Garlic Butter Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This Garlic Butter Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe offers a juicy and flavorful main dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Coated with a rich garlic herb butter and roasted to perfection, it delivers a beautiful golden crust while keeping the pork tender and moist inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready for roasting the pork tenderloin.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Set this flavorful garlic butter aside for applying later.
- Prepare Pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps with browning.
- Pierce Pork: Use a fork to pierce the surface of the pork tenderloin about a dozen times. This will help the garlic butter flavor penetrate.
- Season Pork: Generously season the pork all over with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
- Place on Baking Dish: Lay the pork tenderloin on a greased, rimmed sheet pan or casserole dish, preparing it for baking.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Rub half of the prepared garlic butter mixture over the top of the pork tenderloin, reserving the rest for later use.
- Roast: Bake the pork in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the outside is beautifully browned and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it is safely cooked.
- Rest Pork: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Finish and Serve: Rub the remaining garlic butter over the rested pork, then rest it for another 5 minutes. Slice, serve, and enjoy the flavorful tenderloin.
Notes
- Use dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, or parsley for the garlic butter; fresh herbs can also be used if preferred.
- Letting the pork rest after cooking ensures it remains juicy and tender.
- Internal temperature of 145°F is recommended by USDA for safe consumption.
- For extra flavor, you can sear the pork tenderloin briefly in a hot skillet before roasting.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and used for sandwiches or salads the next day.
