Lemon Herb Pork Tenderloin
Published on April 07, 2025
Quick Summary
This Lemon Herb Pork Tenderloin is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Roasted to perfection, the combination of zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and tender pork creates a meal that’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
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Pin ItLemon Herb Pork Tenderloin: A Dinner Favorite
You’re going to absolutely love this Lemon Herb Pork Tenderloin! It’s the perfect combination of bright, zesty lemon and fragrant herbs that really make the pork shine.
The beauty of this dish is in how simple it is to make, yet it’s packed with so much flavor. The pork comes out tender and juicy every single time.
It’s one of those meals that feels special enough for a dinner party but easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. Plus, you can get it marinating in the morning so it is ready to throw in the oven around dinner time. Trust me, this one will be part of your regular dinner rotation.
Tips for Perfect Pork Tenderloin
- Marinate: Marinating the pork for at least 1 hour allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and tender. The lemon and herbs have time to infuse the pork, creating a more aromatic and balanced taste. You can marinate for up to 12 hours in the fridge.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a much more vibrant flavor. I like using a mix of thyme, rosemary, and parsley, but basil would also be good.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking pork can lead to a dry, tough roast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F for perfect results.
- Rest the Meat: Don’t skip the resting step! Letting the pork sit for a few minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy roast.
Lemon Herb Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless pork tenderloins, 2 tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallot, 1 small shallot
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small red onion and 1 lemon, for roasting
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the pork tenderloins in a Ziploc bag (or a large bowl). Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, shallot, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the pork. Seal the bag and make sure the pork is well coated. If you are using a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or lid. Place in the refrigerator and let the pork marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours.
- When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Remove the tenderloins from the bag and place in the center of the sheet pan, not touching. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Cut the red onion a lemon into thick slices or wedges. Place them around the pork tenderloins on the baking sheet.
- Place the pan in the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the tenderloins to a cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pork into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
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What to Serve on the Side
This pork tenderloin is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, asparagus, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all good options.
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes are a comforting side that complements the tangy lemon flavors in the pork. Our family also loves crispy smashed potatoes.
- Rice or Creamy Orzo: A light, fluffy side dish like rice is nice or go with decadent creamy orzo!
- Greens: A fresh arugula salad, kale salad, butter lettuce salad, or easy green salad will balance the richness of the pork.
