Rosemary-Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Zest
A lean, juicy tenderloin roasted with fresh herbs and citrus, ideal for quick weeknight meals. This french-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, finely chopped fresh rosemary, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 251 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
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat the 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin dry, then rub 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper over the surface.
- Step 2: Press 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp lemon zest into the pork, ensuring even coating.
- Step 3: Place the pork on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, turning once halfway through.
- Step 4: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rosemary-Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Rosemary-Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Zest?
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 Rosemary-Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Zest?
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 Rosemary-Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Zest 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 Rosemary-Garlic Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Zest?
French 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the lemon zest! It made the dish feel fresh. The rosemary-garlic combo is perfect.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this dish. It's easy to make and the flavors are authentic. I'll be making it again soon.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! The rosemary and garlic complemented the pork perfectly, and the lemon zest added a nice brightness.
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