Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Dry Rub
Just 6 pantry seasonings completely transform the humble pork tenderloin into a meal that’s one of our family’s top 5 favorites. I’ve made this Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin with a dry rub seasoning for well over a decade now, and it turns out perfectly every time.
Or try our Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin or Grilled Pork Tenderloin for two other delicious ways to make cook this same recipe.
“I would make this again! The spices were perfect. Just delicious!”
– Holly ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reasons We Love This Recipe
As one of the most popular freezer meals on Thriving Home, this pork tenderloin recipe is requested over and over by my family. I’ve been testing and making pork tenderloin recipes for well over a decade now, and here’s why this one is so great:
- Fast and easy: Mix up the pork tenderloin rub, season the meat with it, and pop it in the oven. Done in 30 minutes or less.
- Unbelievably delicious: Even though the pork tenderloin seasoning and cooking method are simple, it packs a big flavor punch and turns out moist. You may want to serve it with our Homemade BBQ Sauce for dipping or our Bread Machine Dinner Rolls but this pork easily stands on its own.
- Kid-friendly: Most kids will go for this main dish. My children like it dipped in ketchup. 🤷🏻♀️ For more recipes your kids will like, check out our list of top kid-friendly freezer meals.
- Healthy: This is a lean cut of meat and a good source of protein.
- Versatile: While this recipe is written to roast in the oven, you can also easily grill it. Read more about how to grill pork tenderloin. Plus, you can use leftovers in a variety of ways (see below).
Important Notes about Pork Tenderloin
- Do Not Confuse It with Pork Loin: Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat. Pork loin is wider and flatter and can be purchased boneless or bone-in. They are two different cuts of meat that cannot be used interchangeably because they won’t cook at the same rate.
- What to Look For When Buying: Always read the ingredients on any pork tenderloin package. You’re looking for one that has NO additives, preservatives, or marinade included.
- Where to Buy Pork Tenderloin: It’s hard to find truly all-natural pork tenderloin in my local grocery stores. So, I get my pork tenderloins from ButcherBox, but you may also find good ones at your local farmer’s market or health food store.
- Seasoning is Key: Whether you make marinated pork tenderloin or use a pork tenderloin dry rub like this recipe, seasoning this cut of meat is essential because it’s fairly bland on its own. Even a good coating of Kosher salt and cracked black pepper will go a long way.
How to Make Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Dry Rub
This recipe couldn’t be simpler, so be sure to double and freeze one batch for later!
- Mix up the pork tenderloin seasoning in a small bowl.
- Place the pork on a rimmed baking sheet that’s lined with parchment or foil. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and rub the oil and seasoning on all sides, pressing it in so it sticks.
- Roast at 450°F for about 20 minutes.
That’s it! Serve with some Baby Boiled Potatoes and Skillet Green Beans for a well rounded meal.
Variations for Serving This Pork Tenderloin
While you can certainly enjoy the pork slices “as is”, here are a few ideas to dress it up.
- Offer BBQ sauce on the side for dipping the pork tenderloin in. (We prefer our Homemade BBQ sauce!)
- Spread some chimichurri sauce on top of the pork; you can find recipes online or in either of our cookbooks.
- Use leftover sliced pork for BBQ pork sandwiches. Serve warm on toasted buns or bread with BBQ sauce.
- Chop up the leftover pork and use in quesadillas, tacos, or on top of your favorite salad. Use it in place of chicken in our Southwest Chicken Salad.
Sides for Pork Tenderloin
This delicious pork tenderloin recipe can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started…
Recipe FAQs
It’s important to not overcook pork, like most of us have done over the years. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a dry, tough dinner. Yuck!
Several years ago, the USDA lowered their safe cooking temperature recommendation for pork, which means we don’t have to overcook it anymore! Pork tenderloin is done at 145°F, so be sure to use an internal meat thermometer to get it just right.
We suggest roasting or grilling your pork tenderloin at a high temp of 450°F for a short time, only about 20 minutes, depending on the size. It’s essential to use an internal meat thermometer to remove it at the exact right temp (140-145°F).
Roast your pork tenderloin in the oven at a high temp of 450°F for a short time, only about 20 minutes, depending on the size of your cut. It’s essential to use an internal meat thermometer to remove it at the exact right temp, which is 140-145°F.
Oh yes! When prepped correctly, pork tenderloin freezes and thaws well.
