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–+ servings
a small pork tenderloin in a mini cast iron skillet
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4.93 from 27 votes

Pork Tenderloin For One

This small pork tenderloin recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Seasoned and roasted in a cast iron skillet, the pork is incredibly tender and juicy, topped with a buttery sauce for a simple, delicious meal.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Resting Time15 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: how to make pork tenderloin, pork, pork tenderloin, tenderloin
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

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 - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the Skillet and Oven: Place a small cast iron skillet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), allowing the skillet to heat up with the oven.
  • Prepare the Skillet: Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot skillet using oven mitts. Add olive oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
  • Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the seasoning over the pork and rub it in with your fingers to coat all sides.
  • Start Cooking the Pork: Place the seasoned pork in the skillet. Using oven mitts, return the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Flip and Continue Cooking: After 10 minutes, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and use tongs to flip the pork. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), then return the skillet to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes.
  • Add Butter and Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and add butter to the pan. Cover the skillet with a large plate, pan lid, or foil. Let the pork rest for 15 minutes.
    Note: The pork is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F in the thickest part.
  • Serve the Pork: Uncover the skillet and spoon the melted butter sauce over the pork. Slice and serve the pork with the sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

  • Season All Sides: Coat the entire pork tenderloin evenly with spices. You can stick with just salt and pepper or try your favorite spice blends for variety.
  • Trim Fat if Needed: Most pork tenderloins come pre-trimmed, but if there’s any fat remaining, use a sharp knife to remove it.
  • Don't Skip the Butter: As the butter melts in the hot pan, it combines with the pork juices to create a flavorful sauce to spoon over the meat.
  • Let the Pork Rest: Cover the pork and let it rest for about 15 minutes after cooking. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the pork stays tender and juicy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 178mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 891mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 3mg

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