Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Smashed Potatoes

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

Tender pork tenderloin roasted with fresh lemon and thyme, paired with buttery smashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic. This american-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, chopped fresh thyme, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Rub the pork tenderloin (1.5 lbs) all over with the lemon-thyme mixture and place it on a rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Toss 1.5 lbs baby Yukon gold potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Spread potatoes around the pork on the baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Roast everything in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork and potatoes from oven. Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to flatten slightly.
  7. Step 7: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter and drizzle over the smashed potatoes, tossing gently to coat and enhance flavor.
  8. Step 8: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch medallions.
  9. Step 9: Arrange pork slices and garlic smashed potatoes on plates. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Smashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Smashed 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Smashed 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Smashed 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Smashed 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.

Related recipes