I love cooking this delicious pork tenderloin that combines pantry staples like olive oil, kosher salt, and paprika with the unique kick of red pepper flakes. My baked pork tenderloin recipe brings together garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to create a savory dish that never fails to impress.
I’ve always been a fan of recipes that don’t make you jump through hoops in the kitchen and this baked pork tenderloin is one of my all-time faves. I was a bit surprised myself at how great it turned out with just a few simple ingredients like a good pork tenderloin, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a dash of paprika with optional red pepper flakes.
I’ve been exploring both baked and roasted variations lately so when I tried this one, it fit perfectly into my trend of easy pork tenderloin recipes. The meat is beautifully tender and juicy without any fuss even if you’re not a master chef.
If you love exploring new twists on pork loin recipes, this dish might be just what you’re after. Trust me, sometimes the simplest things truly pack the biggest punch.
Enjoy making your way to a saucy pork tenderloin masterpiece!
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s super easy to prep and cook, which means even on busy days I can whip up a good meal without too much hassle. I really like how the mix of garlic, thyme, and paprika gives the pork a nice kick of flavor that isn’t too overpowering, making it just perfect every time. The pork always comes out really tender and juicy, and that makes it one of those recipes where I never have to worry about dry meat. And honestly, I appreciate that it’s a straightforward recipe that even when I mess up a little, it still tastes great.
Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin: Lean, protein-rich meat that gives hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Olive oil: Healthy fat that deepens flavors and keeps the meat succulent throughout cooking.
- Garlic powder: Dried garlic offering umami, aroma, and a subtle zest in every bite.
- Dried thyme: Aromatic herb lending earthy, minty flavors for a well rounded taste.
- Paprika: Vibrant spice infusing sweetness and gentle heat, perfect for color and flavor.
- Kosher salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall flavor while drawing out natural tastes.
- Black pepper: Zesty spice adding a mild kick and balancing savory notes beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional pinch for extra heat that livens up every bite.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Pat the pork tenderloin dry using paper towels so the seasoning sticks better.
3. Rub the tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp paprika and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly on every side of the pork and gently massage it in.
6. Place the seasoned tenderloin in the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it is not curled up.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
8. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
9. Slice into medallions and serve while hot, enjoying the tender and juicy pork.
Equipment Needed
1. Preheated oven
2. Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper
3. Paper towels
4. A small bowl for mixing spices
5. Measuring spoons for accurate seasoning
6. A meat thermometer to check doneness
7. Cutting board
8. A sharp knife for slicing the tenderloin
FAQ
Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- You can sub pork tenderloin with boneless pork loin or even a thin cut of chicken breast if you’re lookin for a different protein twist
- If you run out of olive oil, try using avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead, they work pretty well in this recipe
- Instead of kosher salt, use sea salt or a pinch of table salt – but be careful cause table salt is a bit saltier than kosher salt
- Swapping garlic powder with some minced garlic or garlic paste can give this dish a fresher taste, just adjust the amount to your liking
- Not a fan of dried thyme? You can usually get away with using a little bit of rosemary or oregano for a slightly different flavor profile
Pro Tips
1. Let the meat sit out for about 15 minutes before you cook it so it cooks more evenly. This prevents the outside from cooking too fast and the inside staying cold.
2. If you have a few extra minutes, sear the pork in a hot pan for about 1 minute on each side before you bake it. That gives it some nice extra flavor and a bit of a crust.
3. Investing in a meat thermometer is a solid idea cause ovens can run hot or cold. It helps you avoid drying out the pork by overcooking it.
4. Don’t skip the resting step after cooking. Let it chill out for 5 to 10 minutes so the juices can settle and keep the meat juicy when you slice it.
Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
I love cooking this delicious pork tenderloin that combines pantry staples like olive oil, kosher salt, and paprika with the unique kick of red pepper flakes. My baked pork tenderloin recipe brings together garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to create a savory dish that never fails to impress.
4
servings
210
kcal
Equipment: 1. Preheated oven
2. Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper
3. Paper towels
4. A small bowl for mixing spices
5. Measuring spoons for accurate seasoning
6. A meat thermometer to check doneness
7. Cutting board
8. A sharp knife for slicing the tenderloin
Ingredients
-
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp kosher salt
-
1/2 tsp black pepper
-
1/2 tsp garlic powder
-
1/2 tsp onion powder
-
1 tsp dried thyme
-
1/2 tsp paprika
-
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry using paper towels so the seasoning sticks better.
- Rub the tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp paprika and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly on every side of the pork and gently massage it in.
- Place the seasoned tenderloin in the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it is not curled up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice into medallions and serve while hot, enjoying the tender and juicy pork.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 180g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 1g
- Monounsaturated: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 575mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 1mg
