Lemon-Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Recipe courtesy Ina Garten, originally called “Herb-Marinated Pork Tenderloins.”

I changed the name, but not the recipe. As soon as I read the ingredient list, my mouth began to water. I am not typically one for dijon, but I do like it as a marinade ingredient. This dish was so good, that it’s making me hungry just thinking about it again.

My only experience with Pork Tenderloin in the past was a pre-marinated one I had purchased from the store. It was so salty that Jake and I couldn’t even finish it. So, when we were at Bill the Butcher again last weekend, I was inspired to do my own from scratch. My only problem was that we only bought one tenderloin. This recipe was so freaking succulent that I should have purchased 3 and saved the rest for leftovers.

The ingredients for this marinade are enough for 3 Tenderloins. It measured 1.5 cups liquid when it was done, so I just used 1/2 cup for my one lonely Tenderloin and reserved the rest to use for something else.

Chef’s Tip: Plan ahead for this one! Marinate the meat the night before for extra-deliciousness.

Marinade Ingredients, fresh and flavorful!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Lemon, zest grated
• 3/4 Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4-6 lemons – but it only took 3 extra-large lemons for me)
• Good Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons minced Garlic (6 cloves)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced fresh Rosemary leaves
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh Thyme leaves
• 2 Teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 Teaspoons Sea Salt
• 3 Pork Tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Your finished marinade should look something like this.

DIRECTIONS:

• Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, mustard, and 2 teaspoons salt in a sturdy 1-gallon resealable plastic bag. Add the pork tenderloins and turn to coat with the marinade. Squeeze out the air and seal the bag. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours but preferably overnight.
• Preheat oven to 400.
• Remove the tenderloins from the marinade and discard the marinade but leave the herbs that cling to the meat. Sprinkle the tenderloins generously with salt and pepper (maybe a bit less on the salt here!).
• Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-proof sauté pan over medium-high heat.
• Sear the pork tenderloins on all sides until golden brown. (About 2 minutes per side).
• Place the sauté pan in the oven and roast the tenderloins for 10-15 minutes or until the meat registers 137 degrees at the thickest part. (It only took ours 10 minutes!)
• Transfer the tenderloins to a platter and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. (We skipped this part entirely.)
• Carve in 1/2-inch-thick diagonal slices. The thickest part of the tenderloin will be quite pink (it’s just fine!) and the thinnest part will be well done.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve warm, or at room temperature with the juices that collect in the platter.

Roasted Veggies make a perfect side dish!

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF LEMON-DIJON PORK TENDERLOIN!

Happy eating! Joey