Guess what? It’s almost time for back-to-school cooking! I know, we don’t want to rush summer coming to an end. However, we do need to start thinking of foods that are easy to make on those busy school evenings that will be here before you know it. This marinated pork tenderloin is one of those great meals that fits the bill on busy weeknights. This is on regular rotation in our household and I think it will be in yours, too.
The key to making this pork tenderloin incredibly flavorful is rubbing the marinade into the tenderloin very thoroughly. This ensures the pork absorbs all the flavor and retains it while it cooks. I usually make the marinade and assemble the meat in the morning. This is a very quick process and gives the meat time to marinade during the day while we are all out of the house.
When it comes time to cook the pork, I bring the meat to room temperature and pop it in the oven. Imagine how easy this is when you’ve all come into the house after a long day! The cooked meat is very flavorful and filling so I usually serve it with a bright salad (link to salad) and lemon potatoes (link to recipe) to round out the meal.
If we have friends coming for dinner, I’ll often make two of these and slice it on a platter and allow people to serve themselves. If there is any leftover, I’ll slice the pork a little thinner and serve it in a sandwich or on top of a salad the following day for an easy lunch!
This is the first of many easy weeknight recipes I plan to share this year. If you are looking for anything in particular please let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate!
BAKED PORK TENDERLOIN
This is a great recipe for a simple pork tenderloin you can slip in the oven for a quick dinner. I make this on busy weeknights, often preparing the pork in the marinade in the morning and cooking it when I get home. It’s also great for entertaining, when a large crowd comes over I simply double or triple the recipe as needed.
Makes 1 pork tenderloin
2 pound boneless pork tenderloin, trimmed
½ cup Olive Oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp rosemary
1 tbsp thyme
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Prepare the marinade by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Pour the marinade into a plastic bag and add the pork tenderloin. Close the bag and roll it up so the tenderloin is completely covered in the marinade. Set the pork in the fridge like this for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the pork in a baking pan and pour the marinade on top. Place it in the oven and bake it for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature in 145 degrees F.
Transfer the cooked pork to a clean cutting board and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Then slice the pork to serve.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT. She is currently operating with COVID-safe procedures and is happy to discuss your event and catering needs with you. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekasevents.com or call 203.658.8659.