Pork Tenderloin Internal Temperature Guide
on Apr 21, 2022
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Say goodbye to tough and dry pork tenderloin with this internal temperature guide. In this post, we’re sharing some tips on how to cook pork tenderloin so it’s moist, juicy and delicious!
Pork is one of the most popular and versatile meats to eat. It’s available in many cuts and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Pork tenderloin is a cut of pork that’s wildly popular. It’s a perfect size, cooks quickly, and is quite lean.
What is the Proper Internal Temperature for Pork Tenderloin?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), pork tenderloin should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. In 2011 the USDA reduced the recommended internal temperature from 160°F to 145°F.
Note: Even if the pork has a touch of pink, it’s still considered safe to eat if it has reached 145°F.
How to Know When Pork Tenderloin is Done: Use an Instant Read Thermometer
The best way to test for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat. If it has reached 145°F, it should be moist, tender, and ready to enjoy.
Best Oven Temperature
Because pork tenderloin is very lean, it can be easily overcooked. We recommend a moderate oven temperature of 350-375°F.
How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a smaller cut of lean meat and cooks quite quickly. Baked uncovered in a 350°F oven, it will need about 20 to 27 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
How to Cook Pork tenderloin
Method 1: Baking Pork Tenderloin
Remove any excess fat and silver skin from the outside of the tenderloin. If left on, the silver skin can cause the tenderloin to be chewy. Tuck the thin ends of the tenderloin under so it has a uniform shape. This will help it cook evenly throughout.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat and sear the tenderloin for a minute or two turning so it’s seared on all sides.
- Transfer the tenderloin to a rimmed baking sheet and place it in the oven. If you have an oven-safe instant-read thermometer you can insert it into the tenderloin.
- Remove the tenderloin from the oven when it reaches 138-140°F. Let it rest for about five minutes. During this time the tenderloin will continue to cook and the internal temperature will increase by 3 to 5 degrees. The tenderloin is ready to serve when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Slice the tenderloin and serve with your favorite sides.
Method 2: Grilling Pork Tenderloin
Prepare the tenderloin as above and place it in a small roasting pan or directly on the grill. Sear it on all sides over high heat and then move it to a cooler section of the grill and continue to cook until it reaches the desired temperature.
Method 3: Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin
Using the sous vide method to cook pork tenderloin will ensure perfectly cooked moist and delicious results. A marinade can be added to the bag along with the pork for great flavor. When the pork is cooked, you can transfer the marinade to a pan to make a sauce to serve alongside the pork.
Tips to Avoid Overcooking Pork Tenderloin
Searing the pork first and then transferring it to the oven will help to seal in the juices. Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow airflow around the tenderloin. This will ensure that the bottom of the tenderloin doesn’t overcook. Avoid baking the tenderloin in an already hot pan like a cast-iron skillet which can overcook the bottom of the tenderloin.
Is it Safe to Eat Pink Pork?
As long as the internal temperature of the tenderloin has reached 145°F it is safe to eat, even if the pork still has a bit of a pink tinge.
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How to Bake Pork Tenderloin in the Oven
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Remove any excess fat and the silver skin from the outside of the tenderloin.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat a skillet over medium to medium-high heat and sear the tenderloin for a minute or two turning so it’s seared on all sides.
- Mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning around the tenderloin.
- Transfer the tenderloin and rosemary to a rimmed baking sheet and place it in the oven.
- Bake for 20-27 minutes. Remove the tenderloin from the oven when it reaches 140°F.
- Let it rest for about five minutes. During this time the tenderloin will continue to cook and the internal temperature will increase by 3 to 5 degrees. The tenderloin is ready to serve when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Slice the tenderloin and serve with your favorite sides.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
