Yes, you can absolutely bake pork tenderloin from frozen in the oven! While it may take a bit longer compared to cooking thawed pork, baking frozen pork tenderloin is totally doable with some simple tips and tricks.
How long does it take to bake frozen pork tenderloin?
On average, it takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake frozen pork tenderloin in the oven. This is roughly 50% longer than it would take to bake thawed pork tenderloin, which only needs 30-45 minutes in the oven.
The exact baking time will depend on a few factors:
- Size of the pork tenderloin – Larger pieces of meat will require more time
- Oven temperature – Lower temps will lengthen the cooking time
- Desired doneness – Cooking to an internal temp of 145°F vs. 160°F will have an impact
For a 1-1.5 lb frozen pork tenderloin, aim for a bake time of 60-75 minutes in a 375°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness. Check often with a meat thermometer for accuracy.
How to bake frozen pork tenderloin in the oven
Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked pork tenderloin straight from the freezer:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F-400°F.
- Season the frozen pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, herbs or spices. Rub the seasoning evenly over all sides.
- Place the seasoned pork directly on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, flipping the pork halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 140-145°F.
- Once cooked, remove pork from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for baking frozen pork tenderloin
Here are some helpful tips to ensure perfect results when baking pork tenderloin straight from the freezer:
- Defrost first for faster cooking – Thawing in the refrigerator overnight reduces bake time by up to 50%.
- Use a higher oven temp – Bake at 400°F rather than 350°F to help speed up cooking.
- Cook it uncovered – Skipping the foil allows the surface to brown properly.
- Flip halfway through – Ensures even cooking on all sides.
- Let it rest before slicing – Carryover cooking will bump up the internal temp and result in juicier meat.
What temperature should frozen pork tenderloin be baked at?
The ideal oven temperature for baking frozen pork tenderloin is 375°F to 400°F.
At lower oven temperatures like 325°F, the frozen pork will take too long to cook through and may dry out. Higher heat helps thaw and cook the pork more quickly.
Aim for 375°F if you want a more gradual thawing and cooking process. Crank it up to 400°F for faster results.
Oven Temperature Guide for Frozen Pork Tenderloin
| Oven Temperature | Cooking Time | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 325°F | 90+ minutes | Very gradual cooking |
| 350°F | 75-90 minutes | Gentle, even cooking |
| 375°F | 60-75 minutes | Balanced thawing and cooking |
| 400°F | 45-60 minutes | Faster thawing and cooking |
Should you thaw pork tenderloin before baking?
It’s optional to thaw pork tenderloin before baking – you can absolutely cook it straight from frozen. However, thawing first is recommended for a few reasons:
- It reduces the overall cook time.
- Results in more even cooking throughout.
- Allows seasoning or marinades to penetrate better.
- Less chance of outer surfaces drying out.
If you have time, thawing overnight in the refrigerator is ideal. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw quickly under cold running water.
When thawed, pork tenderloin will only need 30-45 minutes of bake time compared to 60-75 minutes from frozen.
Thawing Options for Pork Tenderloin
| Thawing Method | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 12-24 hours |
| Cold Water | 30 minutes – 1 hour |
| Microwave | 5-7 minutes |
How to tell if baked frozen pork tenderloin is done
Using an instant-read thermometer is the most accurate way to check for doneness when baking frozen pork tenderloin. Aim for the following internal temperatures:
- 140-145°F for medium doneness
- 150-155°F for medium well
- 160°F+ for well done
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, away from any bones or fat. Check in a few different spots to confirm the temperature.
Alternatively, you can do a visual test by cutting into the pork to check the internal color:
- Pink – 145°F or below, not fully cooked
- Light pink – 145-150°F, cooked to medium
- Trace pink – 150-155°F, cooked to medium well
- No pink – 160°F+, fully cooked through
Let the pork rest about 5 minutes before cutting in. The temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees during this time for perfect doneness.
Recipe for baked frozen pork tenderloin
This simple baked frozen pork tenderloin recipe results in a juicy and flavorful main dish with just 5 ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rub pork tenderloin evenly with olive oil. Season all over with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Place seasoned pork on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes until thermometer reads 140-145°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes then slice and serve.
