Baked Pork Tenderloin

Easy to make, this tender, juicy tenderloin recipe tastes like a classic Sunday dinner but takes less than an hour from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 1 or 2 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice (or 1 tablespoon of each)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and lightly grease a large baking/casserole dish.  Pierce tenderloins all over with a fork. Rub oil onto all sides of the meat.
2. Whisk together the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle mixture over tenderloin(s), patting it onto the surface of the meat on all sides. Place in a prepared baking dish and drizzle lemon/lime juice over the top.
3. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the outside is browned and crispy and centers are cooked through to desired doneness (you can take them out on the early side if you like the centers a little pink).
4. Spoon juices from the dish for 5-10 minutes. Slice into 1-inch pieces. Spoon any remaining juices from the pan over the slices, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve.

Note:  This recipe is flexible. You can use one or two very small pork tenderloins or one medium-large pork tenderloin.

Pairing: Pairs well with Ardon Creek Rosemary’s Rosé or Ardon Creek Apple.