When you cook a delicious and juicy pork tenderloin in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the time it takes to cook it just right is very important. Getting the cooking time perfect makes sure your pork tenderloin is cooked perfectly, so it stays moist and tender. So, how long to cook pork tenderloin in oven at 400?
Simply place it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and within 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dinner ready. Remember to use a digital cooking thermometer to check if the inside reaches 145°F, ensuring your pork is cooked thoroughly and full of juiciness.
Read on to get a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin instruction, some helpful tips when cooking and common mistakes to avoid during the cooking process.
How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin In Oven At 400 Degrees?
When you cook pork tenderloin in the oven at 400 degrees F, it usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes on average. But remember, the cooking time can change depending on factors like how big and thick the pork is, how accurate your oven’s temperature is, and how well your oven works.
To make sure your pork turns out just right, use a good digital meat thermometer to check its inside temperature. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking pork until it reaches at least 145°F (that’s around 63°C). Let it rest for three to five minutes before serving.
For exact cooking times, it’s best to follow a trusted recipe or cooking guide made for your pork tenderloin’s weight and size. And always double-check with your meat thermometer to be sure your pork is cooked to perfection before enjoying it.
Juicy Oven-baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 Baking sheet or roasting pan
- 1 Digital meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Coat the Pork Tenderloin: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Drizzle the olive oil over the tenderloin, spreading it evenly. Rub the seasoning blend all over the pork, ensuring it's thoroughly coated.
- Bake in the Oven: Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) on a digital meat thermometer.
- Let It Rest: Once the pork tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness and tenderness.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the roasted pork tenderloin into medallions and serve it hot.
Notes
How can we tell if pork tenderloin is cooked?
To determine if your pork tenderloin is perfectly cooked, the simplest method is to employ an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature. When it’s fully cooked, the internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit (which is around 63 degrees Celsius).
To make sure it’s ready to eat and really delicious, always let the cooked pork tenderloin rest for at least 3 minutes before you start slicing and serving it. This gives time for the tasty juices to spread evenly through the meat, giving you a succulent and juicy pork tenderloin that your family will absolutely enjoy!
Tips For Cooking Pork Tenderloin In Oven At 400
When you cook pork tenderloin in the oven, it’s a good idea to use a roasting pan or a baking sheet with raised edges. This helps ensure that the cooking is even and prevents any juices from dripping onto the oven’s heating parts.
If you plan to marinate or baste your meat before cooking, it’s best to do this at least 30 minutes beforehand. This gives the meat enough time to soak up all the delicious flavors.
To prevent your pork from drying out in the oven, you can cover it with aluminum foil while cooking. This helps trap moisture and avoids overcooking, keeping your pork tender and juicy.
For a tastier result, try using higher quality cuts of pork tenderloin. You can also cook the meat to a slightly lower internal temperature, like 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to keep it tender and juicy.
The cooking time for pork tenderloin at 400 degrees depends on several factors. It varies based on the size and thickness of the meat, your desired level of doneness, and how accurate your oven is. Generally, most cuts of pork tenderloin should cook in about 20-25 minutes, but always use a meat thermometer to be sure it’s cooked to perfection.
Make sure to double-check the internal temperature – even with stored pulled pork from the fridge to ensure the pork can be eaten and properly cooked. By following these tips, you’ll create a delicious and juicy pork tenderloin – all you need is 1 or 2 sides to that pork that take the whole dinner to the next level and impress your family and friends!
How to store leftover pork tenderloin?
If you have any leftover pork tenderloin, it’s best to stored in an airtight container. You can place it in the fridge, and it should stay good for up to 4 days. When you want to reheat it, make sure the inside of the pork reaches at least 165°F (around 74°C) before serving. If you have more than you can eat, you can also freeze it for a few months. Just keep in mind to fully defrost it before cooking once more.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Pork Tenderloin In Oven At 400
Not drying the pork before seasoning
Remember to pat the pork tenderloin dry before adding any seasoning. Doing this helps the seasoning stick to the meat, making your pork tenderloin more delicious and flavorful.
Forgetting to preheat the oven
Always preheat your oven before putting in the pork tenderloin. This ensures the right cooking temperature and helps your pork cook evenly.
Skipping the internal temperature check
Don’t forget to use an instant-read thermometer to check the inside temperature of your pork tenderloin. Checking this guarantees that your pork is cooked thoroughly and ready to enjoy.
Not letting the pork rest after cooking
After cooking, let your pork tenderloin rest for a little while. This allows the juices to spread evenly through the meat, giving you a tender and flavorful dish.
Video About How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin In Oven At 400 Degrees
FAQs
What to serve with cooked pork tenderloin in oven at 400?
Cooked pork tenderloin can be served with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Should I sear pork tenderloin before baking?
It’s optional but searing the pork tenderloin before baking adds flavor and texture to your pork.
Is it better to cook pork tenderloin on high heat or low heat?
For faster and more consistent cooking, you should cook the pork tenderloin on medium to high heat.
References
- Pork – Pork Cooking Temperature – https://pork.org/pork-cooking-temperature/
- USDA – Cooking Meat? Check the New Recommended Temperatures – https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/05/25/cooking-meat-check-new-recommended-temperatures
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