Oven-Baked Pork Recipe
This Oven-Baked Pork Tenderloin recipe features a juicy, tender pork loin seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, roasted to perfection, and served with a rich Dijon cream sauce. A simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 ½ lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Dijon Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the pork tenderloin.
- Season Pork: Rub the pork tenderloin all over with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to infuse it with savory flavors.
- Roast Pork: Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Rest Pork: Remove the pork from the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender slices.
- Make Sauce: While the pork rests, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in Dijon mustard, heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Slice the rested pork tenderloin and drizzle generously with the Dijon cream sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is perfectly cooked without overcooking.
- Letting the pork rest before slicing helps retain its juices and tenderness.
- The Dijon cream sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: oven baked pork, pork tenderloin, Dijon cream sauce, easy pork recipe, roasted pork, creamy mustard sauce