Cooking pork tenderloin in the oven can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure how long to cook it for. With so many different recipes and techniques out there, it’s hard to know which one to follow.
But fear not, because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a 1 lb pork tenderloin in the oven to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, our step-by-step guide will help you achieve juicy and flavorful pork every time.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook 1 Lb Pork Tenderloin In Oven?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you start cooking your pork tenderloin, preheat your oven to 400°F. This will ensure that your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to start cooking.
Step 2: Season Your Pork Tenderloin
Season your pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. Rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure that it’s evenly coated.
Step 3: Sear Your Pork Tenderloin
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add your pork tenderloin and sear it on all sides until it’s browned. This will help to lock in the juices and give your pork a nice crust.
Step 4: Bake Your Pork Tenderloin
Transfer your seared pork tenderloin to a baking sheet or casserole dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
Step 5: Let Your Pork Tenderloin Rest
Once your pork tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Preparing The Pork Tenderloin
Preparing your pork tenderloin properly is crucial to ensure that it cooks evenly and retains its juiciness. Start by trimming off any excess fat or silver skin and pat the meat dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to stick to the meat and give it a nice crust when seared.
Next, season your pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. You can also add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or sage for extra flavor. Rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure that it’s evenly coated.
To sear your pork tenderloin, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add your pork tenderloin and sear it on all sides until it’s browned. This will help to lock in the juices and give your pork a nice crust.
Once your pork tenderloin is seared, you can either bake it in the same pan you seared it in, or transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet. Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F.
After baking, remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. By following these simple steps, you can cook a delicious and juicy 1 lb pork tenderloin in your oven.
Seasoning The Pork Tenderloin
When it comes to seasoning your pork tenderloin, the possibilities are endless. The most basic seasoning is simply salt and pepper, but you can also add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Some other popular seasonings include garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
To season your pork tenderloin, start by patting it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat better. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper all over the tenderloin, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them up finely and sprinkle them over the pork as well. You can also mix your herbs with some olive oil or melted butter to create a paste and rub it all over the meat.
Once you’ve seasoned your pork tenderloin, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor.
Preheating The Oven
Preheating your oven is an important step in cooking a perfect pork tenderloin. Preheating allows the oven to reach the desired temperature before you start cooking, ensuring that your pork will cook evenly and at the right temperature.
To preheat your oven, set it to 400°F and wait for it to reach that temperature. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven. You can use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven has reached the desired temperature.
It’s important to note that if your oven is not preheated, your pork tenderloin may not cook evenly. This can result in overcooked or undercooked meat, which can be tough and dry.
By taking the time to preheat your oven, you’ll be able to cook a delicious pork tenderloin that is juicy and flavorful. So be patient and let your oven do its job before you start cooking!
Cooking The Pork Tenderloin
Cooking the pork tenderloin is the most important step in ensuring that it’s cooked to perfection. There are several methods you can use to cook your pork tenderloin, but the most common method is to bake it in the oven.
To bake your pork tenderloin, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, season your pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. Rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure that it’s evenly coated.
Next, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add your pork tenderloin and sear it on all sides until it’s browned. This will help to lock in the juices and give your pork a nice crust.
Transfer your seared pork tenderloin to a baking sheet or casserole dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F. It’s important to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the meat, as pork tenderloin can easily become overcooked and dry out.
Once your pork tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Checking For Doneness
Determining the doneness of your pork tenderloin is crucial to ensuring that it’s cooked to your liking. While a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check the internal temperature, you can also use the touch test to estimate the level of doneness.
To perform the touch test, use the same method as with steak. Make a relaxed fist and press the fleshy area between your thumb and forefinger. This is what raw pork tenderloin should feel like when you touch it. Now, touch your thumb to your pointer finger and press that same part of your hand again. It should feel slightly firmer, similar to a rare pork tenderloin. For medium-rare, touch your thumb to your middle finger and feel for a slightly firmer texture. For medium, touch your thumb to your ring finger and feel for a more pronounced firmness. Finally, for well-done, touch your thumb to your pinky finger and feel for a very firm texture.
Remember that this method is not as precise as using a meat thermometer, but it can give you a general idea of how much longer you need to cook your pork tenderloin. When checking for doneness, use tongs or a wooden spoon to lightly press the surface of the meat instead of pressing your hand directly onto hot food.
By following these steps, you can cook a delicious and perfectly cooked 1 lb pork tenderloin in the oven without worrying about overcooking or undercooking it.
Letting The Pork Tenderloin Rest
After your pork tenderloin has finished cooking in the oven, it’s important to let it rest before slicing into it. This is a crucial step that many people overlook, but it can make a big difference in the texture and flavor of your meat.
When you cook meat, the heat causes the juices to move towards the center of the meat. If you cut into the meat right away, those juices will escape and leave you with a dry and tough piece of meat. By letting your pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking, you allow those juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
To let your pork tenderloin rest, simply remove it from the oven and place it on a cutting board or serving platter. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm and prevent it from drying out, and let it sit for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
During this time, you can prepare any sides or sauces that you plan to serve with your pork tenderloin. Once the meat has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it into medallions and serve immediately.
By following these simple steps for cooking and resting your pork tenderloin, you can ensure that it comes out perfectly juicy and flavorful every time.
