How Long Do I Cook a Pork Tenderloin

Introduction

This is a question I get often: How long do I cook a pork tenderloin? Pork tenderloins are great for roasting, but it can be hard to know exactly how long you need to cook them. You might be tempted to start with the same times as other cuts of pork and then adjust from there, but that’s not always an accurate approach. So today we’re going to talk all about cooking pork tenderloins!

How long do I cook a pork tenderloin?

How long you cook a pork tenderloin depends on the size of the roast and how well done you like your meat. A whole tenderloin can be cooked for as little as 20 minutes or as long as 2 hours, depending on its thickness and desired doneness. The best way to tell when a pork tenderloin is done is by using an instant-read thermometer inserted into its thickest part; it should register 145 degrees F (63 C).

How to Cook a Pork Tenderloin

how-long-do-i-cook-a-pork-tenderloin

How to Cook a Pork Tenderloin

A pork tenderloin is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in many ways. To cook it properly, look for one that’s pink and not too fat. When you’re ready to eat your roast tenderloin, slice it into medallions or cutlets with the grain or against the grain (depending on how you want them). You can also shred it for use in sandwiches or stir-fries.

Ingredients

  • Pork tenderloin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (optional)
  • Garlic powder or minced garlic cloves (optional)
  • Thyme, rosemary and/or sage (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, and then rub it with oil or butter. Place it on a rack over a roasting pan (or just on a sheet tray if you don’t have anything else), fat side up so that it doesn’t dry out during cooking, then place in oven for 20 minutes per pound of meat until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F at its thickest part (about 10 minutes per pound).
  • Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thin medallions or serving whole as an entree item with sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes!

Follow your recipe to learn how long it takes to cook a pork tenderloin.

The best way to know how long it takes for your pork tenderloin to cook is by following the recipe. If you’re using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the roast and check for doneness. It should read 145 degrees F (65 C) at its thickest point when fully cooked.

Conclusion

The length of time required to cook a pork tenderloin depends on the type of cut, temperature and method used. The easiest way to determine how long it will take is by following your recipe or using an oven thermometer to check if your oven is at the right temperature before putting in the meat.

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