Herb-Basted Pork Tenderloin

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

A succulent pork tenderloin infused with fresh herbs and lemon, basted with a buttery herb sauce for elegant simplicity. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon over pork and rub 2 tablespoons olive oil over tenderloin. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Rub chopped herbs and garlic mixture all over pork tenderloin.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until melted and slightly foaming. Place pork in skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on all sides until golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Basted Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Herb-Basted Pork Tenderloin?

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 Herb-Basted Pork Tenderloin?

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 Herb-Basted Pork Tenderloin 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 Herb-Basted Pork Tenderloin?

American grilling 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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