Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to prepare garlic butter pork tenderloin:
For the Pork:
1-2 pounds of pork tenderloin (depending on the number of servings)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Olive oil (for searing)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
4 cloves of garlic (minced)
Fresh rosemary (1-2 sprigs, finely chopped)
Fresh thyme (1-2 sprigs, finely chopped)
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional but recommended for a zesty finish)
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat, optional)
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang)
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece of flavor. Once you have everything ready, let’s get cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
Start by trimming the pork tenderloin of any excess fat or silver skin. You want to make sure that your tenderloin is nice and clean before cooking. After trimming, pat it dry with a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks well to the surface.
Step 2: Season the Pork
Now, generously season the pork with salt and black pepper. You can also add some garlic powder if you like, but the garlic butter sauce will pack plenty of garlic flavor. Don’t be afraid to season the meat well—this is where the flavor begins!
Step 3: Sear the Pork Tenderloin
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork tenderloin and sear it on all sides. This step helps lock in the juices, making the pork even more tender and flavorful. Sear the meat for about 3-4 minutes per side until you see a nice golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the pork is searing, it’s time to whip up the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the garlic cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. The smell of garlic and herbs infusing in butter is simply heavenly.
For a citrusy twist, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the butter sauce. It balances the richness of the butter with a bright and refreshing flavor. Once everything is blended together, set the sauce aside.
Step 5: Roast the Pork in the Oven
Once the pork has been seared on all sides, it’s time to finish cooking it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully place the skillet with the seared pork into the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
While the pork is roasting, you can baste it with the garlic butter sauce every 5-7 minutes to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. This extra step makes all the difference, infusing the pork with that irresistible garlic butter flavor.
Step 6: Rest the Pork
Once your pork tenderloin has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is tender and juicy.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
After the pork has rested, slice it into thick, juicy pieces. Drizzle some of that delicious garlic butter sauce over the top and serve! You can garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion: A Meal Worth Celebrating
Garlic butter pork tenderloin is a dish that delivers on both flavor and ease. It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The tender, juicy pork combined with the rich garlic butter sauce is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and flavors to make this recipe your own. Whether you prefer to add a bit of heat with red pepper flakes or brighten it up with lemon, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking—your family and friends will be begging for seconds!
