The shiny glaze is a mix of various sauces, giving it slightly tangy, salty, and sweet tastes while enhancing the umami. This delicious glaze also makes the tenderloin look great. This baked pork tenderloin recipe makes the juiciest and most tender tenderloin in minimal steps and time because: Since these are often postural muscles not used for movement, they are quite tender and prized. This cut will not have many flavors; hence, it is often cooked with other flavorful ingredients or cuts like bacon. Pork tenderloin is often used as a substitute for beef tenderloin since they are equally tender. A tenderloin is different from a pork loin, as the latter is a much larger cut and comes from the back of the animal. Loins also have more fat and greater marbling and flavor. Portions of the boneless parts of the loin are cut to make chops. Tenderloins, one of the most tender cuts, are given high heat and a short cooking time, while loin cuts can be slowly cooked under low heat. I have another comforting pork recipe – Spicy Pork Ramen– spicy pork with ramen noodles in a flavorful broth. We use soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for their savory and umami flavors. Aromatic ingredients like garlic taste savory, while cayenne and pepper add heat. Acid wine vinegar, with its tangy taste, adds acidity to the glaze. Brown sugar is added for sweetness, and it is the sugar that helps caramelize the crust. Finally, there is salt to balance and bring out all the other flavors. Remove any excess fat from the tenderloin cuts. Pat the tenderloin with a paper towel to keep it dry. This helps the dry rub apply evenly and stick to the surface. Place the tenderloin on a baking dish or tray.
Apply the dry rub and bake
Mix all the ingredients for the dry rub in a small bowl. Rub it on both sides of the pork tenderloin evenly. Place the baking tray on the oven rack and let it bake for 10-12 minutes. Move the rack to the upper third and place the baking tray there. Bake it for another 10 minutes. You can also check the tenderloin’s internal temperature using a kitchen or meat thermometer, which should read around 145-150 °F.
Rest and apply the glaze.
Take the baking tray out, cover the tenderloin with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the glaze in the microwave for a minute. After resting, remove the foil and brush the glaze all over the tenderloin. Serve with a glass of wine and some great sides. Yet, if you have leftovers, you can freeze them as a whole or by slicing them for up to 3 months. Do so by wrapping them in foil to make them freeze-safe and prevent freezer burns. You should thaw them overnight by shifting them to the refrigerator before you reheat them the next day. You may also refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat the tenderloin in the microwave until it becomes warm. Do so in bursts of 20 seconds, and check. You do not want to overcook while reheating, which is highly likely. Here are some great ideas to pair with –
Roasted vegetables – The sweetness of roasted veggies (due to caramelization) goes well with barbeque or grilled meats. You have many options here – Oven-roasted Brussels Sprouts, Oven Roasted Carrots, or Airfryer Roasted Broccoli. Salad – A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing will pair well with a barbecue. Choose among Roasted Beetroot Arugula Salad With Balsamic Dressing, White bean salad with lemon vinaigrette, or Apple Kale Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Potatoes – Barbecued meats go well with mashed potato, potato wedges, or roasted potatoes. You may also have potato as a salad like this Roasted Potato Salad, or Lemon Dill Potato Salad( No Mayo). Sweet potatoes are a hit like this Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Corn – is a classic pairing with barbecued and grilled meats. Look at some salad options with corn – Roasted Corn Salad or Roasted Corn Pasta Salad. A creamy corn dish like Easy Creamed Corn will go well. Coleslaw – For a creamy coleslaw recipe, check out my Classic Coleslaw. Green beans – Refreshing green dish that offers fiber and deliciousness like Cheesy Garlic Green Beans or something with an Asian flavor – Asian Green Beans.
