Heritage Pork Tenderloin

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a delightful journey with Heritage Pork Tenderloin — a dish that combines classic flavors with a touch of elegance. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is all about bringing out the natural richness of pork.

Ingredients for Heritage Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is the star of the show, offering a tender and lean cut that cooks relatively quickly. The olive oil helps in creating that perfect sear and locks in moisture. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the pork. The combination of garlic powder and onion powder adds a savory depth, while dried rosemary and dried thyme introduce a touch of earthy aroma. Chicken broth keeps the meat moist as it roasts, and unsalted butter melted over the top at the end adds a luxurious finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the pork come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the tenderloin.
  • If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth works as a substitute.
  • Sear the pork in batches if your skillet is small, to avoid overcrowding.

Serving Suggestions

This pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs have a more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pork.
Is it necessary to let the pork rest before slicing?
Yes, resting is important to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.

Heritage Pork Tenderloin Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's at just the right temperature when you're ready to roast. While the oven is warming up, rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil, followed by a generous seasoning of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme. Use your hands to really massage the spices into the meat — it makes a difference.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat; cast iron works great if you have one. Sear the tenderloin on all sides until it’s golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a lovely crust. Transfer the seared tenderloin to a roasting pan, then pour chicken broth over it to keep it moist during roasting.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. You're looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C); a meat thermometer is your friend here. Once it's cooked, remove the tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This rest time is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice tender and juicy.

While the pork rests, melt the butter in the skillet you used for searing. Drizzle this over the sliced tenderloin before serving to add a rich, buttery finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
  • Elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a family meal.
  • The searing adds a beautiful crust while keeping the inside juicy.

Ingredients

2 lbs pork tenderloin
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the tenderloin to a roasting pan and pour chicken broth over it.
5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Melt butter in the skillet used for searing and drizzle over sliced tenderloin before serving.

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