Sage Rubbed Pork Tenderloin will be your new favorite way to enjoy pork.  Pork tenderloin is rubbed with fresh sage and spices, then roasted to juicy perfection for a dish that your family will love for any weeknight or Sunday dinner.
 
Sage rubbed pork tenderloin on a serving board sliced
 
This is the best pork tenderloin recipe that uses a rub on the pork rather than a marinade because it cuts down on the prep time. You can come home from work and get the tenderloin into the oven in the time it takes to preheat the oven.
 

What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?

First you will notice that a pork tenderloin in longer and thinner than a pork loin. Tenderloin has barely any fat which does best with faster cooking and the loin has a thick cap of fat on top which can hold up to longer, slower cooking.
 
The method that has worked for me for years is to sear the tenderloin in a skillet on the stove top then finish in the oven. Searing on the stove gives the pork a delicious crust and helps seal in the juices.
 
An overhead image ready to slice with a carving fork
 
Tenderloin is the best cut of pork. It is the filet mignon of white meat because it is lean and roasts up really fast.

How long do you cook a pork tenderloin?

The best way to make sure you don’t overcook this lean cut of meat (and it’s easy to do) is to use a meat thermometer. 145°F/63°C the ideal temperature to ensure the best result. It is advisable to remove the pork from the oven at 140°F/60°C as the meat needs to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and in this time, it will continue to cook and it can quickly go from soft and juicy, to dry and tough.
 
 
I have to say that I think sage is my favorite herb. Of course in the summer, I say that basil is my favorite, so apparently  I change my mind with the seasons and that’s OK. In addition to sages earthy flavor, it is such a versatile herb.
 

The seasonings

The seasonings are simply dried sage, garlic powder, salt and pepper. I always use fresh sage in the fall and winter, but some fresh herbs don’t hold up to high temperature cooking and sage is one of them so I use dried for this. I also always use fresh garlic, but again, when garlic is overcooked or cooked at high temperatures it can turn bitter so this is the only time I will use garlic powder.

 
It can be roasted, fried, sautéed and goes with both savory and sweet. It’s aroma just oozes fall, but since we will be eating a rafter of birds in the coming weeks, the next best meat pairing for sage is pork.
 
I like to serve this sage rubbed pork tenderloin with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberry glaze that is slightly sweet and tart and the glaze is also delicious on the pork.

Pork tenderloin slices on a white plate with roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with cranberry glaze

If you’ve tried this Sage Rubbed Pork Tenderloin or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love to hear from my readers! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see daily recipe updates.

 
 
Yield: 6

Sage Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

Sage rubbed pork tenderloin sliced and garnished with fresh sage

Pork tenderloin is rubbed with fresh sage and spices, then roasted to juicy perfection.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon dried sage
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pound (453 grams) pork tenderloin
  • 2 teaspoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F/225°C.
  2. Add the sage, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a bowl and mix well.
  3. Drizzle the tenderloin with oil and rub all over. Sprinkle the spice mix all over the pork and rub well with hands.
  4. Preheat a large cast iron skillet or oven-proof skillet on the stove over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the pork and seer on each side for 3 minutes each.
  5. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 15-17 minutes until a meat thermometer measures 140°F/60°C. Remove from the oven and allow the pork to rest on a cutting board 10 minutes before slicing. The pork will continue to cook when it comes out of the oven and 145°F/63°C is the final temperature it needs to reach using a meat thermometer.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 93Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 18mgSodium 541mgCarbohydrates 1gNet Carbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gSugar Alcohols 0gProtein 5g

This nutrition calculation is provided by Nutronix that is only a guideline and not intended for any particular diet.

Leftovers

If I have any leftovers, I like to slice the pork and serve Pork & Cranberry Crostini. Great for the holidays and entertaining.

Pork and cranberry crostini. Tender roast pork tenderloin slices with sweet cranberry sauce, sage mustard on crispy baguette slices.