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Weeknight • Pork

Lemon Herb Roast Pork Tenderloin

A succulent, flavorful pork tenderloin marinated in lemon and herbs, roasted to perfection for an elegant yet easy meal.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Lemon Herb Roast Pork Tenderloin

Elevate your dinner plans with this surprisingly simple yet utterly impressive Lemon Herb Roast Pork Tenderloin! This recipe delivers a tender, juicy pork tenderloin infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's truly fool-proof and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1.5 lb pork tenderloin
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat the pork tenderloin very dry with paper towels.

  2. Step 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

  3. Step 3

    Place the pork tenderloin on the prepared baking sheet. Rub the herb mixture all over the tenderloin, ensuring it's evenly coated.

  4. Step 4

    Heat a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the pork tenderloin for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned all over. (Alternatively, you can skip searing and just roast, but searing adds great flavor and color!)

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the skillet with the seared tenderloin (or move the tenderloin to the prepared baking sheet) to the preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C).

  6. Step 6

    Remove from oven, loosely tent with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork moist.

  7. Step 7

    Slice into 1/2-inch thick medallions and serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tips

  • A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Pork tenderloin cooks quickly and can dry out if overcooked.
  • Don't skip the resting step; it's crucial for juicy pork.
  • Serve alongside roasted potatoes or asparagus for a complete meal.

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