Roasted Cajun Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Sauce Recipe
A flavorful roasted pork tenderloin seasoned with Cajun spices and served with a rich garlic sauce made from pan drippings, onions, garlic, and herbs. This comforting dish pairs perfectly with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2 lb pork tenderloin
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Vegetables
- 1/2 onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic
Liquids and Thickeners
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Water (to mix with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat until hot. Season the pork tenderloin evenly on all sides with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Place the pork in the hot oil and sear for about 1 minute on each side to develop a flavorful brown crust.
- Bake Pork Tenderloin: After searing, cover the pan with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake the pork for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145˚F, ensuring the meat is juicy and safely cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Remove the pork tenderloin from the pan and set it aside to rest. Place the pan with the flavorful drippings back on the stove over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes, to release its natural sweetness.
- Add Aromatics and Simmer: Stir in 4 cloves of chopped garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine all flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a smooth paste. Stir this paste into the simmering sauce and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a rich, velvety consistency.
- Serve: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions, return them to the pan with the garlic sauce to coat, and heat briefly if needed. Serve the pork slices topped with the savory garlic sauce. Enjoy your delicious roasted pork tenderloin!
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145˚F for safe consumption while keeping it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Letting the pork rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more succulent.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Keywords: pork tenderloin, roasted pork, garlic sauce, Cajun seasoning, easy dinner, baked pork, savory pork recipe
