Spiced Portuguese-Style Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Paprika

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

Tender pork tenderloin marinated in garlic, smoked paprika, and spices, then pan-seared and roasted for a flavorful main dish. This portuguese-inspired pork ready in about 65 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 40 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Portuguese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin and rub the marinade all over, coating thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork for 15-20 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to preserve juiciness and enhance flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Portuguese-Style Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 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 Spiced Portuguese-Style Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Paprika?

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 pounds pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Portuguese-Style Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Paprika?

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 Spiced Portuguese-Style Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Paprika 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 Spiced Portuguese-Style Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Paprika?

Portuguese 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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