For added flavor, try marinating the frozen pork in a blend of olive oil, herbs, mustard, citrus, or other ingredients before baking. A quick 20-30 minute marinade will infuse plenty of taste.
Pair the baked pork with rice or roasted potatoes and veggies for a complete meal. Top slices with a drizzle of chimichurri or a creamy mustard sauce.
Can you cook pork tenderloin from frozen in a slow cooker?
Yes, frozen pork tenderloin can be cooked in a slow cooker with excellent results. It just requires a longer cooking time compared to thawed pork. Here are some tips for slow cooker frozen pork tenderloin:
- Add 30-60 minutes to the recipe cook time for frozen meat.
- Keep on low setting the entire time to allow gradual thawing.
- Add 1/4 cup liquid to help generate steam for even cooking.
- Chop into smaller pieces to make thawing easier.
- Finish with a quick sear for crispy exterior.
Aim for a total cook time of 4-6 hours on low depending on size. Check for doneness at 145°F internally. Top slices with your favorite barbecue sauce before serving.
Can you pan fry pork tenderloin from frozen?
Pan frying pork tenderloin straight from the freezer is not recommended. The high heat of the pan will likely burn the outside before the inside has a chance to thaw and cook through properly.
For best results, thaw pork tenderloin fully in the refrigerator before attempting to pan fry. Thawed pork only needs 8-10 minutes total cook time in a hot pan to develop a flavorful sear while staying juicy inside.
If you need to cook frozen pork tenderloin on the stovetop, try a lower-temperature method like:
- Braising – Brown frozen pork then simmer in sauce until tender
- Stewing – Simmer in flavorful liquid until fully cooked
- Poaching – Gently simmer in broth until done
These wet-cooking methods allow the pork to thaw and cook slowly for the best texture. The end result is fall-apart tender and delicious pork!
Can you grill pork tenderloin from frozen?
It’s best to avoid cooking frozen pork tenderloin directly on the grill. As with pan frying, the very high heat on the grill grates can burn and dry out the exterior before the inside is properly cooked.
For frozen pork tenderloin, consider an indirect grilling method. This uses lower, indirect heat to gently thaw and cook the meat:
- Build up the fire or heat on one side of the grill. Place pork on the cooler side without direct heat underneath.
- Use a disposable foil pan filled with wine, stock or water. Set pork in the liquid over indirect heat.
- Cook with the grill lid closed as much as possible. Add hardwood chips for extra smoke flavor.
Plan for an extra 30 minutes or more of grill time compared to fresh pork tenderloin. Cook to an internal temp of at least 145°F before serving.
Freezer Tips for Pork Tenderloin
Follow these tips for freezing and thawing pork tenderloin:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags before freezing.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label package with contents and freeze-by date (3-6 months).
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Avoid refreezing thawed pork more than once.
Can you refreeze thawed pork tenderloin?
It’s best to avoid refreezing raw pork tenderloin more than once. Thawed pork that is refrozen can suffer some loss of quality and texture.
If thawed pork was left in the refrigerator for over 24-48 hours before cooking, it should not be refrozen at all. At that point it’s best to cook the pork immediately.
Only refreeze thawed pork if absolutely necessary, and use within 2-3 months for best quality. Re-wrap tightly before returning to the freezer.
Quick Tips for Refreezing Pork
- Only refreeze once
- Use within 2-3 months
- Re-wrap tightly in freezer bags
- Label with new freeze date
- Use refrozen pork in cooked dishes
Conclusion
Baking frozen pork tenderloin in the oven is totally doable with great results! Aim for an oven temp of 375-400°F and cook for 60-75 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F. Let the pork rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
For best flavor and texture, thaw in the refrigerator before cooking whenever possible. But baking straight from the freezer works in a pinch. Season the pork generously and flip halfway through baking for even cooking.
Frozen pork tenderloin can also be cooked low and slow in a slow cooker or via indirect grilling methods. And remember to only refreeze thawed pork once for optimal quality and taste.