Oven-Roasted Lemon and Garlic Pork Tenderloin
Tender pork tenderloin infused with bright lemon and roasted garlic, oven-roasted to juicy perfection. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 6 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place 1 lb pork tenderloin on a rimmed baking sheet and rub the lemon garlic mixture all over the pork, ensuring an even coat.
- Step 3: Roast the pork tenderloin in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the outside is golden.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch medallions.
- Step 5: Serve the sliced pork drizzled with pan juices from the baking sheet.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Roasted Lemon and Garlic Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Oven-Roasted Lemon and Garlic 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 Oven-Roasted Lemon and Garlic 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 Oven-Roasted Lemon and Garlic 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 Oven-Roasted Lemon and Garlic Pork Tenderloin?
Mediterranean 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.