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Pork Tenderloin – Juicy, Tender & Full of Flavor


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale
(Serves 4–6)

Pork & rub:

  • 2 lbs pork tenderloin (trimmed—you love lean, high-protein cuts!)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • Garlic-herb dry rub (sugar-free!):
    • 1 tsp kosher salt (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
    • 1 tsp black pepper
    • 1½ tsp garlic powder (you love garlic!)
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (you love spicy!)

Optional citrus-herb glaze (sugar-free!):

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (you love citrus brightness!)
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
  • 1 tbsp cold butter (you love buttery richness!)

For serving:

  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Optional sides:
    → Roasted asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower mash (low-carb—you love this!)

Instructions

1. Prep pork:
Pat tenderloin very dry with paper towels (key for browning!).
Let sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes before cooking.
2. Season:
Mix all dry rub ingredients. Rub generously onto all sides of pork.
3. Sear:
Heat oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add pork; sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden on all sides.
4. Roast:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Transfer skillet to oven (or move pork to baking dish).
Roast 15–20 minutes, until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
Use a meat thermometer—pork is perfect at 145°F, juicy and safe!
5. Rest & glaze (optional):
Transfer pork to cutting board; tent loosely with foil. Rest 5–10 minutes.
While resting, make glaze: In same skillet, add lemon juice and broth; simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat; whisk in cold butter and fresh herbs until glossy.
6. Serve:
Slice pork against the grain into ½” medallions. Drizzle with glaze (if using). Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
Dry surface + high heat = golden crust—don’t skip patting dry!
Resting is essential—prevents dry, tough pork.
Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use ½ tsp reduced-sodium salt + boost flavor with extra garlic, herbs, and black pepper
→ Finish with lemon zest for brightness without sodium
Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally zero-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 1g per serving
Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Already compliant! <2g net carbs/serving
→ High-protein: 35g+ per serving
Make ahead:
→ Dry rub keeps 3 months in jar
→ Cooked pork keeps 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen

Air Fryer Option:
→ Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
→ Sear pork in skillet 2 min per side (optional but recommended).
→ Air fry 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until 145°F internal temp.
→ Same rest + glaze finish!

Storage & Serving Ideas
Fridge life: 4 days | Freezer: 3 months
Serving ideas:
→ Over cauliflower mash with garlic green beans
→ Sliced over mixed greens for a protein-packed salad
→ For Sunday dinner or meal prep

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, 4 oz pork):
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Rest: 10 min | Total Time: 45 min
Calories: 240 | Protein: 36g | Net Carbs: 1g | Fats: 10g | Fiber: 0g | Gluten-Free • Low-Sodium Adaptable • Blood Sugar Friendly • Low-Carb/Keto Friendly