Juicy Dijon Pork Tenderloin
This juicy Dijon Pork tenderloin is crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. It’s seasoned, savory, and finished in the oven.
Tender, Juicy Dijon Pork Tenderlion
We Poles love pork, and this juicy dijon pork tenderloin is one of my best family recipes. I’m the kind of cook who never skimps on the flavor of a meaty dinner, whether it is chicken chasseur, bison stew, beef bourguignon, or creamy Tuscan Italian chicken. I love the flavor and easy recipes, so anybody can make them without spending hours in the kitchen having a restaurant-worthy meal!
Pork tenderloin is one of the most versatile and flavorful cuts of meat you can bring to your table. Known for its lean profile and tender texture, it’s the perfect option for a Christmas dinner, weeknight dinner, or even a special dinner party. You can create a juicy, flavorful, and satisfying dish from the first bite with just a few simple ingredients, an easy method, and a bit of attention to detail.
Why You Will Love This Juicy Djon Pork Tenderloin
- Perfectly Tender and Juicy: The lean cut of meat stays moist and flavorful thanks to the right cooking techniques and seasoning blend. Say goodbye to flavorless pork tenderloin forever!
- Quick and Easy Method: From prep to plate, this is an easy recipe that fits any night of the week.
- Incredible flavor from the rub and dijon mustard sauce: The spice rub, dijon sauce combined with a golden crust and just a little pink in the center, delivers lots of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Pairings: This pork tenderloin goes with almost anything! Enjoy it with roasted sweet potatoes like I made, mashed potatoes, celery root puree, fall roasted vegetables, or mashed sweet potatoes for a perfect dinner that satisfies every palate.
- Great for Leftovers: Leftover pork tenderloin can be transformed into sandwiches, salads, or tacos, making it a budget-friendly and time-saving option.
Choosing the Best Pork Tenderloin
When shopping at the grocery store, look for a fresh pork tenderloin, free of blemishes and weighs between one to two pounds. This lean cut of meat is often sold pre-trimmed, but if you spot the silver skin on it, use a sharp knife to remove it before cooking. Removing this tough membrane ensures the tender pork stays melt-in-your-mouth soft after cooking.
Creating the Perfect Seasoning Blend
A flavorful pork tenderloin begins with a well-balanced seasoning blend. You can mix different dired herbs such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, black pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning in a small bowl. This dry rub creates a golden crust while locking in the juices. Adding a tablespoon of oil, such as olive oil, helps the seasoning adhere to the meat and enhances its caramelization in the pan or oven creating perfect juicy dijon pork tenderloin.
Ingredients For Dijon Pork Tenderloin
- Pork tenderloin
- Garlic powder
- Sweet paprika
- Onion powder
- Thyme
- Roasmary
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Soy sauce
How to Make Juicy Pork Tenderloin
Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
Preheat the oven to 425 F. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes a golden crust. If there’s any silver skin on the tenderloin, trim it off using a sharp knife.
Make the Seasoning Blend:
Combine garlic, sweet paprika, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful spice rub.
Create the Glaze:
Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and olive oil in another small bowl. This glaze will add a tangy, sweet, and savory layer to the pork.
Season the Pork:
Rub the spice blend all over the tenderloin, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Sear the Pork:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a hot pan (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Roast the Pork:
Transfer the seared pork to a baking dish or a sheet of parchment paper. Brush it generously with the honey-Dijon glaze. Roast in the oven for about 15–20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F.
Rest and Slice:
Remove the pork from the oven and rest for 5–10 minutes to retain its juices. Slice into medallions and serve.
Chef Tips for the Perfect Pork Tenderloin
- Trim the Silver Skin: Always remove the tough silver skin from the pork tenderloin before cooking. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim it off without cutting into the meat.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Let the pork rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the outside from drying out while the inside cooks.
- Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, use an instant-read thermometer to measure the inside temperature. Remove it from the oven when it reaches 145°F for tender, juicy results.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork on medium-high heat before roasting creates a flavorful golden crust and locks in the juices.
- Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the pork rest under aluminum foil for 5–10 minutes for the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
- Balance Flavors in the Glaze: Adjust the sweetness of the honey, the tang of Dijon mustard, or the saltiness of soy sauce to suit your taste. A balanced glaze elevates the flavor of the dish.
- Cook with High Heat: Roasting at 425°F caramelizes the glaze and creates a delicious crust without overcooking the tenderloin.
- Avoid Overcooking: Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, so avoid overcooking because it will get dry.
- Season generously and cook the pork tenderloin to the perfect temperature to avoid flavorless meat.
- Experiment with marinades using orange juice or spices like chili powder to create a unique spin on the classic recipe.
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Juicy Pork Tenderloin
Fall Roasted Vegetables: Roast a mix of sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, and rosemary.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that balances the bold flavors of the pork. Add a touch of garlic or sour cream for extra richness.
Celeriac Puree: A nice creamy celery root puree pairs beautifully with pork.
Fall Harvest Kale Salad: A crisp salad with kale, fall vegetables, fruits, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pork for a refreshing bite.
Sweet Mashed Potatoes: Sweet Mashed potatoes are perfect for this pork tenderloin.
Quinoa Salad: A warm quinoa or farro salad with dried cranberries, nuts, and a citrus dressing offers a hearty, tangy contrast to the tender pork.
Why This is the Best Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
With its golden crust, juicy interior, and perfectly balanced spice rub, this juicy dijon pork tenderloin brings out the best flavor in every bite. Combining simple techniques, an easy recipe, and simple ingredients ensures foolproof results every time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this pork tenderloin will surely be a hit.
For a complete guide to this delicious recipe, find the full details in the recipe card below and enjoy your perfect dinner!
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Juicy Dijon Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Pork tenderloin
Spice Rub
- 1 tbsp Granulated garlic
- 1 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp Granulated onion
- 1 tbsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Fresh rosemary chopped
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Dijon Glaze
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 tbsp Soy sauce Gluten-free
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Tenderloin and Roast Sweet Potatoes:Preheat the oven to 425 F. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes a golden crust. If there's any silver skin on the tenderloin, trim it off using a sharp knife. Roast sweet potatoes in teh oven at 400 F for 25 minutes.Make the Seasoning Blend:Combine garlic, sweet paprika, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful spice rub.Create the Glaze:Whisk together minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and olive oil in another small bowl. This glaze will add a tangy, sweet, and savory layer to the pork.Season the Pork:Rub the spice blend all over the tenderloin, ensuring it's evenly coated. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to penetrate.Sear the Pork:Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a hot pan (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.Roast the Pork:Transfer the seared pork to a baking dish or a sheet of parchment paper. Brush it generously with the honey-Dijon glaze. Roast in the oven for about 15–20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F.Rest and Slice:Remove the pork from the oven and rest for 5–10 minutes to retain its juices. Slice into medallions and serve.
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