Mastering Pork Tenderloin Cooking Times and Techniques
Did you know that pork tenderloin is one of the most versatile cuts of meat you can purchase? Although it’s often labeled as “boring” and overlooked, tenderloin is actually a wonderful alternative to other proteins. Not only is pork tenderloin affordable, but it also comes in handy for creating quick and easy weeknight meals. In fact, the pork tenderloin cooking time is just under 30 minutes. There are many excellent flavors and textures awaiting your taste buds…if you know how to cook pork tenderloin correctly! Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking this versatile cut of meat. We’ll take a look at using everything from an oven to a sous vide, and some of our favorite recipes that will keep your taste buds coming back for more.
What is pork tenderloin?
Unleashing the delectable potential of pork tenderloin—also known as pork loin or pork fillet—depends largely on your knowledge of its origins and preparation methods. Found near the back of the pig’s rib section, the tenderloin is a long, lean muscle nestled beneath the back fat. It’s the least active muscle in the pig’s body, contributing to its tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
While many may immediately think of a roasted pork loin when they hear “pork tenderloin”, this versatile cut can be prepared in a myriad of ways. Whether you choose to cook it in an oven, grill it to perfection, or use advanced methods such as sous vide or air frying, each technique unlocks unique flavors and textures. This lean and delicious protein serves as a healthy alternative to other meats, fitting seamlessly into various culinary creations. For those considering bulk purchases, we recommend exploring our detailed post on Costco pork tenderloin.
Pork tenderloin cooking time in an oven
The best way to cook pork tenderloin in the oven is by baking it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes per pound. This means that a 2 pound tenderloin would take approximately 20 minutes to fully cook. You can also adjust the cooking time by testing the pork tenderloin with a meat thermometer. You want to cook your tenderloin until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. We prefer cooking ours a little more well done and shoot for an internal temperature of 155 degrees. To roast your pork tenderloin, place it on a roasting pan in the middle of the oven. You can use any herbs or seasonings that you like to give your tenderloin a unique flavor. You can use the basics like salt, pepper, and thyme, or try using a pork rub.
Cooking time for pork tenderloin on the grill
The best way to cook pork tenderloin on the grill is by using indirect heat. This means that you’ll have to place your tenderloin on a separate grill from the coals or the gas burners. For example, if you have a three burner grill, you can turn the outermost burners on and grill your tenderloin in the middle of the grill. Although you can cook your tenderloin on a charcoal or gas grill, you’ll get the best results by using a smoker. When cooking your tenderloin on the grill, you want to make sure that the grill temperature reaches at least 325 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a grill temperature gauge or an oven thermometer to monitor the grill’s temperature. Once you’ve reached the desired temperature, place your tenderloin in the grill away from the coals. You want the tenderloin to be in a spot where it doesn’t get too much heat or direct flame. The pork tenderloin cooking time on a grill is approximately 20 minutes. We recommend flipping your pork tenderloin about midway through.
Cooking time for pork tenderloin in the sous vide
One of the reasons we love cooking with a sous vide is that we are able to dial in the exact temperature that we want, and never worry about overcooking or drying out our pork tenderloin. The pork tenderloin cooking time via the sous vide method is around two hours. You’ll want to cook a 2 pound pork tenderloin for at least 2 hours on the sous vide at 144 degrees Fahrenheit (or to your preferred doneness). This method of cooking requires a special machine called a sous vide, but it’s well worth the investment. The sous vide machine will allow you to cook your tenderloin to a perfect pink or medium-rare doneness every time. This is because the machine will heat up your water to the exact temperature that is needed to cook the tenderloin. The best way to cook pork tenderloin on the sous vide is to place it in a vacuum-sealed bag. Sous vide can take a little longer than traditional methods, but it will be cooked to perfection every time. You can serve immediately, but if you have some extra time, we always recommend searing in a pan or grill prior to serving.
Cooking time for pork tenderloin in an air fryer
The best way to cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer is by placing it in the basket with baking paper. Make sure to leave about 1-inch of space between the tenderloin and the basket so that the air can circulate. The best temperature to cook tenderloin in the air fryer is between 350 degrees Fahrenheit and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of your tenderloin or you can use your oven thermometer. The average cook time is around 18-22 minutes depending on the size of your meat.
Conclusion
We love cooking pork tenderloin because there are so many different ways to prepare it, and its almost always done in under thirty minutes. If it’s raining and you can’t use the grill there’s always the oven, the air fryer, or the sous vide giving you several great cooking options. Whether you choose to roast, grill, or sous vide your tenderloin, there are plenty of flavors and cooking methods to choose from. If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to your pork tenderloin, we recommend finishing with a nice smoked salt. While your meal may have been cooked in an oven, the smoked salt is infused with smoke and give you a little extra flavor.