Craving a restaurant-quality dinner that's incredibly easy to make at home? Look no further than this sensational Honey Baked Pork Tenderloin that promises to transform an ordinary weeknight meal into a gourmet experience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you'll create a dish so succulent and flavorful, your family will think you've been secretly training as a professional chef. Prepare to unlock the secret to perfectly caramelized, juicy pork that's guaranteed to become a new household favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from refrigeration and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Season the pork tenderloin generously with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the honey mixture, coating all surfaces.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Every 10 minutes during cooking, baste the tenderloin with additional honey mixture to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and let the meat rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which ensures a moist and tender result.
- Slice the pork tenderloin against the grain into medallions and drizzle with any remaining pan juices before serving.
Tips
- Always pat the pork tenderloin completely dry before seasoning to ensure optimal browning and flavor absorption.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness - 145°F is the perfect internal temperature for a juicy, safe-to-eat pork tenderloin.
- Basting is key! Regularly brushing the meat with the honey mixture creates a beautiful caramelized exterior and locks in moisture.
- Let the meat rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, which guarantees a tender and succulent result.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork in the honey mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
- If you prefer a glossier finish, broil the tenderloin for 1-2 minutes after baking to enhance caramelization.
- Choose a high-quality honey for the best flavor profile - local or raw honey can add depth to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
