Christmas-Spiced Pork Tenderloin features juicy pork coated in an aromatic paste of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary and orange zest. It’s the perfect entrée for Christmas or any dinner. Plus quick prep, quick cooking and only one pan to clean up makes for a no-muss, no-fuss recipe that anyone can make.
And I’ll show you the one tip that’ll make sure your pork (or any meat) never overcooks and dries out. This easy pork tenderloin recipe is ready to make your holidays not only delicious but stress-free!
Plus it happens to be Paleo, gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free and Whole30-friendly!
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Why this recipe works
When it comes to a pork tenderloin recipe, I know you might be thinking, what does “Christmas-Spiced” even mean? If it were cookies, you’d get it. Probably something gingerbread-y, or at least cinnamon-y, right? But for pork? If it’s those spices, why not just call it Gingerbread Pork Tenderloin? (That actually sounds like a great idea for a recipe – noting for next year!)
So this is similar to gingerbread, but not quite. Cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg are joined by orange zest and fresh rosemary for a virtual Christmas potpourri that’ll make your kitchen smell like a Yankee Candle store exploded everywhere.
Wait, no, I’m trying to make you want to make this.
It smells good. Let’s just go with that. And more importantly, it tastes good – warm spices, fresh herbs and bright citrus turn bland pork into something special.
How to cook pork tenderloin in the oven
First, we make a paste of the spices, rosemary, orange zest and avocado oil (or cooking fat of your choice, options in the recipe below).
Trim the silver skin off the pork tenderloin (here’s a quick video to see how to remove silver skin) and trim off any excess fat. Cut the tenderloin in half crosswise so it can fit in the pan and coat it with the luscious paste.
Brown the pork on both sides in your pre-heated, oven-safe skillet. The browning process will draw out the sugars of the paste and the pork, giving it a lovely caramelized flavor.
Then we merely pop the whole pan into the oven (no need to change pans!) for just a few more minutes of cooking, until it reaches 145°. The great thing about a boneless pork tenderloin recipe is that they’re fast! So after roughly 15 minutes of cooking time, your main course is ready.
Dear reader, I might just have to write a completely separate post on the magic of probe thermometers. This is the one I’ve used for years and ever since I got it, I have not had a chicken – breast or whole – or pork – loin both tender and not – be even remotely dry. There’s no need to even set a timer. You set the thermometer to ding when the meat hits your desired temp and boom, that’s it. You can get on with whatever else you’re doing without hovering and opening the oven every 5 minutes, poking it or stabbing it with an instant thermometer, letting all the heat out of your oven (and into your face) and throwing off the cooking process.
So yes, I highly recommend one. And if all you have is an instant read thermometer, that’s fine, too! I use this one because it’s cheap and accurate. Just make sure you don’t push it too far in and it accidentally reaches the pan itself – that will give you an inaccurate reading of the meat temperature.
What to serve with Christmas-Spiced Pork Tenderloin
Its name obviously dictates when to make this, but it would also be great any time in the fall or winter. And really, if you’re one of those people who could have pumpkin spice lattes year round, you could probably have this in July, too. You do you.
You can use that leftover orange to make this Kale Salad with Granola and Green Goddess Dressing, which would be the perfect side for this pork.
Plus it would be delicious served atop a pillow of creamy mashed parsnips.
Or keep it really simple and serve the pork with some Roasted Green Beans and Brussel Sprouts for chic simplicity.
Still have that leftover orange? Add the juice to my carrot and apple smoothie for a vibrant, healthful breakfast the next day.
Other pork recipes:
- Olive and Pepper-Stuffed Pork Loin
- One-Pan Creamy Mustard Pork Chops with Asparagus
- Balsamic Jam Pork Chops
- Oven BBQ Pork Chops
Christmas-Spiced Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- probe thermometer or instant read thermometer
Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon orange zest (from about 1/2 large orange)
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil, or melted ghee or coconut oil
- 1-1½ lbs. pork tenderloin
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Combine the rosemary, cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg, orange zest and a few grinds or fresh black pepper in a small bowl, making sure to break up the clumps of zest. Mix in the oil to form a paste.
- Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels and slice away the silver skin (see notes) and any excess fat. Cut the pork in half crosswise.
- Coat the pork with the paste, getting it on all sides and the ends.
- Meanwhile, heat an oven-safe 10" nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pork and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned (you may need a splatter guard for this).
- Slide the skillet into the oven (removing the splatter guard first, if using) and cook until it reaches 145 degrees, about 5-7 minutes depending on its thickness. If you do not have a thermometer, aim closer to the 5 minute side, as most tenderloins are small enough that they cook quickly. It should have a slight blush in the middle and will continue to cook as it rests.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes, covered loosely with foil. Slice and plate up. Taste the drippings left over from where it rested – if they're not too salty, drizzle those over the slices.
Stacey Crawford says
I can’t wait to make this! It is so simple and the orange zest and cinnamon flavors are going to be fabulous!
jennifer says
This looks delish, but first thing that pops into my mind is from the Elf movie “you don’t smell like santa . . .you smell like beef and cheese (insert pork tenderloin) bwhahah
Zuzana says
This is exactly what I needed. I was never fond of pork, but those pictures just convinced me to try it one last time.
Jenni LeBaron says
I love the mix of spices that you’ve used on this pork tenderloin! What a great special occasion dish well-worthy of Christmas!
Daniela Modesto says
What a beautiful recipe! This is truly a feast I’d want to make all the time!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Thanks!
ChihYu says
What’s not to love about this tenderloin? Easy to make and such delicious flavors!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Exactly – so easy. 🙂
Amanda Kanashiro says
I am such a huge fan of pork tenderloin and I love this recipe so easy and it really does taste like Christmas! I also just added that thermometer to my wish list. Great tip on using it for perfect pork!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Oh good! It really is such a big help.
Raia Todd says
That is a delicious spice-combo! I never would’ve thought to put it on pork, but it sure sounds delicious!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
It is! 🙂
Joni Gomes says
This reminds me so much of what my family in Germany always made for chirstmas dinner!! Will add this to my list to make!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Oh, that’s so cool!
Erin says
I totally agree about probe thermometers! And wow, this sounds awesome. I’d love to eat some now! Don’t want to wait for Christmas.
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Don’t – make it now! 😉