How to Roast Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin, a favorite for pork connoisseurs worldwide, is a perfect cut of meat for large family gatherings or small intimate meals. Roasting pork tenderloin in a roasting pan can produce some of the tastiest results; marinate the pork even longer than the required time for a succulent and savory dish.

Things You'll Need

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 tsp. crushed black pepper
• 2 lbs. pork tenderloin

Instructions

1. Choose a tenderloin that shows little signs of fat; there is little fat content anyway, but finding a lean tenderloin ensures more meat and less to discard.

2. Marinate the pork by combining the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, ginger and black pepper in a large plastic bag. Mix until the sugar is dissolved, and add the pork tenderloin. Place it in a baking dish in the refrigerator the night before you cook it.

3. Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat the oven to 425º Fahrenheit. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, discard the marinade and place the pork on the heated skillet. Brown the pork on all sides, about 5 minutes.

4. Place the pork in a large baking pan covered with nonstick cooking oil. For more even and balanced baking, set the pork on a rack in the baking pan. Place in a preheated oven, and cook for 25 to 35 minutes. Place a meat thermometer in the center of the meat to register the temperature; the tenderloin is done when the temperature reads 160ºF.

5. Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and set it aside to cool. Cover it with foil, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Carve the pork tenderloin into small slices, and serve with the pan's drippings or another sauce.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a sauce to go along with the roasted pork, add chicken broth or wine to the skillet after you brown the pork. The liquid will deglaze the pan and make a flavorful serving sauce.

• When roasting pork tenderloin, it is very easy to overcook the meat. Make sure your thermometer is accurate, and closely watch the meat once it reaches 25 minutes of cooking time. To be safe, try removing the pork when the temperature reads 155ºF. The pork will finish cooking as it rests.

References

• How to Cook Gourmet; Cooking Pork Tenderloin
• AllRecipes.com; Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin