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Pork Tenderloin in the Oven: Easy ingredients such as onions, butter, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, garlic, and onion powder… the flavor packs a punch!

Tenderloin recipes are one of our favorite cuts of meat around here, so make sure to check out our beef tenderloin and deer tenderloin recipes too! Pork tenderloin also comes out great as a slow cooker recipe.

Hey Fantabulosity readers! It's Meg from Meg’s Everyday Indulgence, again checking in with a ridiculously delicious and easy roasted pork tenderloin.

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin Perfectly

This best baked pork tenderloin recipe only takes about 35 minutes to roast in the oven at 400°.

I don't know about you all but pork was a meat I always used to struggle to cook. It was either underdone or cooked so long it resembled jerky when chewing it. I just couldn't seem to find the sweet spot when it came to pork.

What changed things for me? A digital meat thermometer with a temperature alert feature. You set the temperature you would like your food to be cooked, insert the probe in the thickest part of the meat, and put it in the oven (or grill or slow cooker). It's oven safe and an alert will go off when the desired temperature has been reached.

I'm telling you, the instant-read thermometer is a complete game-changer. Especially when it comes to pork.

The safe temperature to cook pork to is now 145 degrees F so I set it to that temperature and then let it rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

Letting the pork rest, allows the pork to redistribute the juices and will keep it juicy rather than everything running out when you slice it.

TIP: The pork will also continue to cook in those 10 minutes so you could even set your thermometer to 140 degrees F instead if you want it cooked right to 145 degrees.

For me, I like it a little more just because even though I know it's safe, the pink still freaks me out a little.

You can tell by looking at this gorgeously roasted pork tenderloin that it's fancy enough to make for special dinner guests but you can also easily whip it up for your family on a Wednesday night too.

Slow Cooker or Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Option

Although cooking pork tenderloin is rich and juicy when roasted in the oven, it's also a great option for the slow cooker. I tested it both ways and they yielded in amazing flavor and buttery goodness.

So, if you need to be away from your oven, prepare the pork tenderloin exactly as stated in the instructions, just placing it in the slow cooker instead of a roasting pan. Cook on high for 4 hours and dinner will be ready to go.

Ingredients Needed

I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.

• Pork Tenderloin – It’s important to trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin before seasoning and roasting. Though some fat can add flavor and juiciness to a lean cut of meat, too much may cause a greasy outcome which can overshadow the other flavors. 
• Dried Thyme and Basil – Dried herbs such as thyme and basil pack a potent punch, so use them sparingly. They are ideal for roasting as they hold up well under high heat and infuse the meat with a rich, aromatic flavor profile. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there!
• Butter – The ingredient image above shows 2 Tablespoons of butter. This was the original recipe, however, adding one more tablespoon of butter helps spread items around much easier, so 3 are recommended.
• Garlic Powder – Garlic powder offers a smoother, less aggressive flavor than fresh garlic. It mixes well with other dry seasonings, providing a consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish. However, be careful not to confuse it with garlic salt, which would alter the salt content of your dish.
• Water – although not shown in the ingredient photo, it’s best to add about ¼ cup of water to bottom of the pan so items don’t burn.

*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*

Substitutions

Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:

• Butter – If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use olive oil, which adds a nice, rich flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut oil. It has a slight coconut taste but shouldn’t significantly affect the overall flavor of the dish.
• Salt – For those watching their sodium intake, you can use a salt substitute or simply reduce the amount of salt used. Keep in mind that this may affect the overall taste.
• Onion – If you’re out of onions, you can use shallots or even a bit of leek for a similar flavor. As an absolute last resort, a small amount of onion powder can be used, but fresh is best for this simple recipe. 
• Dried Thyme and Basil – For a different flavor profile, you could use rosemary or oregano as an alternative. If you have fresh herbs, remember that you typically need to triple the amount as fresh herbs are less potent than dried. 
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – If you don’t have these, you can substitute them with fresh garlic and onion, but remember that the flavor could be more intense. If you have granulated garlic or onion, you can use them in a 1:1 ratio.

Variations

• Spicy Pork Tenderloin: If you enjoy a little heat in your meals, incorporate some chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spice rub into your rub. The heat will contrast nicely with the richness of the pork.
• Citrus Flavored Pork: Citrus flavors pair wonderfully with pork. Try adding some grated lemon or orange zest to your rub for a zesty twist.
• Herb-Crusted Tenderloin: For an even more pronounced herb flavor, consider creating a dry rub crust of mixed herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Press them onto the surface of the pork before roasting.
• Honey Glazed Pork: For a sweet spin on the recipe, prepare a glaze using honey, Dijon mustard, and a bit of soy sauce. Brush this onto the pork in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a beautifully caramelized exterior.
• Bacon-Wrapped Pork: For a truly indulgent variation, wrap your pork tenderloin in bacon before roasting. The bacon not only adds flavor but also keeps the pork moist and juicy.

