Lemon-Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Pan Sauce

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

Juicy pork tenderloin roasted with lemon and garlic, served with a fresh herb pan sauce to elevate this simple yet elegant dish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends pork tenderloin, olive oil, lemon zest into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub the mixture all over a 1.5 lb pork tenderloin, ensuring even coating.
  3. Step 3: Place the tenderloin on a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from oven and transfer to a plate to rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into the roasting pan and place over medium heat on the stove. Scrape up browned bits and simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter into the pan sauce until melted and glossy.
  7. Step 7: Slice the rested pork tenderloin and serve drizzled with the warm herb pan sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Pan Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Pan Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Pan Sauce?

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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Pan Sauce 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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Pan Sauce?

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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