20 Simple Pork Tenderloin Recipes Suited For Busy Weeknights

Weeknights are busy, but dinner does not have to be boring or complicated. Pork tenderloin cooks quickly, stays tender, and plays nicely with bold flavors you already have.

These simple ideas use pantry staples, smart shortcuts, and minimal dishes so you can eat well without stress. Pick one tonight and feel like a hero with time to spare.

1. Garlic Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Rub the pork with minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and a slick of olive oil. Sear quickly in a hot skillet to lock in juices, then roast until just pink in the center.

Rest, slice, and spoon the garlicky pan juices over the top.

Serve with a simple green salad or buttery mashed potatoes for balance. You will love how the herbs perfume the whole kitchen.

Leftovers make excellent sandwiches with arugula and mustard on crusty bread.

2. Sheet-Pan Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables

Toss broccoli, carrots, and halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan. Nestle the seasoned pork tenderloin in the center and roast everything together.

The pork gets juicy while the vegetables caramelize into sweet, crispy edges.

It is a complete dinner with minimal cleanup, ideal for weeknights. Add a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic at the end.

You will appreciate how one pan delivers flavor, color, and comfort without fuss.

3. Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Whisk honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. Sear the pork, then brush with the glaze and roast until glossy and caramelized.

Spoon extra sauce over the slices for that sweet savory finish you crave.

Serve with rice and steamed green beans for balance. The sticky edges make every bite irresistible.

If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze before brushing.

4. Dijon Cream Pork Tenderloin

Sear pork medallions until browned, then remove briefly. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, whisk in Dijon mustard, and reduce slightly.

Off the heat, swirl in heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a silky sauce, then return pork to warm through.

The tangy cream clings to each piece for a restaurant feel at home. Serve with buttered noodles or roasted asparagus.

You will love how fast it comes together while tasting special enough for guests.

5. Lemon Pepper Pork Tenderloin

Combine lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt, then rub generously over the pork. Sear in a hot pan for color, finish in the oven, and squeeze fresh lemon juice before slicing.

The citrus wakes everything up while pepper adds a pleasant bite.

Pair with a quick salad or roasted potatoes for an easy plate. It feels light yet satisfying.

When you need speed, this simple combo always delivers bright, clean flavor that tastes like sunshine.

6. Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Simmer balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or brown sugar until syrupy. Sear the pork, roast, then brush on the reduction in the last minutes so it clings beautifully.

The result is tender meat with a tangy sweet sheen and deep flavor.

Serve with creamy polenta or roasted Brussels sprouts. You will love the balance of sweet, sour, and savory.

Save extra glaze to drizzle over vegetables for a complete, cohesive dinner.

7. Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Whisk pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Sear the pork, roast, then baste with the maple Dijon sauce until sticky and golden.

The sweetness and tang play perfectly against the juicy slices.

Serve with green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to cut the richness. Add chopped pecans for crunch if you want texture.

This is a go to when you want cozy flavors fast without much effort.

8. BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Season the pork simply with salt, pepper, and a little paprika. Cook on the grill or in the oven, then brush with your favorite BBQ sauce near the end so it caramelizes without burning.

Let it rest, slice, and mop with extra sauce.

Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a backyard feel any night. You will appreciate the smoke kissed flavor even when grilling is not an option.

Leftovers make great sandwiches.

9. Cajun Spiced Pork Tenderloin

Coat the pork with Cajun seasoning, salt, and a bit of brown sugar for balance. Sear hard to bloom the spices, then finish in the oven until just cooked.

The crust brings heat, smoke, and a touch of sweetness in every bite.

Serve with rice, sautéed peppers, and a squeeze of lime. You can dial up the spice as you like.

It is big flavor with almost no effort, perfect for busy nights.

10. Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

Use store bought teriyaki or whisk soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Sear the pork, roast, and brush with teriyaki until lacquered.

Slice thin and spoon extra sauce over rice for a quick, comforting bowl.

Add sesame seeds and green onions for freshness and crunch. Steamed broccoli rounds out the plate in minutes.

