Sheet Pan Blackened Pork with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Bold and smoky blackened pork tenderloin paired with sweet potatoes tossed in Cajun spices inspired by diverse U.S. heritage. This Southern American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium (about 3 cups) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the blackening spice mix.
- Step 2: Rub 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat evenly with the blackening spice mix. Place on one side of a large sheet pan.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, toss 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes (about 3 cups) with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread on the other side of the sheet pan in a single layer.
- Step 4: Roast pork and sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, turning the sweet potatoes halfway through, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly crisp on edges.
- Step 5: Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the sweet potatoes and serve alongside the sliced pork.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Blackened Pork with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Sheet Pan Blackened Pork with Cajun-Spiced Sweet 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 Sheet Pan Blackened Pork with Cajun-Spiced Sweet 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 Sheet Pan Blackened Pork with Cajun-Spiced Sweet 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 Sheet Pan Blackened Pork with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potatoes?
Southern 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.
