Four-Spice Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork tenderloin rubbed with a blend of four complementary spices, roasted to perfection and paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes. This american-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, ground black pepper, ground smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp ground smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground thyme, and 1 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 1.5 lb pork tenderloin evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat all sides generously with the four-spice seasoning blend.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork tenderloin on a roasting rack in a baking dish and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from oven and tent with foil, resting 10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Step 4: While the pork roasts, place 4 medium peeled and quartered russet potatoes and 4 whole garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Drain potatoes and garlic, then mash together with 4 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup milk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste for creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
  6. Step 6: Slice the rested pork tenderloin and serve alongside the mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Four-Spice Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Four-Spice Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Spice Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Four-Spice Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Four-Spice Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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