry and flavorless dish. To avoid this, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and remove it from the oven promptly. With proper preparation and cooking techniques, your butterflied pork tenderloin will be a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Seasoning Options For Butterflied Pork Tenderloin
There are many seasoning options available for butterflied pork tenderloin, depending on your personal preferences and the flavors you want to highlight. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Korean-style marinade: Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the butterflied pork tenderloin and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill or roast as desired.
2. Cherry balsamic gastrique: In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, cherries, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy. Brush the sauce over the butterflied pork tenderloin during the last few minutes of cooking.
3. Dijon mustard and herb rub: Mix together Dijon mustard, chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley), and minced garlic. Rub the mixture all over the butterflied pork tenderloin before grilling or roasting.
4. Mexican-style spice rub: Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the butterflied pork tenderloin before cooking. Serve with salsa and guacamole on the side.
No matter which seasoning option you choose, be sure to let the butterflied pork tenderloin rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
How To Cook Butterflied Pork Tenderloin In The Oven
Cooking butterflied pork tenderloin in the oven is a great way to achieve a juicy and tender result. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, or 350 degrees Fahrenheit if you are including vegetables in your dish.
2. Prepare your pork tenderloin by trimming and butterflying it. Use a sharp knife to remove all the silver skin from the outside of the tenderloin. Then cut the tenderloin lengthwise down the middle, making an incision about 1 inch deep. Use clean hands to open the cut like a book. Then make a lengthwise incision about 1/2 inch deep on either side of the first cut. Again, open the tenderloin like a book or unfolding a letter. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the meat and use a meat mallet to pound the tenderloin into a uniform 1/2-inch thickness.
3. In the bottom of a shallow dish, mix together 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon each salt, pepper and rosemary.
4. Put the pork tenderloin into the marinade. Turn to coat all sides. Let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate loosely covered for up to several hours.
5. Remove the pork from the marinade and place it in a shallow baking dish.
6. Roast in the oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit. A whole tenderloin weighing 1 1/2 pounds will take approximately 30 minutes to reach this temperature. Begin checking your butterflied roast at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
7. Remove from oven and let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
By following these simple steps, you can achieve delicious and perfectly cooked butterflied pork tenderloin in the oven.
Checking The Temperature Of The Pork Tenderloin
The most important step in cooking a butterflied pork tenderloin is checking its internal temperature. To do this, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch any bone, fat, or gristle. The ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F.
It’s important to note that the temperature of the meat will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so it’s best to remove it from the oven or grill when the thermometer reads 140°F to avoid overcooking. Allow the meat to rest for at least five minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that it stays moist and tender.
If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the pork by cutting into it with a sharp knife. The meat should be slightly pink in the center with clear juices running from it. If the meat is still red or has pink juices, it needs more time in the oven or on the grill.
By following these guidelines and checking the temperature of your butterflied pork tenderloin, you can ensure that your dish is both safe to eat and deliciously juicy and tender.
Resting And Serving The Butterflied Pork Tenderloin
After removing the butterflied pork tenderloin from the oven or grill, it is important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
To let the meat rest, transfer it to a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will keep the meat warm while allowing it to rest. Do not cut into the meat immediately as this will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a dry and tough dish.
Once the butterflied pork tenderloin has rested for 5 minutes, you can slice it into thin pieces using a sharp knife. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can also use the sliced pork tenderloin as a filling for sandwiches or tacos.
