Want an easy to prepare dinner your family will go crazy for? Then pick up a pork tenderloin the next time you’re at the market. Thanks to its size, it cooks rather quickly. It’s lean and absorbs marinade flavors beautifully.
Do not confuse pork tenderloin with a pork loin though. While the words are sometimes used interchangeably, they are actually two different cuts of pork.
Pork tenderloin is cut from the center spine portion of the pig (running from the hip to the shoulder). It is thin, round, and averages about a pound or so. Typically they are sold pre-packaged two in a pack. If you’re not going to use both right away, it will freeze wonderfully for up to six months.
Pork loin, on the other hand, averages two-five pounds, is rectangular in shape and has a cap of fat on top. A pork loin is cut from the back of a pig (from the shoulder to the back legs). It’s also known as a center cut pork roast because of its size and the location it’s cut from.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, add pork tenderloin to your shopping list this week. These 9 pork recipes are not only full-flavored, they’re easy to prepare too.
Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
"Tender pork tenderloin pounded thin and breaded in Corn Flake crumbs and fried to a golden brown. If any of you know anything about Indiana this is one of the state's signature sandwiches. This is how my mom used to make them." - Julia
Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin
"I wow people all the time with this pork tenderloin. People come back, not for seconds, but for thirds and fourths. It is just so savory, tender and juicy." - Gina
Mexican Citrus Roasted Pork
"Juicy and moist, this pork tenderloin is a flavorful dinner. The peppers add a bit of heat and smokiness which pairs well with the beautiful citrus flavors. It's so easy to make too. We served it over rice and spooned the delicious juices on top." - The Test Kitchen
Sweet & Spicy Pork Tenderloin
"Pork tenderloin with a sweet and spicy flavor, that is what I've created. Let the Crock Pot do the work for you in this simple recipe." - Stacey
Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin
"A moist and juicy cajun seasoned pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed in an apricot Dijon sauce! Sweet and salty pork perfection!" - Kevin
Bourbon Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
"Pork tenderloin may not come to mind for easy prep meals, but it truly is. In addition, there are so many fantastic premixed seasoning blends and rubs these days, it makes meal preparation on busy days much less hassle. This spice-rubbed pork is just delightful served with a drizzle of your favorite bourbon barbecue or grilling sauce." - Melissa
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple Gravy on Greens and Apple Wild Rice
"I really liked every aspect of this one dish meal, from the pork and apple flavour combo to my newly found favorite, swiss chard, to the wild rice that I had been wanting to try. It almost seems like a perfect meal and with apples everywhere it seemed like the perfect time to make it." - Kevin
Rosemary Dijon Pork Tenderloin
"Looks and tastes fabulous." - Linda