Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin
Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin is the ultimate crowd-pleasing main course, marrying bold spices with buttery richness. Each tender bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, ensuring your dinner table is anything but ordinary.
This recipe highlights the magic of a simple dry rub, combining brown sugar, cayenne, and aromatic garlic and onion powders. Finished with a touch of Italian seasoning and melted butter, it transforms a humble tenderloin into an elegant centerpiece.
Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests, this dish is easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Pair it with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin Ingredients
- Pork Tenderloin: The star of this dish, offering lean, tender, and juicy meat that absorbs the bold spices beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and create a caramelized crust.
- Cayenne Pepper: Brings a fiery kick that enlivens every bite, customizable to your spice preference.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: The aromatic duo that builds a savory foundation for the seasoning blend.
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses earthy, herbaceous notes, enhancing the dish with layers of flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the pork, creating a rich, indulgent finish while keeping it moist and tender.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect the Sear for Maximum Flavor: When searing the pork tenderloin, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the meat. A proper sear locks in juices and develops a golden crust that enhances the flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan for an even crust.
- Season Generously and Evenly: Take your time rubbing the spice mixture onto every surface of the tenderloin. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. For a more personalized taste, adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For perfectly cooked pork, aim for 145°F. After removing from the oven, let the meat rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices for a succulent texture.
What to Serve with Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair the tenderloin with a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips. Their caramelized sweetness complements the savory spices of the pork.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes provides the perfect backdrop to the herbaceous and slightly spicy flavors of the dish. Add a drizzle of the pan sauce for extra indulgence.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pork and adds a refreshing contrast to the meal. Top with shaved Parmesan and toasted nuts for added texture.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?
Absolutely! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano can replace dried Italian seasoning. Use about double the amount of fresh herbs to achieve a robust flavor.
Q2: How do I prevent the pork tenderloin from drying out?
Avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature with a thermometer. Baking with butter and letting the meat rest before slicing will also help retain moisture.
Q3: Can I prepare the spice rub in advance?
Yes, you can mix the spice rub ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. This makes the prep quicker when you’re ready to cook.
Q4: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cooked pork tenderloin can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice it first, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently to maintain its juicy texture.
Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- Spice Rub
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper or less if you don’t like heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pork and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lb pork tenderloin fat trimmed
- 3 tablespoon Italian seasoning dried
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into 6 slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with aluminum foil, unless using an oven-safe skillet for cooking.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the spice rub. Thoroughly coat the pork tenderloin with this mixture, ensuring even distribution on all sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer the pork to the prepared baking dish (or retain it in the oven-safe skillet). Sprinkle the surface evenly with dried Italian seasoning, then place the butter pats atop the tenderloin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches a minimum of 145°F.
- Allow the pork to rest for approximately 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This step ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, maintaining its moist texture.
- For presentation, garnish the entire tenderloin with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme before slicing and serving.
