27 Reasons Why Pork Loin & Tenderloin Should Be On Tonight's Menu
Step aside, pork chops.
We know, we know: When you think of pork loin and tenderloin, you probably think it's more fussy dinner party fare than a weeknight warrior, but we're here to set the record straight. Pork loin and tenderloin are the quick-cooking protein that'll instantly add a bit of low-key fanciness to an ordinary Tuesday. With these 27 easy pork loin and tenderloin recipes, you'll find there's really no shortage of ways to cook this rich, savory cut: Wrap it in bacon, top it with chimichurri, or throw it in a slow cooker, and you'll have a pork dinner that'll blow even the pickiest eaters away.
Fun fact: Did you know that pork loin and pork tenderloin are actually two different cuts of meat? Technically speaking, pork tenderloin is long and thin, and pork loin is wider and thicker. Both are incredibly delicious, lean cuts of meat, but their cook time and prep will vary due to their size, so it's important to make sure you've got the right cut, no matter what recipe you choose.
You might be most familiar with pork loin, because it's where another favorite cut comes from: tender, juicy pork chops. Since pork loin is a fattier cut, it makes an amazing roast, is top-notch on the grill, and really develops in flavor if you sear it first. You can't go wrong using it for this Crockpot pork roast, roast pork loin, and for making these Cuban sandwiches.
Pork tenderloin is happiest with a marinade and perfect for feeding a smaller group. Its size also makes it easy to cook quickly without worry of needing to marinade for a long time to help tenderize it. It's our go to for our Instant Pot pork tenderloin, roast pork tenderloin, and grilled pork tenderloin for the easiest, quickest dinner ever.
After you master these recipes, you can get to trying our favorite ground pork recipes, pork rib recipes, and these pulled pork ideas next!
Air Fryer Korean-Inspired Pork Tenderloin Lettuce Wraps
Pork tenderloin is the perfect vehicle for the spicy sweet sauce in these lettuce wraps. If you're not a fan of finger food (no judgment!), you could also just transform the whole thing into a rice or grain-based bowl.
Get the Air Fryer Korean-Inspired Pork Tenderloin Lettuce Wraps recipe.
Pork Loin Roast
Pork loin may seem intimidating, but if you cook it right, it can be extremely good. Plus, you can flavor it in so many ways; woody herbs like thyme and rosemary infuse a lot of fragrant flavor. Mustard is also always classic (we love grainy Dijon-style!) and pairs nicely with brown sugar. Also, butter. Always butter. Switch it up with chimichurri, a fig jam, or even with sauerkraut.
Get the Pork Loin Roast recipe.
Mushroom, Spinach & Gruyère Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Fast-cooking pork tenderloin is a regular in our weeknight dinner rotation, but that doesn’t mean we let it become so routine that it becomes boring. Instead, we mix it up each week with a variety of different flavors and preparations, and this ultra-stuffed mushroom, spinach, and Gruyère pork tenderloin certainly does that.
Get the Mushroom, Spinach & Gruyère Stuffed Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Thanks to a magical combination of brown sugar, cumin, paprika, and lemon zest, this is honestly one of our all-time favorite pork recipes. Round out the meal with some vegetables like grilled asparagus or grilled zucchini to create a dynamite summer meal. Don't skimp on the chimichurri!
Get the Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Roast Pork Tenderloin
The maple rosemary glaze is so good on the pork, sure, but it also helps flavor the potatoes too. You can also add in some carrots and red onions in place of some of the potatoes for even more delicious roasted vegetable options.
Get the Roast Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Juicy pork tenderloin seriously deserves its own spotlight. We keep the seasoning simple here: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder. If you want another flavor profile, the world is your oyster: oregano and Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, or even just salt and black pepper will do.
Get the Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Classic Banh Mi
Banh mi is the PERFECT sandwich. Rich, savory meat combined with bright and crunchy homemade pickles stuffed into fluffy French bread; what's not to love?! We love this version because it requires minimal ingredients but still packs a powerful punch of flavor.
Get the Classic Banh Mi recipe.
Pork & Sauerkraut
Pork and sauerkraut is traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve as a good luck tradition (may we suggest alongside some black-eyed peas?!), but don't let that not inspire you to eat it throughout the year.
Get the Pork & Sauerkraut recipe.
Cuban Sandwich
Our Cuban sandwich is of the South Floridian variety, without salami. But we don't need it in this case: Along with layers of ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard, there's also the super-juicy slow-roasted pork loin that we marinate for 2 hours in a citrus blend.
Get the Cuban Sandwich recipe.
Glazed Pork Tenderloin
We glaze this pork tenderloin with a bright citrusy, garlic reduction that couldn't be simpler, but looks really fancy. Complete your meal with a side dish, like one of these exciting rice recipes.
Get the Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Crockpot Pork Roast
You may not normally think to turn to your slow cooker for a large, lean piece of meat, but this dish will definitely change your mind. Pork loin becomes super-tender and juicy as it cooks, and the sweet and tangy glaze on the outside seals the deal.
Get the Crockpot Pork Roast recipe.
Cider-Glazed Pork
This sweet and savory roast pork will definitely be a favorite fall entrée. In just 15 minutes, you'll be transported to mustardy, cider-glazed oblivion.
Get the Cider-Glazed Pork recipe.
Pineapple Jalapeño Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Grilling a pork tenderloin may seem fancy, but it comes together super fast. Want to add even more flavor? You could grill your pineapple before chopping up into a grilled pineapple salsa.
Stuffed Pork Loin
This pork loin is jam-packed with the classic, tried-and-true flavor combination of apple, bacon, rosemary, and pecan, complimented perfectly by the Dijon glaze on top. Pair it with some mashed potatoes and hearty roasted vegetables for a simple but delicious dinner all year round.
Get the Stuffed Pork Loin recipe.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin With Dijon Bread Crumbs & Brussels Sprouts
These panko bread crumbs seasoned with Dijon mustard and thyme instantly upgrade any type of meat, especially this juicy pork tenderloin.
Get the Roasted Pork Tenderloin With Dijon Bread Crumbs and Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Mongolian Pork Skewers
The secret ingredient to these flavorful skewers? Coca-Cola! If you love these, you should try these banh mi kebabs next!
Get the Mongolian Pork Skewers recipe.
Spicy Pork and Cauliflower Chili
Upgrade your regular chili with this flavorful spin. Roasted pork loin rubbed in cumin, brown sugar, and cayenne tastes insanely delicious when stewed with tomatoes and cauliflower.
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
No one wants to spend their time doing dishes after dinner and that's why we need fun sheet-pan dinners like these. This bacon wrapped pork tenderloin gets baked with asparagus and red onion to create a complete meal.
Get the Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Spiced Pork Tenderloin With Grilled Peaches & Arugula Salad
Sweet peaches are the perfect complement to juicy pork tenderloin and peppery arugula.
Get the Spiced Pork Tenderloin With Grilled Peaches & Arugula Salad recipe.
South Carolina Mustard-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This state's famous mustard-based sauce is a product of German heritage. While it's commonly mixed into pulled pork, try it on grilled pork tenderloin for a quicker, healthier option.
Get the South Carolina Mustard-Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe.
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