Lemon-Thyme Roast Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Pan Sauce

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

Juicy pork tenderloin roasted with fresh thyme and lemon, served with a savory garlic pan sauce. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends pork tenderloin, salt, black pepper 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 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat dry 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and season all over with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork and sear on all sides, about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Tuck 4 fresh thyme sprigs around the pork and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from skillet and tent with foil to rest. Place skillet back on medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and scrape the pan to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce reduces slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp lemon juice until sauce is glossy. Slice pork and drizzle with the garlic pan sauce to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Roast Pork Tenderloin with Garlic 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-Thyme Roast Pork Tenderloin with Garlic 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-Thyme Roast Pork Tenderloin with Garlic 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-Thyme Roast Pork Tenderloin with Garlic 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-Thyme Roast Pork Tenderloin with Garlic 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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