Hey friends! I’m back with a collection of some of my favorite pork tenderloin recipes — it’s one of our most well-loved proteins here because it is inexpensive and so easy to cook! Pork tenderloin is one of our favorite cuts of meat because it is lean, easy to cook (and easy to cook well), moist and tender, and it can be paired with a wide variety of flavors. First, make sure that what you’re cooking is a pork tenderloin and not a pork loin — there’s a big difference in preparation!
What is the difference between a pork tenderloin and a pork loin?
While pork tenderloin and pork loin are both lean, boneless cuts of pork, that’s about where the similarities end. A pork tenderloin and pork loin are cut from totally different parts of the pig, and need to be cooked differently. Pork tenderloins are usually right around the 1lb mark for each piece. A pork loin is much larger, and thicker, and can range anywhere from a couple pounds to 5 pounds in size. Because of this size difference, it’s not always wise to try to swap one for the other in these recipes. The seasoning blends, sauces and glazes would likely be excellent on either, but the cooking techniques are completely different for each. If you’re looking for how to cook pork loin, check out this Slow Cooker Pork Loin recipe. See more detailed information on the different cooking methods for a tenderloin down below these recipes.
Our favorite Pork Tenderloin recipes:
What is the best way to cook pork tenderloin?
Because it is small and tender cut of meat, it is easily adapted to most cooking techniques. It can be cooked quickly at high temperature and still be just as moist as it is cooked low and slow in the slow cooker. The cooking method you choose for your pork tenderloin will depend largely on your preferences and the time you have, so I’ve included recipes for all methods in the list below.
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin recipes:
Although pork tenderloin doesn’t need to be cooked in the crock pot to come out juicy and tender, it is certainly a handy option when you have a busy day, or need something for Sunday lunch (since it doesn’t require a long cook time in the slow cooker).
Pork Tenderloin recipes for the oven:
Pork tenderloin can be cooked relatively quickly in the oven, usually around 350-400 degrees F for 20-30 minutes. The most important thing to note is not to overcook it, as that will dry it out and it will not be as good. The best way to ensure you cook it to the optimal temperature of about 150-160 degrees F (depending on your preference) is by using a meat thermometer — yes, you need one! Yes, they’re worth the $10 you might spend on one to have perfectly cooked meat every time.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin:
And the same goes for grilling pork tenderloin. You will likely cook it around the same temperature (or maybe a little higher) for about the same amount of time (maybe a little less). Be sure to keep off any glazes with sugar until the last 10 or so minutes as they may burn, and keep an eye on that meat thermometer!
