Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin

 

Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin

Flavor-Packed, Easy, and Perfect for a Healthy Dinner

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

I used to think I hated pork. I thought it was dry, hard-to-chew cardboard that my parents would foist on me like some sort of punishment. The worst offender? Tenderloin. At the time, I didn't know the fine art and science of carry-over cooking. A piece of cooked meat continues to cook after it leaves the oven, often increasing in temperature by over five degrees. This means that when you pull a pork loin at just the right moment, temperature-wise, you've actually let it overcook. And pork is very sensitive to being overcooked, going from succulent to hard to chew in about ten degrees.

This garlic herb pork tenderloin is lean, affordable, and absolutely packed with flavor—perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

For the Pork Tenderloin:

• 1 pork tenderloin (1 to 1.5 lbs)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork

1. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. For quick, efficient prep work, a sharp Matsato Chef Knife makes mincing garlic and herbs effortless.

2. Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin, making sure it’s evenly coated.

3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Roast the Pork

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place the marinated pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into an oven-safe skillet. For best results, we recommend using a HexClad 12-Inch Hybrid Frying Pan for even roasting and easy cleanup.

3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

3. Rest and Serve

1. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork tender and juicy.

2. Slice into medallions, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

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Recipe Tips

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Trust your thermometer! Pull the pork from the oven right at 145°F for the perfect juicy texture.

• Marinate Ahead: Marinating overnight enhances the herb flavor and makes dinner prep even faster.

• Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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Diet Types For This Recipe

• Diabetes-Friendly: High in protein, low in refined carbs.

• Paleo: Naturally grain-free and dairy-free.

• Heart-Healthy: Lean cut of pork with olive oil and herbs.

• Whole Foods: Minimal ingredients, maximum real-food flavor.

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Why You'll Love This Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin

This recipe is everything a busy, health-focused cook dreams of: fast, affordable, packed with bold garlic herb flavor, and easy enough for a weeknight—yet elegant enough to serve guests. Plus, pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of meat, making it a smart choice for heart health, blood sugar balance, and high-protein diets.

Roasting it perfectly and resting it right gives you a tender, juicy pork tenderloin that will change how you feel about pork forever.

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