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Home » Recipes » Single Serving Dinners

By Joanie Zisk Published: Jan 13, 2020 · Updated: Feb 15, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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pork tenderloin in a cast iron skillet with sauce being poured on top.

This wonderful pork tenderloin recipe is the best! Juicy, extra tender, and filled with flavor, this tenderloin cooks in the oven and can be ready in just 30 minutes! Coated with herbs, garlic and butter, you won't believe how easy it is to make.

A spoon pouring gravy onto a pork tenderloin in a cast iron skillet on a wooden trivet

Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite meals to make. I've discovered a way to cook the best pork tenderloin that's juicy, will melt in your mouth, and cooks in just 30 minutes!

Why This Recipe Works

You should definitely make this dish a part of your regular meal plans. This amazingly simple recipe is a scaled-down version of the pork recipe I've been using for years.

This recipe requires just a few pantry staples and a cast iron skillet and is a meal that looks like you've labored for hours in the kitchen, when in fact it cooks in about half an hour.

Sliced pork tenderloin and sliced roasted potatoes on a plate.

What Is Pork Tenderloin?

Few other proteins are as tender and juicy as a pork tenderloin. In addition to its fabulous flavor, this meat is incredibly easy to cook.

Pork tenderloin is also called pork filet or pork tender. It comes from the muscle that runs alongside the backbone. This boneless cut of meat is very lean and cooks quickly.

Package of pork tenderloin on a wooden table.
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Ingredient Notes

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

  • Pork tenderloin: Most packages come with two filets inside. If you're cooking for one you might not want to make them both. In fact, when I cook for myself I use about 8 ounces of pork filet, which is about half of one tenderloin. You can wrap the remaining tenderloins in freezer paper, heavy duty freezer wrap, or double wrap in plastic wrap to freeze and cook later. You can certainly cook both tenderloins and the leftovers keep wonderfully for days. Use pork leftovers in sandwiches, mixed in with pasta, or in salads.
  • Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder: For flavor.
  • Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this pork tenderloin recipe as well as in every other recipe on One Dish Kitchen that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It's my favorite type of olive oil to use but you may use a lighter olive oil instead.
  • Butter: I add salted butter to the pork after it cooks in the oven. Adding a little butter, then covering the pan while the pork rests keeps the meat extra juicy. The butter melts into the pork and helps to create the most incredibly delicious sauce!

How To Make This Pork Tenderloin Recipe

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Place a cast iron skillet in the oven on a middle rack and heat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). The skillet will heat along with the oven. Remove from the oven and add olive oil to the skillet. Give the pan a swirl so that the oil coats the entire bottom.
  2. Mix together the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pork and rub the spices in with your fingers. Place the pork in the skillet and using oven mitts, return the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  3. After 10 minutes, remove the skillet from the oven and using tongs, flip the pork over. Reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and continue roasting another 15 minutes. 
  4. Remove the skillet from the oven. Add the butter to the pan and cover with a large plate, a pan lid, or foil. Let the pork rest 15 minutes before serving. The pork is done when its internal temperature registers 145 degrees in the thickest part of the meat.
  5. Remove the foil. Spoon the butter sauce over the pork before slicing.
  6. Transfer the pork to a plate and pour more of the amazing sauce over the top.
Six pictures showing the steps needed to make the best pork tenderloin recipe in a cast iron skillet.

Expert Tips

  • Season the pork on all sides: Make sure the tenderloin is completely coated with the spices and feel free to experiment with your favorite spices and spice blends. You can even season the pork simply with just salt and pepper.
  • Trim fat if necessary: Most tenderloins are sold already trimmed of fat. If the one you purchase still has a bit of fat left on, remove it with a sharp knife.
  • Don't forget the butter: The heat from the pan will melt the butter which will mix with the juices of the pork. This makes for a wonderful sauce to cover the pork.
  • Be sure to cover the pork before slicing: Letting the pork "rest" for about 15 minutes after cooking is important. It allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat so you are sure to have the juiciest pork possible.

RELATED RECIPE: Beef Tenderloin For One

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Look For When Buying Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is found in the meat section of the grocery store. The tenderloin is a small cut of pork tenderloin, usually weighing around 1 to 1 ½ pounds, you'll usually see two in a sealed package.  
You might see some tenderloins in a marinade. Personally, I don't purchase these. I like to season the meat myself, this controls the amount of salt and oil used.

How Do I Freeze Pork Tenderloin?

Raw pork should be wrapped thoroughly and tightly. Use butcher paper or double wrap the pork in plastic wrap and then place in freezer zip topped bags. You might like to consider wrapping the pork in convenient portions, 8-ounces tends to be a good size to serve one or two.
Well wrapped tenderloin will keep well in the freezer for up to six months.
Raw pork should be thawed in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight depending on its size.

How Should I Use Leftover Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin leftovers are wonderful. If you'd like to make the entire tenderloin follow the same cooking instructions and double the ingredient amounts for each pork tenderloin.
Consider using leftover pork in sandwiches or mixed in with pasta.

Is Pork Tenderloin and Pork Loin The Same?

No, they are quite different. Pork Tenderloin is a boneless cut of meat that runs along the backbone that is long and narrow. A Pork Loin, which comes from the back of the pig, is much larger, being flatter and wider, and can come with or without a bone.

What To Serve With Pork Tenderloin

You might like to serve any of these single serving and small batch recipes with your pork:

  • Garlic Smashed Potatoes
  • Smashed Brussels Sprouts
  • Roasted Butternut Squash
  • Ratatouille
  • Scalloped Potatoes
  • Rice Pilaf
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Roasted Carrots

Enjoy!

