Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork tenderloin? Cooking it at 300 degrees is a great option that will leave your meat juicy and tender.
But how long should you cook it for?
In this article, we’ll explore different recipes and techniques to help you achieve the perfect pork tenderloin at 300 degrees. From bacon-wrapped to herb-infused, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin At 300 Degrees?
When cooking pork tenderloin at 300 degrees, the cooking time will depend on the size of your cut of meat. A general rule of thumb is to cook the pork for about 20-25 minutes per pound.
For example, if you have a 2-pound pork tenderloin, you should cook it for approximately 40-50 minutes. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145°F/63°C.
However, cooking times can vary depending on the recipe and method used. Let’s take a look at some popular recipes and techniques for cooking pork tenderloin at 300 degrees.
Preparing Your Pork Tenderloin
Before cooking your pork tenderloin, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. First, season the pork with salt and pepper, and add chopped fresh herbs if desired. Then, heat oil in a frying pan and brown the pork evenly on all sides.
Next, use a boning knife to remove the silver skin from the meat. Make a cut between the skin and the meat so that the skin is free from the meat in one place. Hold the skin with one hand where you cut it free from the meat, and work the knife away from your hand, cutting the skin away from the meat as you go. Keep the blade tilted upwards a bit, so that you’re staying very close to the skin and not removing the actual meat. Repeat with all of the skin until none is left. You can also remove any bits of fat or sinew if you’d like but it’s not required.
After removing the silver skin, make your tenderloin of equal thickness by folding up the thinner end so that it’s doubled a bit there. Your goal is for the length of the pork tenderloin to be of fairly equal thickness. Secure the doubled-up part with metal skewers if you’re grilling, or butcher’s twine or wooden toothpicks if you’re baking.
Once your pork tenderloin is prepared, preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your pork on a baking sheet and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound or until a thermometer reads an internal temperature of 145° F. Remember to allow your pork tenderloin to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to lock in those juices and keep it from drying out.
By properly preparing your pork tenderloin before cooking and monitoring its internal temperature, you can ensure a delicious and juicy result when cooking at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is a delicious and flavorful dish that is surprisingly easy to make. Here’s how to make it at 300 degrees:
Ingredients:
– 1 pork tenderloin, trimmed (about 1 1/4 pounds)
– 6-8 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Line a roasting pan with foil and fit it with a roasting rack. Spray the rack with olive oil spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey and Dijon mustard. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and set aside.
3. Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder all over the pork.
4. Wrap the tenderloin with the bacon strips, wrapping each bacon slice crosswise around a section of the pork and securing the end by tucking it underneath.
5. Place the wrapped pork on the prepared roasting rack. Brush the top and sides with half of the honey-Dijon sauce.
6. Place the meat in the preheated oven and roast it until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees F (medium), about 40-50 minutes. Loosely cover it with foil after the first 15-20 minutes, to prevent the bacon from burning.
7. Remove the tenderloin from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes.
8. Brush it with the remaining portion of honey-Dijon sauce, slice, and serve.
This bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for special occasions or a weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and impressive meal that everyone will love.
Herb-Infused Pork Tenderloin Recipe
If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy way to cook pork tenderloin at 300 degrees, try this herb-infused recipe. The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, mustard, and salt creates a delicious marinade that infuses the pork with flavor.
To make this recipe, start by combining the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, mustard, and salt in a sturdy plastic bag. Add the pork tenderloins to the bag and turn to coat with the marinade. Squeeze out the air and seal the bag. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours but preferably overnight.
When you’re ready to cook the pork, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Remove the tenderloins from the marinade and discard the marinade but leave the herbs that cling to the meat. Sprinkle the tenderloins generously with salt and pepper.
Next, heat olive oil in a large oven-proof saute pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloins on all sides until golden brown. Place the saute pan in the oven and roast the tenderloins for 10 to 15 minutes or until the meat registers 137 degrees F at the thickest part.
Transfer the tenderloins to a platter and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Carve in 1/2-inch-thick diagonal slices. The thickest part of the tenderloin will be quite pink (it’s just fine!) and the thinnest part will be well done. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm or at room temperature with the juices that collect in the platter.
This herb-infused pork tenderloin recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner that you want to elevate. The marinade adds depth of flavor to the pork while keeping it moist and juicy. It’s an easy recipe that will impress your family and friends!
Tips For Achieving Juicy And Tender Pork Tenderloin
Achieving juicy and tender pork tenderloin is all about the preparation and cooking techniques you use. Here are some tips to ensure your pork tenderloin comes out perfectly tender and juicy every time:
1. Brine or Marinate: Brining or marinating your pork tenderloin before cooking can help to soften the meat and keep it from drying out. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper can work wonders.
2. Remove Silver Skin: Be sure to remove the silver skin from your pork tenderloin before cooking. This connective tissue is tough and chewy and won’t dissolve during cooking.
3. Don’t Overcook: Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, so if it’s overcooked, it can become dry and tough. Cook it to an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C and no more.
4. Rest Before Slicing: Once your pork tenderloin is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reflow in the meat and make it extra tender.
5. Sear Before Roasting: Searing your pork tenderloin in a pan before roasting not only gives it a beautiful color but also adds flavor and seals in the juices, so it stays more tender.
6. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, and thyme can add a lot of flavor to your pork tenderloin without scorching in the oven.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly juicy and tender pork tenderloin every time you cook it at 300 degrees.
How To Check If Your Pork Tenderloin Is Cooked Perfectly
Checking the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin is the most reliable way to ensure that it is cooked perfectly. To do this, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, making sure not to touch any bone or fat. The ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F/63°C. If the temperature is below this, continue cooking the pork until it reaches the recommended temperature.
Another way to check if your pork tenderloin is cooked perfectly is by using the touch test. This method involves pressing on the meat with your fingers to determine its level of doneness. For rare meat, press on the meat with your index finger and compare it to the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger when your hand is relaxed. For medium-rare, use your middle finger and compare it to the same area on your hand. For medium, use your ring finger and for well-done, use your pinky finger.
Lastly, you can also check for clear juices by cutting into the thickest part of the meat and looking at the color of the juices. Clear or slightly pink juices indicate that the pork is done, while pink or red juices mean that it needs to be cooked a little longer.
It’s important to note that these methods are not always accurate and should be used in conjunction with a meat thermometer for best results. By using these techniques and following recommended cooking temperatures, you can ensure that your pork tenderloin is cooked perfectly every time.
Serving Suggestions For Your Pork Tenderloin Dish
Once your pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection, it’s time to think about what sides to serve with it. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin:
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These earthy and nutritious vegetables are a perfect side dish for pork tenderloin. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven alongside your pork tenderloin.
2. Sweet Potato Mash: A creamy and buttery sweet potato mash is a great way to add some sweetness to your meal. You can also add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick of flavor.
3. Garlic Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and butter make for a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with pork tenderloin.
4. Apple Sauce: A classic side dish for pork, apple sauce provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the meat. You can make your own or use store-bought apple sauce.
5. Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser, and adding parmesan cheese takes them to the next level. Cut your potatoes into small cubes, toss them in olive oil and parmesan cheese, and roast them until crispy.
6. Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus is a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs well with pork tenderloin. Simply brush the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling.
These are just a few ideas for serving suggestions to go with your pork tenderloin dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect combination for your taste buds!
