To cook pork tenderloin in the oven, the general recommended approach is:
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature, typically between 400°F and 450°F. Cooking at a higher temperature helps the pork cook quickly and stay juicy without drying out
- The cooking time usually ranges from about 15 to 30 minutes depending on the oven temperature, size, and thickness of the tenderloin:
- At 400°F, expect about 15-25 minutes
* At 425°F, about 15-30 minutes, often around 20-25 minutes
* At 450°F, about 20-30 minutes for a 1.25-pound tenderloin
- The most reliable way to know when it is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F followed by a resting time of 3 minutes. Many cooks prefer to remove the pork from the oven as soon as it hits 145°F to keep it juicy, as the temperature will rise slightly during resting
- After removing from the oven, let the pork tenderloin rest for about 5-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and moist
In summary, bake pork tenderloin at 400-450°F for about 15-30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, then rest for 5-15 minutes before serving. Using a meat thermometer is essential for perfect results
