Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin
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Are you wondering how to keep the “tender” in pork tenderloin while bringing out its natural flavor?
This step-by-step recipe is so easy! Below I share pictures of the process so you can cook it perfectly, even if it is your very first time.

The results produced with this garlic butter pork tenderloin recipe are as delicious as they look. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
What is pork tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is the long, lean muscle that runs along the backbone of the pig. Not to be confused with a pork loin roast or a bone-in pork loin roast, which is a larger and a bit less tender cut.
The tenderloin is a supporting muscle for the pig’s backbone, not a chase-intruders-out-of-the-yard muscle. Am I sounding like a parent whose curious children ask every kind of question?
If you love tenderloins, check out our venison tenderloin or elk tenderloin recipes next.
Why you will love this recipe
You will love this recipe for its simplicity. It uses just one dish! Your cast iron skillet is used for both searing and baking.
And a tip for keeping things really simple: you can serve this easy recipe right in your cast iron skillet as well.
Be careful as it is hot and should be kept away from little reaching fingers.
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How to make pork tenderloin in a cast iron skillet
Gather your ingredients and supplies
- 2 1-pound pork tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh cracked pepper
- 3 tablespoons of butter, softened
- 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
- 12″ Cast iron skillet
- small dish or ramekin
- metal tongs
- instant meat thermometer
Preheat your oven and prepare the herbed butter
When you are ready to start, preheat your oven to 425ยฐF.
In a ramekin, combine butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme until well mixed. Then set it aside.
Season the tenderloins
Next, coat the tenderloins with salt and pepper. I’m keeping the seasoning simple at this stage because we are adding the garlic-herb butter right before baking.
Sear the meat on all sides.
Heat the olive oil in a 12″ skillet until shimmering, then sear the meat on all sides. This is quick, about one minute per side. This step sears the juices into the meat, so the results are moist and tender.
Top with butter and bake in a hot oven.
Add the butter to the top of the tenderloins and bake in a 425ยฐF oven for 20 to 25 minutes. When the internal temperature registers 145ยฐF, the tenderloins are cooked to perfection.
As soon as I flip the meat on its final side, I add the garlic butter and put the skillet straight into the oven.
The heat retained in the cast iron pan completes the searing as you transfer it from the cooktop to the oven.
Serve your delicious pork tenderloin.
But first, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This gives you a few minutes to put the final touches on the rest of the meal.
What to make with garlic butter pork tenderloin
You can dress this meal up or down depending on the occasion.
It is absolutely incredible with some buttery mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s quick and easy, and I know everyone will leave the table satisfied.
Or dress it up with some oven-roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, and freshly baked bread.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. I like to cube any leftover pork tenderloin before freezing.
That way, I can quickly defrost the meat cubes to add to a quick stir fry on those days when we have a time crunch but need to fill some bellies.
FAQs
Should you sear pork tenderloin? Absolutely! It sears in the juices, so the meat comes out tender and juicy.
What is the best method of cooking pork tenderloin? I may be biased, but cooking in cast iron delivers the best results, in my experience. The one-pan transition from hot stove top to hot oven creates just-right conditions to cook this cut to perfection.
Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow? Fast, all the way! This naturally tender cut benefits from searing in its juices quickly in a hot pan and transferring to a hot oven to finish the process. Delish!
Wrapping up
If you’re looking for easy yet mouthwateringly delicious, this recipe is perfect for you.
This dish creates gourmet tastes and smells with everyday skills and ingredients. If you are trying to up your kitchen skills, this cast iron pork tenderloin recipe is an easy win.
Let me know how this recipe worked for you. I remember how I felt when I was new to cooking. I know I really could have used a step-by-step guide like this.
Are you ready for more ways to cook pork? Try one of these next:
- Boiled pork chops
- Hearty pork neck bone soup
- Pork cottage roll
- Fried pork liver
- Stew peas with pigs tail
Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2 1- pound pork tenderloins
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh cracked pepper
- 3 tablespoons of grass fed butter softened
- 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ยฐF.
- In a ramekin, combine butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Set aside.
- Coat the tenderloins with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a 12" skillet until shimmering, then sear the meat on all
sidesโapproximately one minute per side. - Add the butter to the top of the tenderloins and bake for 20-25 minutes or until
the internal temperature registers 145ยฐF - Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
it straight into the oven. The meat will sear in the hot pan as you transition from stove top to oven. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in
the freezer.