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Weeknight • Pork

Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin

A remarkably tender and flavorful pork tenderloin, seared and roasted with a rich garlic butter sauce.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin

Looking for an elegant yet easy dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin is your secret weapon! It's incredibly tender, infused with aromatic garlic and rich butter, and comes together surprisingly quickly. Perfect for a weeknight but special enough for company, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the pork tenderloin all over with salt and black pepper.

  2. Step 2

    Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works great) over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the skillet.

  3. Step 3

    Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side, turning until browned on all sides. This creates a delicious crust.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached at the thickest part of the tenderloin. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your tenderloin.

  6. Step 6

    Remove from oven, transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for juicy meat.

  7. Step 7

    While the pork rests, stir the chopped fresh parsley into the pan sauce. Slice the pork tenderloin into thick medallions and serve immediately, spooning the delicious garlic butter pan sauce over each slice.

Tips

  • Trim the silver skin off the tenderloin for a more tender result; it's a silvery membrane that doesn't break down during cooking.
  • Don't overcook the pork! 145°F is a safe internal temperature, and it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, rice, or steamed green beans.

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