I use a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet in this recipe. You could use any oven-safe skillet. If you would like more information on the baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page. For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this easy pork tenderloin recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

a small pork tenderloin in a mini cast iron skillet

Easy Pork Tenderloin For One

Juicy and tender pork tenderloin is filled with flavor. Easy small portion baked pork tenderloin recipe can be ready in just 30 minutes!
4.90 from 19 votes
Print Pin Rate
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 442kcal
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pork tenderloin
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place a small cast iron skillet in the oven on a middle rack and heat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). The skillet will heat along with the oven.
  • Using oven mitts, remove the skillet from the oven and add olive oil to the pan. Give the pan a swirl so that the oil coats the entire bottom.
  • Mix together the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pork and rub the spices in with your fingers.
  • Place the pork in the skillet and using oven mitts, return the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, remove the skillet from the oven and using tongs, flip the pork tenderloin over. Reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and continue roasting another 15 minutes. 
  • Remove the skillet from the oven. Add the butter to the pan and cover with a large plate, a pan lid, or foil. Let the pork rest 15 minutes before serving. The pork is done when its internal temperature registers 145 degrees in the thickest part of the meat.
  • Remove the foil. Spoon the butter sauce over the pork before slicing.

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Season the pork on all sides: Make sure the pork tenderloin is completely coated with the spices and feel free to experiment with your favorite spices and spice blends. You can even season the pork simply with just salt and pepper.
  • Trim fat if necessary: Most pork tenderloins are sold already trimmed of fat. If the one you purchase still has a bit of fat left on, remove it with a sharp knife.
  • Don't forget the butter: The heat from the pan will melt the butter which will mix with the juices of the pork. This makes for a wonderful sauce to cover the pork.
  • Be sure to cover the pork before slicing: Letting the pork "rest" for about 15 minutes after cooking is important. It allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat so you are sure to have the juiciest pork possible.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Pork Tenderloin For One
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 442 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 178mg59%
Sodium 800mg35%
Potassium 891mg25%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 47g94%
Vitamin A 350IU7%
Calcium 46mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Kathi says

    September 24, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    Great recipe. Made it in my air fryer. I have a small cast iron sheet pan (5 X 5) and I used that. Only took 15 minutes total - 9 minutes and then flipped it for the last 6. OMG it was sooooooooo good. I also used Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning as it has no MSG and is low sodium, but used the salted butter of course. This is for sure a keeper recipe. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Debra Miller says

    September 20, 2021 at 9:15 am

    Lots of sodium in this recipe. Can we reduce by using no salt garlic and herb mix and no salt butter?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      September 20, 2021 at 9:44 am

      Debra, you can reduce the amount of sodium by using unsalted butter and reducing the amount of salt added or you can use the no-salt herb mix instead.

      Reply
  3. Gail says

    June 27, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Tried this recipe tonight. WOW!! I had it with fresh green beans steamed and then sautéed with butter and pesto. I am going to make this the next time my friends come for dinner. It will also be my way to cook pork tenderloin in the future. Thanks for a fabulous recipe. 🤗

    Reply
  4. Marilyn says

    January 13, 2021 at 11:11 am

    Can a toaster oven be used?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      January 15, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      I don't recommend using a cast iron skillet in a toaster oven. Cast iron skillets are very heavy and the wire rack could bend under the weight. Since toaster ovens vary, I would consult the owner's manual to see what their recommendation would be.

      Reply
  5. Linda Reeves says

    January 01, 2021 at 7:48 pm

    I have been cooking pork tenderloin for 35 years but with my new cast iron skillet and this recipe, I just cooked the best one I have ever, ever cooked. Oh my gosh! The only thing I added was some fresh garlic cloves inside the meat. I served it oh a bed of creamy, cheesy polenta with creme fraiche and honey roasted brussel sprouts. It was delish! I also made a pear Waldorf salad to accompany my dinner!

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      January 02, 2021 at 7:59 am

      It sounds like such a lovely meal! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply
  6. Dan Ford says

    December 09, 2020 at 7:45 pm

    I gotta say this was one tender mofo, great recipe.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      December 10, 2020 at 11:06 am

      Thanks so much, Dan! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply
  7. Cindy says

    November 21, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    This was amazing! I had a one pound pork tenderloin from the butcher and forgot to halve it before I froze it. So, just doubled recipe and used my 10 inch cast iron skillet, used same cook time and it came out perfect. I rarely cook pork because it always comes out dry when I try. This was moist with great flavor! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      November 22, 2020 at 10:21 am

      Cindy, I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe. This is my favorite way to cook pork tenderloin, thanks so much for your feedback.

      Reply
  8. Elizabeth Rivera says

    November 10, 2020 at 5:33 pm

    This was so quick and easy. The family loved it . I made roasted broccoli and cauliflower and it was perfect for a fall week day meal. Thank yow

    Lizzie Rivera

    Reply
  9. Lee C. says

    September 23, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    Made the pork tenderloin recipe it was delicious. I bought the cookbook, the recipes look amazing.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      September 24, 2020 at 9:51 am

      I'm so glad you enjoyed the pork and I hope you find many new recipes you love from the book. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Brenda says

        October 23, 2020 at 3:40 pm

        I haven't made this yet, but I'm sure it is 5 stars. But I will be making this for two and was wondering in what besides a cast iron skillet can it be cooked?

      • Joanie Zisk says

        October 25, 2020 at 8:00 am

        Hi Brenda, the cast iron skillet helps give the pork a great sear. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, another oven-safe skillet will do.

  10. Janet Delen says

    September 09, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    Amazing!!!

    Reply
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