How to Cook Pork Tenderloin Steaks

Popular for their unmatched tenderness and rich flavor, these delicious cuts of premium pork offer a true gourmet experience. Sourced from the finest-quality tenderloins, each steak is hand-trimmed to perfection, ensuring an incredibly lean and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Whether you’re grilling them to perfection, pan-searing to a golden-brown finish, or marinating to infuse the meat with delightful nuances of flavor, these steaks promise an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving for more. 

What cut is pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs alongside the backbone of the pig. It is a long, narrow cut, and each pig typically yields two tenderloins. Pork tenderloin is different from other pork cuts like pork loin or pork shoulder, as it is much more tender and has a mild, delicate flavor. Because of its tenderness, it is a popular choice for various culinary preparations, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.

Tips for perfect pork tenderloin steaks

Unleash the true potential of pork tenderloin steaks with these essential tips for achieving perfection in every bite. 

Brining: Consider brining the pork tenderloin steaks for a few hours before cooking. Brining enhances the meat’s juiciness and flavor, ensuring a moist and succulent result.

Marinating: Marinate the steaks for added flavor and tenderness. A mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and citrus juice can work wonders in infusing the meat with delicious notes.

Tenderizing: Gently pound the steaks with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy pan to promote even cooking and further tenderize the meat.

Bringing to Room Temperature: Allow the pork tenderloin steaks to reach room temperature before cooking. This ensures more even cooking throughout the meat.

Searing: Sear your steaks on high heat to lock in the juices, and then finish cooking on lower heat to prevent them from drying out.

Resting: Always rest the cooked steaks for a few minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to redistribute to the meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful result.

Best cooking method when making pork tenderloin steaks

When it comes to preparing this dish, choosing the right cooking technique can make all the difference. The cooking method plays a crucial role in crafting a memorable dining experience, so whether you prefer the smoky char of grilling, the juiciness of pan-searing, the ease of oven-roasting, or the precision of sous-vide, this guide will let you in on the best approach to bring out the best in your pork tenderloin steaks.

Grilling: Grilling pork tenderloin steaks adds a delightful smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side until they reach the desired doneness.

Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a touch of oil. Sear the pork tenderloin steaks for about 2-3 minutes per side, then reduce the heat and cook until they are fully cooked through.

Oven-Roasting: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the pork tenderloin steaks on a baking sheet for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Sous-Vide: For a foolproof and precise cooking method, try sous-vide. Seal the seasoned steaks in a vacuum bag and cook them in a water bath at 140°F (60°C) for about 2-3 hours, then finish by searing them in a hot pan or on the grill.

Seasoning, marinade, and rub ideas

Enhancing the natural goodness of these tender cuts is all about exploring a diverse range of flavors and aromatic combinations. The possibilities are endless, you just have to be creative. 

Seasoning: A simple yet delicious seasoning blend can include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Marinade: Try a tangy marinade with olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Let the steaks marinate for at least 2 hours to infuse the flavors.

Rub: Create a mouthwatering dry rub using brown sugar, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Classic Pork Tenderloin Steaks

Ingredients

• 2 pork tenderloin steaks (about 1 lb each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Place the pork tenderloin steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight.
3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the steaks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Grill the pork tenderloin steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
5. Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

• For best results, always use an easy-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks.
• As soon as you’re comfortable, try customizing the seasoning and marinade according to your preferences.

Conclusion

Pork tenderloin steaks possess tenderness and flavor like no other cut of meat. By following the tips we provided, you can turn these steaks into a five-star experience that will impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates. So, fire up the grill or heat up the pan, and treat yourself to the exquisite taste of perfectly cooked pork tenderloin steaks.