The key is good results is freezing before cooking the pork tenderloin. Wrap it tightly in a freezer storage bag or in a few layers of plastic wrap or foil, squeezing out all the excess air. You can freeze pork tenderloin with a rub on the outside or in a marinade. Thaw the frozen pork using one of these safe thawing methods and cook right away.
Our tests showed that freezing cooked pork tenderloin doesn’t work well. It tends to become dry and chewy when rewarmed.
Frozen pork tenderloin recipes can make wonderful meals to take to new moms or easy vacation meals to prep ahead. In fact, this particular recipe comes together so fast, we included it in our 1 Hour Freezer Prep Sessions!
How to Video
Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Dry Rub
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (crushed in hand)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin (trimmed; see Cooking Notes)
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil (sub: olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450° F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
- In small bowl stir together salt, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, and ground thyme until well combined.
- Place the pork tenderloin on the baking sheet. Pat dry with a paper towel and then rub oil on all sides. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on all sides and rub in (and roll it around in any excess rub mixture on the pan).
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, just until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Timing depends on the size of your pork tenderloin, so use a meat thermometer for best results. Note: It will still be slightly pink inside.
- Cover with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices redistribute. (The temperature will also rise another 5°F during this time.)
- Slice on an angle and serve.
Freezer Instructions
Notes/Tips
- Trimming Pork Tenderloin: Use a sharp knife to remove any excess fat or the silverskin (white connective tissue), if it’s left on there. To do so, slide the tip of a small sharp knife just under the silverskin to lift a bit of it, then angle the knife slightly upward (so you don’t cut into the meat) and slide it along the length to remove the strip.
- Sodium Note: Some pork tenderloin is injected with additives, including sodium. Always read the ingredients and look for one without any additives. If yours does have sodium in it, I would significantly reduce the salt in this recipe.
- Pan-Searing Option: If you’d like, you can sear the pork on all sides before baking. (I never do this step because the recipe is so easy and delicious without it.) Here’s how: Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully place tenderloin in the hot pan using tongs and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until the meat is browned evenly. Then, bake until internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.
- You may want to try our Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin or Grilled Pork Tenderloin methods instead.
Nutrition
If I want to to bake 4 tenderloins, is the cooking time still about 25 minutes?
Hi Bill! Yes, it would still be about the same amount of time particularly if the tenderloins are not touching. Just be sure to check the internal temp… 140-145 is what you need when cooking pork.
Very tasty and it would have received 5 stars because of the amount of salt I gave 4 stars. Definitely requires only half the amount unless you prefer a very salty taste.
Hi Diane, thank you for the comment and feedback. One of the things to be cautious of is what additives are in your pork tenderloin. I use pork tenderloin that has no added sodium. Perhaps yours had some?
So yummy! We loved this one! Thanks 🙂
Yay! Glad you loved it Christina. Thanks for leaving a review.
OMG The goodness was incredible. I added a low calorie sweetener. Used 11/2 times the seasoning and use 1TBS oil. It was soo good. Easy seasoning for pork loin. No fuss no must.
So glad you found a winner Cherne! Thanks for leaving a review as well as your changes so others know what worked for you.
Hi. I live just east of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I really enjoyed using your dry rub for pork tenderloin. Just a quick Q for you. Can I apply the rub and refrigerate over night? I’m not sure how the salt will affect the meat.
Many thanks Brian
Hi Brian. It should be fine. I haven’t specifically done this, but I have pulled it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. Seems it would affect it the same… and I tasted no difference. So glad you enjoy this!
This is an easy and delicious way to make pork tenderloin. I don’t typically enjoy pork tenderloin but I like this recipe and make it regularly!
Glad you found a winner Amber. My family has loved this one for many years! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
I panseared pork tenderloins in cast iron skillet and finished it in the oven for 12 minutes. Very tender, flavorful and delicious!!!
This is one of our family favorites and it’s so quick! Thanks for much for taking the time to leave a review Julie.
This recipe was easy to prepare and delicious. We cooked it for our New Years Eve Dinner.
Hi Beth. It is one of the easiest recipes that seems fancy in my opinion. Glad you liked it!
This recipe is a great way to prepare a piece of pork tenderloin in just a few steps with herbs and spices you likely have. Very tasty and quick prep!
Yes! Great way to describe it. I’ve never had it fail to impress with such little effort. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
Wonderful flavor! Easy to make!
Thanks so much for taking time to leave a review JJ!
Love this
Glad to hear you enjoyed it Ronald! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.