How to Make Roasted Pork Tenderloin

This roast pork recipe is broken into 2 components:

• Prepare the meat rub
• Cook the tenderloin

STEP 1. Preheat oven. preheat oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Layer onion in the bottom of a small baking dish. Pat dry the pork.

STEP 2. Prepare pork. Rub the pork evenly with butter and place on top of the onions. Add ¼ of a cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the onions from burning.

STEP 3. Make rub. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle evenly over the pork tenderloin and slightly press into the butter. 

STEP 4. Bake. The cooking time is about 27 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F and is a nice golden brown. Remove from the hot oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle pan sauce over the pork when serving. 

Recipe FAQs

What to Serve with Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Most love serving this best pork tenderloin recipe with roasted vegetables or roasted potatoes as side dishes! Here are our favorites to serve with it:

• Garlic Roasted Broccoli
• Baked Fiesta Ranch Potato Wedges
• Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes

Or, serve this delicious roasted pork tenderloin with spring mix apple raspberry salad to create the ultimate spring meal.

Storage

You can store the leftover roasted pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The next time you are ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. 

As for freezing, yes, cooked pork tenderloin freezes well. Allow the pork to cool completely, then wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Pork Recipes You’ll Love

If you love pork recipes, you’ll absolutely go wild over this pork steak recipe and this one pan pork chops and veggies dish!

Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!

Recipe

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4.52 from 39 votes

Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

This Pork Tenderloin in the Oven recipe is simply covered with melted butter and spices, and then baked to a delicous perfection for an easy dinner!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 82kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

• 1 large yellow onion peeled and sliced into 4 thick rings
• 1 to 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
• 3 Tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Layer onion in the bottom of a small roasting pan. Pat dry the pork. 
• Rub the pork evenly with butter and place on top of the onions. Add ¼ of a cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the onions from burning.
• In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, thyme, basil, garlic powder and onion powder. Sprinkle evenly over the pork tenderloin and slightly press into the butter. 
• Cook for 27 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle pan sauce over the pork when serving. 

Video

Notes

• Resting the Meat. Resting the pork tenderloin after it comes out of the oven is a crucial step. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
• Quality of Ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients can significantly enhance the taste of your dish. For instance, using fresh herbs instead of dried ones (where possible) can bring out more vibrant flavors.
• Avoid Overcooking. Pork tenderloin can easily become dry if overcooked. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer and pull the pork out of the oven when it reaches 145 degrees F. Remember, the meat will continue to cook a little even after it’s removed from the oven due to residual heat.
• Seasoning. Don’t rush the seasoning process. Allow the seasonings to meld with the pork for at least 15 minutes before cooking. If you have time, let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours for even better flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 3.4mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2.1mg

Cooking pork chops in the oven is one of the easiest ways to get juicy, flavorful results every time. Whether you're using bone-in or boneless chops, this simple method works for busy weeknights or Sunday supper.

Round out Sunday supper with my Sunday Best Mac and Cheese, a rich, creamy baked side with a golden cheese topping.

The No-Stress Way to Make Juicy Pork Chops

If you've ever pulled dry, tough pork chops out of the oven, you're not alone. Pork is lean, and it overcooks quickly. The good news is that once you understand temperature and timing, oven-baked pork chops become one of the most reliable dinners you can make.

After testing different temperatures, thicknesses, and cuts, this method consistently delivers tender pork chops with great flavor and no guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bone-In vs. Boneless Pork Chops

Both work beautifully in the oven, but here's what to expect:

Bone-In Pork Chops

• Slightly longer cook time
• Often more flavorful
• Tend to stay juicier

Boneless Pork Chops

• Cook faster
• Easier to slice and serve
• Great for quick weeknight meals

Either option works with the timing guide below.

What Temperature to Bake Pork Chops

The oven temperature affects both texture and cook time.

350°F - More gentle cooking, slightly longer time
375°F - Balanced option for tenderness and browning
400°F - My preferred temperature for juicy results with good color
425°F - Faster cooking, better browning, watch carefully

If you prefer high, direct heat from above for faster browning, you may also like broiled pork chops.

For most 1-inch thick pork chops, 400°F gives the best combination of tenderness and flavor.

How Long to Bake Pork Chops

Cooking time depends on thickness and oven temperature.

At 400°F:

• ½-inch thick: 8-12 minutes
• 1-inch thick: 15-20 minutes
• 1½-inch thick: 20-25 minutes

Always confirm with a thermometer. Remove from oven at 145°F and let rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

• Pork chops (bone-in or boneless) - The star of the dish. Choose evenly sized chops for even cooking.
• Olive oil - Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
• Salt - Enhances natural flavor and helps retain moisture.
• Black pepper - Adds simple, classic warmth.
• Garlic powder - Provides savory depth without overpowering the pork.
• Paprika - Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color.