How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin In Oven At 400

5 from 21 votes
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Juicy baked pork tenderloin is a family favorite meal that can be made in under an hour. We are answering how long to cook pork tenderloin in the oven at 400 degrees and sharing an easy recipe for the perfect, tender pork.

Plate of sliced pork.


 

This easy pork tenderloin recipe is one we make on a weekly basis. Similar to these amazing baked pork chops, it’s flavorful, simple, and is a great main dish that can be paired with with a side dish like broccoli, sweet potato fries, seasoned rice, and fried okra.

How long to cook pork tenderloin at 400 degrees?

The answer to how long to cook pork tenderloin in the oven varies slightly depending on how done you like the pork and the thickness of the tenderloin. A pork tenderloin will take about 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven at 400 degrees F.

Ingredient needed

Pork tenderloin – You can bake one or two pork tenderloins at a time. If cooking two, double the spice mixture.

Olive oil – This helps to brown the outside of the pork while baking.

Seasonings – This is an easy spice mixture made with garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, brown sugar, salt and ground black pepper. Feel free to use your favorite spice mixture.

Pork loin with bowl of spices and oil.

How to cook pork tenderloin at 400 degrees

Step one: Prepare the tenderloin by cutting off the silver skin if needed and trimming off any excess fat. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step two: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees f. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and then place the pork in the dish.

Step three: Combine the spices and brown sugar in a small bowl. Rub oil on the pork and then sprinkle seasoning mixture over the pork. Make sure to try and cover the whole tenderloin with the seasoning mix.

Uncooked pork tenderloin in baking dish covered in spices.

Step four: Place the pork in preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature by placing an instant read thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. If it reaches 145 degrees it can be taken out. If not, cook for another 2-5 minutes.

Step five: Carefully place the tenderloin on a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking and lock in the juices. Slice with a sharp knife to serve.

What is the best temperature to cook pork tenderloin in the oven?

Pork tenderloin can be cooked at a variety of different temperatures but cooking it at a high temperature like 400 degrees, will give you great color and flavor on the outside.

When cooking pork tenderloin, the optimal internal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit according to the national pork board. This gives you a medium cook, meaning a little pink in the center, tender, and juicy.

You can cook your pork up to 160 degrees if you prefer a little more medium well – well. according to the national pork board

Recipe tips

  • It is not necessary to cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork.
  • To ensure you get juicy pork tenderloin, be careful not to over cook because it’s a lean cut of meat that can dry out quickly.
  • Don’t skip the step of letting the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This really helps to lock in the juices, giving you moist, tender pork.
  • This cooking method can also be used for pre-marinated or seasoned pork tenderloins.
  • Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Cooked pork tenderloin on a cutting board.

How to store leftovers

Leftover pork tenderloin can make a delicious meal the next day. To store leftovers, make sure the meat has cooled to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More easy pork recipes

Did you try this pork recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

Plate of sliced pork.
5 from 21 votes

Cook Pork Tenderloin In The Oven At 400 Degrees

By Heather
How to cook pork tenderloin in the oven at 400 degrees F.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 22 minutes
Total: 28 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 1 pork tenderloin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a casserole dish or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Combine all of the spices and brown sugar in a small bowl.
  • Place pork tenderloin in the baking dish. Rub with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoning mix. Make sure to cover on all sides of the pork.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. If you don't like the center to have any pink, cook for 25-30 minutes.
  • Let meat rest on cutting board for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 63g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 1201mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
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Thank you for visiting Food Lovin’ Family! With 3 kids I know it can be hard getting food on the table. Here you will find easy and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

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6 Comments

  1. Thank you!! I did a different marinade (I had not seen your lovely recipe) but could not find a more reasonable cooking time for these delightful and small tenderloins. One site suggested an hour!!! What? No way! So thank you!

      1. Needed to cook for at least an hour and 15. It was still raw in the middle after 25 and rested for 10

      2. What size was your pork tenderloin and what temperature did you have your oven? Typically it wouldn’t need that long to cook.