Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter

Introduction

Pork tenderloin is one of the most tender, juicy, and flavorful cuts of pork, and when paired with a rich garlic herb butter, it turns into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet simple enough for home cooking. This recipe combines perfectly seared pork with the aromatic richness of garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance—savory pork with crispy edges, buttery sauce infused with garlic and herbs, and just the right amount of tenderness in every bite. It’s a recipe that works equally well for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even holiday feasts.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Pork tenderloin can sometimes be tricky—it dries out quickly if overcooked—but when cooked with garlic herb butter, it stays moist and flavorful. The garlic butter not only bastes the meat as it cooks but also doubles as a finishing sauce, which means every bite is rich, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

Another reason I love it is versatility—you can serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or even slice it thin for sandwiches. It’s that kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s restaurant-quality but easy enough for beginners.
• The garlic herb butter elevates the flavors into something truly special.
• Pork tenderloin is a lean cut, making it a healthier choice than many other roasts.
• It pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides, from comfort food to elegant dinner accompaniments.

If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping pork dish that doesn’t take hours to prepare, this is it!

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / European-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pork Tenderloin:

• 1 ½ – 2 lbs pork tenderloin (trimmed of silver skin)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown.
3. Transfer to oven and roast until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
4. While roasting, mix softened butter with garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread garlic herb butter over cooked pork and let rest before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the tenderloin: Pat pork dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Sear the meat: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
4. Roast in the oven: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for about 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Rest the pork: Remove pork from the oven, place on a cutting board, and spread garlic herb butter over the top. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
7. Slice & serve: Cut pork into medallions and drizzle with any melted garlic herb butter from the pan.

How to Serve

• Slice into medallions and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
• For a lighter meal, pair with a fresh green salad.
• Spoon extra garlic herb butter over the top for an irresistible finish.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Always let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, substitute with dried (use ⅓ the amount).
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet before roasting for extra flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the butter for heat.
• Citrusy Twist: Replace lemon zest with orange zest for a different brightness.
• Creamy Sauce: Make a pan sauce by deglazing the skillet with wine and stirring in extra butter.
• Grilled Version: Instead of roasting, grill the pork and top with garlic herb butter before serving.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked pork for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer bag.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best)
• Meat thermometer (for perfect doneness)
• Sharp chef’s knife (for clean slicing)

Conclusion

Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter is a dish that’s simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor. With its juicy texture, aromatic butter, and versatility, it’s a recipe worth making again and again. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a festive gathering, this dish will impress every time.

Print Recipe

Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter

Author: admin Cuisine: American, European Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 320 kcal

Description

ork tenderloin is one of the most tender, juicy, and flavorful cuts of pork, and when paired with a rich garlic herb butter, it turns into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet simple enough for home cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pork Tenderloin:

• 1 ½ 1 – 2 lbs pork tenderloin (trimmed of silver skin)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the tenderloin : Pat pork dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Sear the meat : Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
4. Roast in the oven : Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for about 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Make the garlic herb butter : In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Rest the pork : Remove pork from the oven, place on a cutting board, and spread garlic herb butter over the top. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
7. Slice & serve : Cut pork into medallions and drizzle with any melted garlic herb butter from the pan.

Keywords: Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter