Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork tenderloin? Baking it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a great option!
Not only is it a simple method, but it also allows the pork to cook evenly and retain its moisture. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to bake pork tenderloin at 350 degrees, including tips on seasoning, cooking times, and checking for doneness.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will help you create a mouthwatering pork tenderloin that your family and friends will love. So let’s get started!
How To Bake Pork Tenderloin At 350?
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking dish that can fit the pork tenderloin without bending it.
Next, season the pork tenderloin with pepper and any other desired seasonings. Keep in mind that the pork has already been brined in salt, so avoid adding more salt at this stage.
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the prepared baking dish and put it in the preheated oven. Bake for 27-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to check the temperature regularly, starting at the lower end of the time range and then every 3 minutes after that.
If you prefer your pork to be cooked to a higher temperature, you can bake it for 25-35 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. However, keep in mind that cooking it for longer may result in a drier pork tenderloin.
Once the pork tenderloin is cooked to your desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest on a plate for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier and more flavorful pork tenderloin.
Choosing And Preparing The Pork Tenderloin
When it comes to choosing and preparing the pork tenderloin, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. First and foremost, it’s important to use pork tenderloin and not pork loin. Pork tenderloin is a slender cut of meat that is more tender and cooks in a fraction of the time.
Before seasoning and cooking the pork tenderloin, it’s essential to trim it properly. Be sure to remove and discard the silver skin, which is the shiny white connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the tenderloin. This connective tissue is tough, chewy, and does not dissolve during cooking, so it’s best to remove it before cooking. To do this, use a sharp knife to get underneath the silver skin, then run the knife down the length of the connective tissue to separate it from the meat. Repeat as needed until all of the silver skin is removed.
It’s also important to trim excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Since we’re cooking the pork quickly, the fat won’t have time to fully render or melt, which means it also won’t add much moisture or flavor to the meat.
When it comes to seasoning the pork tenderloin, fresh herbs are recommended over dried herbs since they won’t scorch in the oven. A blend of fresh rosemary, parsley, and thyme works exceptionally well with Dijon-glazed meat.
Finally, make sure to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before baking the pork tenderloin in a baking dish that can fit it without bending it. By following these tips for choosing and preparing your pork tenderloin, you’ll have a juicy and flavorful dish every time.
Seasoning The Pork Tenderloin
To ensure that your pork tenderloin is well seasoned throughout, you can create a rub using a mixture of herbs and spices. In a separate bowl, mix together garlic powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, thyme, and any other desired dry ingredients. Stir the mixture with a fork until all the ingredients are well combined and they form a seasoning.
Sprinkle the rub over the tenderloin with a dry hand, then rub the pork with the seasoning over both sides of the meat, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres well to the tenderloin. This will help to flavor the meat and add some extra depth of flavor.
You can also use a pre-made seasoning mix to save time and effort. For example, you can mix together chili powder, brown sugar or coconut sugar, dried oregano, paprika, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, and fine sea salt. Rub this mixture onto the pork tenderloin before baking it in the oven.
When it comes to seasoning the pork tenderloin, there are endless possibilities. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor combination. Just be sure not to overdo it on the salt since the pork has already been brined.
Preheating The Oven To 350 Degrees Fahrenheit
Preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a crucial step in baking pork tenderloin as it ensures even cooking and prevents undercooking or overcooking. The average time to preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is about 15 minutes, but the time may vary depending on the stove. Older stoves may take longer to preheat, while some newer stove models have a fast preheat feature.
To determine the exact preheat time for your oven, it’s recommended to test it with an oven thermometer. Place the thermometer in the center of a rack set in the middle of the oven, then turn the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set an oven timer and check the temperature on the thermometer at 10 minutes, then again at 15 minutes.
It’s important to note that preheating time increases as the desired temperature increases. For instance, to preheat an oven to 400-450+ degrees Fahrenheit, it may take about 20-25 minutes. Therefore, allowing the oven enough time to preheat is crucial in achieving a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin.
Baking The Pork Tenderloin At 350 Degrees Fahrenheit
When baking a pork tenderloin at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it comes out perfectly cooked and juicy. First, it’s important to choose the right size baking dish. The dish should be large enough to fit the pork tenderloin without needing to bend it at all. This will ensure that the pork cooks evenly and retains its shape.
Once you’ve selected your baking dish, season the pork tenderloin with pepper and any other desired seasonings. As mentioned earlier, remember that the pork has already been brined in salt, so avoid adding more salt at this stage.
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the prepared baking dish and put it in the preheated oven. Bake for 27-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to check the temperature regularly, starting at the lower end of the time range and then every 3 minutes after that.
If you prefer your pork to be cooked to a higher temperature, you can bake it for 25-35 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. However, keep in mind that cooking it for longer may result in a drier pork tenderloin.
It’s important to let your pork tenderloin rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful pork tenderloin.
Checking For Doneness
Checking for doneness is a crucial step in baking pork tenderloin at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The internal temperature of the pork tenderloin is the best indicator of whether it is cooked through or not. To check the temperature, use an instant-read meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the pork tenderloin.
The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. If the temperature reads below this, continue baking the pork tenderloin for a few more minutes and check the temperature again. It’s important to avoid overcooking the pork tenderloin, as this can result in dry and tough meat.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by slicing into the thickest part of the pork tenderloin. If the juices run clear and there is no pink left in the meat, it is cooked through. However, this method is less reliable than using a thermometer.
Another way to check for doneness is by touching the pork tenderloin. When it’s cooked through, it will feel firm to the touch. If it still feels soft or squishy, then it needs to be cooked for longer.
Letting The Pork Tenderloin Rest
After the pork tenderloin is baked to perfection, it’s important to let it rest before slicing and serving. This step is crucial for ensuring that the meat stays juicy and tender.
During the cooking process, the muscle fibers in the meat contract and squeeze out juices. If you cut into the meat right away, those juices will flow out and leave you with a dry and tough pork tenderloin. Resting allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb those juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful pork tenderloin.
To let the pork tenderloin rest, remove it from the baking dish and place it on a plate. Loosely cover it with foil or a lid and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. This resting time allows the temperature of the meat to even out, and for the juices to redistribute throughout the pork tenderloin.
For optimal results, let the pork tenderloin rest for up to 10 minutes, but be sure to check its internal temperature before serving. The temperature of the pork tenderloin will continue to rise by about 5-10 degrees during this resting period. Therefore, you should remove it from the oven when its internal temperature is just below your desired doneness.
