JUICY OVEN-ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH NEW POTATOES
Discover a succulent pork tenderloin recipe that’s quicker to prepare than chicken, with fewer calories, and packed with flavor. Paired with seasonal new potatoes seasoned with herbs, this dish is perfect for a wholesome family meal. Leftover tenderloin makes fantastic sandwiches the next day!
🕒 Prep Time: 1 hour (including resting)
🍳 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🍰 Yield: 3-4 servings
🥩 Ingredients
- 1 kg new potatoes
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 500 g)
- 1 tbsp Herbes de Provence
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp heaping mustard
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 7 tbsp olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Tenderloin:
- Trim all white membranes and fat from the pork tenderloin. Generously salt it and let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Make the Herb Mixture:
- Crush Herbes de Provence in a mortar. Mix with sweet paprika, freshly ground pepper (to taste), mustard, and crushed garlic.
- Add 5 tablespoons of olive oil and stir well to form a seasoning paste.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash potatoes thoroughly using a scrubbing pad. Cut larger potatoes in half; leave smaller ones whole.
- Toss potatoes with a few tablespoons of the herb mixture and sprinkle with salt. Mix to coat evenly.
- Roast the Potatoes:
- Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray. Pour 100 ml of water around the edges of the tray (to avoid washing off seasoning) and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 25 minutes.
- Sear the Tenderloin:
- About 10 minutes before potatoes are done, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan.
- Coat the pork tenderloin with the remaining herb mixture.
- Place it in the pan, positioning the thin tip underneath for even thickness. Sear for about 2 minutes per side, including the edges for 30 seconds.
- Finish Roasting Together:
- Remove foil from the potatoes’ tray. Place the seared tenderloin on top of the potatoes and roast uncovered for 10 more minutes.
- Rest and Serve:
- Check if potatoes are tender:
- If done, remove the entire tray and cover with foil, letting rest for 10 minutes.
- If not yet tender, remove tenderloin to a plate, cover with foil, and continue roasting potatoes until soft.
- Slice the tenderloin thinly and arrange on a serving platter. Surround with roasted new potatoes.
💡 Tips
- Bringing the tenderloin to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking.
- Use a mortar and pestle for best flavor extraction from herbs and garlic.
- Position the thinner end of the tenderloin underneath when searing to cook evenly.
- Resting the meat after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
🎉 Perfect For
- Quick, healthy family dinners
- Seasonal meals featuring fresh new potatoes
- Delicious leftovers for sandwiches
📝 Final Thoughts
This pork tenderloin recipe strikes the perfect balance between juicy, flavorful meat and tender, herbaceous potatoes. It’s a great alternative to chicken, offering variety and ease of preparation without sacrificing taste or nutrition.