Name: Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2-3 pounds pork tenderloin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup salted butter ()softened)); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons freshly snipped parsley; 1/4 cup freshly snipped parsley ((for topping))

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Wondering how to cook garlic butter pork tenderloin? We give hints for how to cook pork tenderloin in the oven and have it juicy and tender. Don’t forget to brush it with garlic butter sauce for an amazing flavor.

garlic butter pork tenderloin on a plate

Today I’m introducing you to my favorite cut of pork, the pork tenderloin. The first time I smoked pork tenderloin on the grill and sliced into it I was amazed. Every bite of the pork tenderloin tasted so good…like a fancy cut of steak!

I’m going to show you today how to be sure to serve garlic butter pork tenderloin that is moist and cooked to perfection.

What is the difference between a pork loin and tenderloin?

A pork loin and pork tenderloin are two very different cuts of meat. They obviously have a different look, but are also cut from a different part of the animal. Pork loin comes from the animal’s back, while comes from the muscle that runs alongside the backbone.

Both are lean cuts of meat, but they should be cooked differently. Tenderloins are small and are best cooked at high temperatures for short period of time (although we do love our slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe!). Pork loins are better for grilling or slow cooking in the oven, similar to pork roasts

These two types of meat generally should not be substituted for one another. The most important thing to remember for any cut of pork is that you don’t want to overcook it! Here’s our comforting pork recipes.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin

Allow the pork to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the pork to cook more evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the garlic butter and place in the refrigerator as the pork cooks.
Season the pork with salt and pepper. No other seasonings needed for this delicately flavored meat. The garlic butter at the end will add more flavor.
Heat an oven-safe skillet with oil in it. When it is hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear it.
Turn the tenderloins, browning the meat on all sides. This shouldn’t take long…about 5 minutes tops!
Take pan and put it directly into an oven heated to 350ºF. Allow the pork to cook for about 20 minutes. The exact timing will depend on how much it cooked in the skillet and the size of the pork tenderloins. Watch closely and don’t overcook it.
Brush the garlic butter mixture over the pork tenderloin when it comes out of the oven. Sprinkle with additional freshly snipped parsley or other fresh herbs like basil, thyme or rosemary. Allow the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it. This will keep those juices in the meat!

What temperature should a pork tenderloin be cooked to?

Baked pork tenderloin is the most tender and juicy when it is cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Test it with an internal probe meat thermometer. A blush of pink inside is totally fine and is what the FDA recommends as safe. Allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.

brushing garlic butter over pork tenderloin

What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin?

We like to have baked potatoes, Christmas green beans, butter rice, a side salad, and buttery rolls along with our pork tenderloin. It’s the ultimate comfort food dinner!

Pork Tenderloin Leftovers

Have leftovers of this amazing garlic butter pork tenderloin? Lucky! 🙂 We rarely have leftovers at our house with 3 hungry teenagers.

If you do have leftovers, slice up the pork tenderloin and serve it on salad for lunch the next day. It’s an easy way to add protein to your lunch.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Other Pork Recipes