Roasted Cajun Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Sauce recipe features a perfectly seared and oven-roasted pork tenderloin seasoned with Cajun spices and served with a flavorful garlic, onion, and red pepper flake sauce thickened with cornstarch. It combines the richness of a pan-seared crust with the tender juiciness from oven baking, finished with a savory and slightly spicy sauce that elevates the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Tenderloin
- 2 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Water (to combine with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat until hot.
- Season and Brown the Pork: Season the pork tenderloin on all sides with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Place the tenderloin in the hot oil and sear for about 1 minute on each side to develop a flavorful crust.
- Roast the Pork: Cover the pan with a lid or foil to retain moisture and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake the pork tenderloin for 25 to 35 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe and juicy doneness.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Once the pork is done, remove it from the pan and set aside. Place the pan with the drippings back on the stove over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent, which brings out its natural sweetness.
- Add Aromatics and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a smooth paste. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy consistency.
- Serve: Slice the roasted pork tenderloin and return the slices to the pan with the garlic sauce to coat them well before serving. Enjoy your flavorful pork tenderloin with savory garlic sauce!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
- Vegetable oil is preferred for searing due to its high smoke point.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level in the sauce.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly sauce base, if desired.
- Rest the pork tenderloin for 5-10 minutes after roasting to allow juices to redistribute.
Keywords: pork tenderloin, roasted pork, garlic sauce, Cajun seasoning, easy pork recipe, oven roasted pork
