Tender Pork Tenderloin

Quick and easy recipe for pork tenderloin. Quick seared, then finished in the oven with addictively good roasted carrots.

Such a quick and easy way to cook pork tenderloin, with moist and tender meat (plus roasted carrots) in 30 minutes

Lean pork tenderloin is the meat of choice for many cooks. To my taste, this pork tenderloin recipe is just perfect: the result is simple enough for every-day yet elegant enough for special occasions.

The meat is unadorned, inviting the addition of a rich side dish or full-flavored chutney. While the meat rests, you might make a gravy with the broth/wine liquid. To double the recipe for larger servings or more people, double the meat and garlic but not the other ingredients.

CUMIN CARROT FRIES make a great complementary vegetable. Peel 1-½ pounds of carrots. Quarter lengthwise, then cut in three-inch lengths. Toss until evenly coated in 1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt (if available, kosher salt is preferred for its delicate flavor). Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400F for 25-30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Kitchen Parade is written by second-generation food writer Alanna Kellogg and features fresh, seasonal dishes for every-day healthful eating and occasional indulgences. How do you serve pork tenderloin? Send a favorite variation via recipes@kitchen-parade.com.

TENDER PORK TENDERLOIN

Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
4 4-ounce servings
  • 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound)
  • 1 clove garlic, slivered
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cumin to taste
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

Preheat oven to 400F. With a sharp knife, make deep narrow slits in the tenderloin and insert the garlic slivers. Season with salt, pepper and cumin on all sides. Heat the oil in a large, oven-proof skillet. Sear the tenderloin well on medium-high for about 10 minutes, turning the meat as it browns. Add the broth and wine, then place skillet in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

Cover skillet with foil and let meat rest for 10-12 minutes before cutting. Slice and serve immediately.

NUTRITION ESTIMATE Per Serving: 253Cal; 32g Protein; 10g Tot Fat; 3g Sat Fat; 1g Carb; 0g Fiber; 160mg Sodium; 90mg Cholesterol; Weight Watchers 6 points

LATER NOTES
This has become one of my "stand-by" meals, one I cook again and again, almost without thinking. If you start the carrots first, then the meat, both will finish about the same time. The cooking time for the pork will vary, depending on how thick the tenderloins are. To be sure, insert a digital meat thermometer into the center of the meat and cook to an internal temperature of 140F. While the meat rests, and continues to cook, it will reach 155-160F. The meat is so good, considering cooking another tenderloin or two for sandwiches or another night. There's plenty of liquid for two or even three tenderloins. I occasionally substitute curry or garam masala for the cumin -- all are delicious. Substitute red wine for white, though the color is slightly off.

Never miss a Kitchen Parade recipe: Sign up for a free e-mail subscription.
How to print a recipe on Kitchen Parade.
If you like Kitchen Parade, forward this recipe to a friend who might too!

How About Pork for Supper?

(hover for a description, click a photo for a recipe)
Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce Quick Supper: Thick Chops with Sauerkraut Tropical Pork Tenderloin
~ more pork recipes ~



Quick Links to This Page

(for easy bookmarking and searching)
~ Cumin Carrot Fries ~





© Copyright 2003 Kitchen Parade



Your Comments:

Alanna - I'm a great fan of your carrot recipes, and this one sounds like treat, again!

3/16/2007
 
Saved to del.icio.us!

3/16/2007
 
We had those for dinner last night - absolutely delicious! You really know your carrots, Alanna:)

4/03/2007
 
The carrots are good, but the PORK! Oh, wow. I'm a new cook and this is my first pork tenderloin. Thanks for giving me a simpler recipe than Joy of Cooking, and a successful one at that. Superb!

P.S. I substituted rosemary for cumin on the carrots; it paired really well, especially with the pan dripping gravy. So easy and good. Thanks again.
 
Kate ~ You go, girl! I'm sooo glad the pork tenderloin was a hit for you. I hope you'll find lots more 'simple home cooking' recipes here that will create the same reaction! Thanks so much for taking a moment to write - it means the world.
 
I made this last Sunday and it was delicious! My boyfriend even asked that I remake the carrots when we had the second tenderloin (I took your advice and made two at once)!

Your Chicken Sybil was also a huge hit (it's one of my own stand-bys, but the boyfriend really liked it too!)

Thank you for the delicious, healthy, and easy recipes!