15 Times Pork Tenderloin Recipes Saved Dinner

Pork tenderloin is proof that you don’t have to rely on chicken breasts alone for quick and healthy meals on the fly. And once you have your first juicy, tender bite, you’ll wonder why you let yourself suffer through so much dry meat in the past. Pork is incredibly versatile — it’s pretty amazing that we can get bacon desserts and pork chop dinners from the same meat. The tenderloin is just as easy to transform. Experiment with your favorite flavors and cooking techniques in these 15 recipes, but either way, you’re sure to come out on the other side as a fan of this under-appreciated cut of meat.

Coffee Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

Don’t be afraid to use bold ingredients when cooking with pork. Espresso powder, brown sugar, and spices season each bite, all the way to the center of the roast. (via Let’s Taco Bout It)

Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Keep your meat moist by soaking it in a zingy marinade, in this case, honey-mustard. Then, a pecan crust keeps the exterior nice and crispy. (via Ally’s Cooking)

One-Pan Brown Sugar Pork and Apples

Pork tenderloin is rubbed with a seasoning that becomes a glaze in this recipe. Apples are added near the end of cooking, bringing a freshness to the dish that helps the brown sugar from becoming too cloying. (via Le Creme de la Crumb)

Orange Mustard Pork Tenderloin

Turn a classic flavor pairing on its head and swap honey for orange marmalade in the mustardy sauce. It’s sweet, citrusy, and punchy enough to stand up to a hearty roast. (via Simply Stacie)

Korean Bulgogi Pork Tenderloin

Rather than spending more on prepared stir-fry meat, purchase a larger cut and butcher it yourself. This recipe cooks up quickly, so you can get your Korean food fix at home just as easily as heading to a restaurant. (via Jo Cooks)

Za’atar Pork Tenderloin With Sweet Potato and Cauliflower

Za’atar, a spice mixture made from an herb that tastes like a cross between thyme and oregano, brings an earthy flavor to this one-pan meal. You cook the meat and veggies together for an easy dinner. (via My Kitchen Love)

Lime and Maple Pork Loin

Sometimes, the most unexpected flavor combinations come together to create magic. In this case, lime and maple syrup make for a balanced, tenderizing marinade that’s enhanced by tons of garlic and a little oregano. (via Peas and Peonies)

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

Thick, juicy slices of grilled pork make for a stellar sandwich. Top each one with a crunchy, tangy slaw for harmony in each bite. (via Buy This Cook That)

Pear and Gruyere Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

If you really want to impress your dinner party guests, stuff whatever it is you’re serving. One look at the pear and Gruyere tucked inside this tenderloin, and they’ll be convinced that you’re a pro. (via Cali Girl Cooking)

Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Charred Lemon Chimichurri

Double down on charred flavors from the grill with this dish. First, grill your meat, and then some lemons, to bring a smokey flavor to the bright and herbal chimichurri sauce you drizzle on top. (via Platings and Pairings)

Salsa Verde Pork Tenderloin

It seems gourmet, but there’s a secret to getting this meal on the table quickly. Just choose pre-seasoned pork tenderloin at the store, and then make a homemade sauce to freshen up your plate. (via Buns in My Oven)

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

It’s a double pork bonanza in this bold meal. Keep things from getting too savory by adding a maple and brown sugar topping to the mix. (via The Gold Lining Girl)

Blackberry Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Ripe blackberries add an unexpected but welcome sweetness to this tenderloin. Fresh rosemary brings a woodsy, herbal balance to the fruity flavors. (via Certified Pastry Aficionado)

Pork Loin With Rhubarb Sauce

Tangy rhubarb is usually seen in desserts, but in this recipe, it brings a bracing tartness to tender pork medallions. (via Karmelowy)

Cheshire Pork Pie

We all grew up eating chicken pot pie, but other meats work just as well when placed inside a buttery, flaky crust. The key is using pork tenderloin, which doesn’t require an overly long cooking time to become tender. (via Panning the Globe)