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Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin - Juicy, Flavorful, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 pounds), silver skin trimmed
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or another high-heat oil)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to help it sear well.
  2. Season the meat: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spice blend all over the pork, pressing it in so it adheres.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is great) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
  4. Sear on all sides: Lay the pork in the hot skillet. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until nicely browned, turning with tongs to get color all around. This should take 6–8 minutes total.
  5. Add the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet. When it melts, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Spoon the foaming butter over the pork for about 30–45 seconds. Don’t let the garlic burn.
  6. Roast to finish: Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the center reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  7. Rest the meat: Move the pork to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and finish the cook.
  8. Make it saucy: While the pork rests, return the skillet to low heat. Add lemon juice to the pan and swirl to bring the garlic butter together. Scrape any browned bits for extra flavor.
  9. Slice and serve: Cut the tenderloin into 1/2-inch slices. Spoon the warm garlic butter over the top and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.