I always love trying innovative spins on classic pork recipes. Recently I marinated a prime pork tenderloin with olive oil, garlic, and a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary before finishing it with a hint of dijon mustard and honey. This baked pork tenderloin offers such a captivating flavor profile.

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I’m excited to share my Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe that is sure to impress your whole family, even the pickiest eaters. This easy pork tenderloin recipe uses a simple mix of flavors that really makes a difference.

I start with a 1 to 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, giving it a nice sear with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and freshly minced garlic. I then season it with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme and rosemary to bring out the great flavors.

Afterwards I brush it with a tangy mix of Dijon mustard and honey before baking it – bringing together all the tasty elements of a classic Pork Loin Roast Recipe. Every time I try an Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin dish like this, it comes out perfectly moist and full of flavor that reminds me why I love baked pork loin recipes so much.

Enjoy discovering this mouth watering creation in your oven!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it comes together so easy and quick. I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen and it’s still super tasty at the end.

I really enjoy the mix of flavors from the garlic, herbs, Dijon mustard and honey. They all blend perfectly to give the pork tenderloin a great kick that I cant get enough of.

I love that the pork stays juicy and tender every time I bake it. Even when I’m not the best chef, I can still trust that it will turn out yummy.

Another reason is that it makes a great meal to share with my family and friends. Its simple enough to impress everyone, even if you’re not a gourmet cook.

Ingredients

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Pork tenderloin: A lean, protein-packed meat that makes the dish filling and hearty.
Olive oil: Provides healthy fats, helps keep the pork juicy and adds rich flavor.
Garlic: Offers bold flavor and some health benefits, perfect for seasoning.
Dijon mustard: Gives a tangy zest that cuts through the pork’s richness.
Honey: Lends a natural sweetness to balance out the spices and salt.

Ingredient Quantities

1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and get your baking pan ready.

2. Pat your pork tenderloin dry with paper towels so the seasoning really sticks.

3. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.

4. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon honey until everything looks combined.

5. Rub the mix all over the pork tenderloin making sure its evenly coated on all sides.

6. Place the tenderloin in the pan and put it into the preheated oven.

7. Bake it for about 20-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part shows 145°F.

8. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it up.

9. Slice it into medallions and serve while its still warm.

10. Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share this simple recipe with your family and friends!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking pan
3. Paper towels
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Stirring spoon
7. Meat thermometer
8. Cutting board
9. Sharp knife
10. Serving plate

FAQ

How do I know if my pork tenderloin is done?

Just use a meat thermometer – it should reach 145°F in the thickest part. Make sure not to overcook it cuz it can get dry.

Can I substitute the dried herbs with something else?

Sure thing! You can try using an Italian seasoning blend instead of thyme and rosemary if you're in a hurry.

How long should I bake the pork tenderloin?

Typically, you wanna bake yours at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes depending on its size. Keep an eye on it so you dont overdo the cooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the pork before cooking?

Not really, the olive oil, garlic and spices do a pretty neat job at infusing the flavor while baking, but if you have some extra time, marinating it for an hour could enhance the taste even more.

Can I serve this dish with other sides?

Absolutely – it goes well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or even a quick salad. It's a simple dish that can be paired with many sides.

Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil can be swapped for vegetable oil or canola oil if you dont have any on hand
If you dont have fresh garlic, try using about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead
Dijon mustard can be replaced with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard for a similar tang
If you’re out of honey, a good substitute is maple syrup or even agave nectar

Pro Tips

1. Consider letting the pork sit in the fridge with the rub for at least 30 minutes before cooking if you have the time. It really helps the flavors soak in better.
2. Try searing the tenderloin in a hot pan for a couple minutes on each side before you bake it. It gives a nice crust and locks in the juices.
3. Always use a meat thermometer if you can, but if you dont have one, check that the juices run clear when you poke it to make sure it’s cooked just right.
4. Once you take it out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is super important cuz it keeps the pork juicy and makes it easier to slice.
5. If youre feeling a bit creative, you might add a little splash of white wine or even some lemon zest into your marinade for an extra burst of flavor.