You will love how the savory sweet glaze makes the pork taste like takeout made at home faster.

11. Taco-Spiced Pork Tenderloin

Rub the pork with taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and salt. Roast until juicy, then slice very thin and pile into warm tortillas.

Add pico de gallo, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a fast taco night.

It is a fun way to switch up taco Tuesday without ground meat. You can meal prep this for bowls and salads too.

Keep extra seasoning on hand so this becomes a reliable rotation.

12. Pork Tenderloin Stir-Fry

Slice pork into thin strips, season lightly, and stir fry in a hot wok until just cooked. Remove, then cook vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas, add garlic and ginger, and toss with a simple soy oyster sauce.

Return pork to coat and finish.

Serve over rice or noodles for instant satisfaction. The tenderloin stays tender thanks to quick cooking.

You will appreciate how the high heat builds flavor without slowing you down.

13. Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Pat the pork dry, rub with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry at high heat, flipping once, until the outside browns and the center stays juicy.

Rest briefly, then slice to reveal perfectly rosy meat.

It is fast, hands off, and great for small kitchens. Pair with a bagged salad or microwave rice.

You will love the convenience and consistent results, especially on nights when the oven feels like too much.

14. Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions

Sear the pork, then sauté thinly sliced onions and apples in the same pan with butter. Add a splash of cider or broth to loosen the browned bits.

Return the pork to warm through, letting the sweet savory mix coat every slice.

This pairing feels comforting without being heavy. Serve with mashed potatoes or simple greens.

You will enjoy how the apples lend gentle sweetness that plays beautifully with the tender meat.

15. Cranberry Sauce Pork Tenderloin

Stir canned or homemade cranberry sauce with Dijon and a splash of orange juice. Brush onto seared pork and roast until the glaze sets and shines.

The sweet tart pop balances the richness and feels festive any time.

Serve with wild rice or roasted carrots for color. You will appreciate the shortcut sauce that tastes surprisingly elegant.

Save leftovers for sandwiches with brie or sharp cheddar.

16. Pesto Pork Tenderloin

Spread basil pesto over the pork before roasting to lock in moisture and flavor. The herbs, garlic, and parmesan melt into a savory crust.

Slice and spoon any pan juices back over for extra richness.

Serve with cherry tomatoes and a side of orzo or zucchini ribbons. It tastes fancy with almost no work.

You will love how one jar of pesto transforms dinner into something bright and aromatic.

17. Parmesan Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Combine grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and olive oil into a sandy mixture. Press onto mustard brushed pork, then roast until the crust turns golden and crisp.

The inside stays tender while the outside crunches delightfully.

Serve with lemony arugula or roasted tomatoes. You will enjoy the contrast of textures and the savory cheese aroma.

It is simple to assemble and feels like comfort with a touch of elegance.

18. Garlic Butter Pork Medallions (Skillet)

Slice pork into medallions, season, and sear quickly until browned. Remove and melt butter with minced garlic, a splash of broth, and a squeeze of lemon.

Return medallions, spoon the garlicky butter over, and finish with parsley.

This skillet dinner is fast, rich, and irresistibly aromatic. Serve with crusty bread to swipe the sauce.

You will appreciate how little effort it takes to create a steakhouse worthy vibe on a tight schedule.

19. Mediterranean Pork Tenderloin

Marinate pork with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of paprika. Sear and roast until juicy, then slice and drizzle with the zesty pan juices.

The flavors are clean, sunny, and satisfying.

Serve alongside cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta. Warm pita or herbed rice turns it into a simple feast.

You will love how fresh it tastes while staying weeknight easy.

20. Slow Cooker Set It and Forget It Pork Tenderloin

Whisk broth, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, and a little brown sugar. Place pork in the slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook until tender but sliceable.

Thicken juices on the stovetop if you like a gravy.

It is not the fastest, but it saves your evening energy. Come home to dinner ready and stress eased.

Serve with instant mashed potatoes or frozen veggies for a complete plate without lifting much more than a fork.