When cooking pork tenderloin, achieving the perfect medium rare doneness is key. Unlike beef, pork needs to be cooked thoroughly to eliminate any health risks. However, pork tenderloin can still be juicy and flavorful when cooked to a safe medium rare temperature.
What is the Safe Internal Temperature for Medium Rare Pork?
The USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to effectively kill any potential pathogens like salmonella or trichinosis. For a medium rare pork tenderloin, an internal temp of around 140-145°F is ideal.
At 140°F, the pork will have a hint of pink in the center but be cooked through. At 145°F, it will be barely pink but safely cooked and extremely tender and juicy.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin to Medium Rare
Achieving a 140-145°F internal temperature for medium rare pork requires careful monitoring. Here are some tips:
- Bring the pork to room temperature before cooking. Cold meat will require more time to come up to temp.
- Preheat your oven or pan before searing. Use high heat to get a nice brown crust.
- Cook the tenderloin to an internal temp of 135°F before removing from heat. The carryover cooking will bring it up to 140-145°F.
- Allow the pork to rest tented with foil for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temp, avoiding overcooking.
Oven Roasting Method
To oven roast a medium rare tenderloin:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Season pork all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices.
- Sear the tenderloin on the stovetop to brown it, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-25 minutes until 135°F.
- Rest pork for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Pan Searing Method
To pan sear a medium rare tenderloin:
- Pat pork dry and season all over.
- Heat a skillet over high heat. Add oil with high smoke point like avocado or grapeseed.
- Brown tenderloin for 1-2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium.
- Turn pork every minute or so until it reaches 135°F internally.
- Remove pork from skillet and let rest 5-10 minutes.
How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin for Medium Rare?
Cooking times will vary depending on the size and shape of your tenderloin. Here are some general guidelines for medium rare:
- 1 pound tenderloin: 15-25 minutes total
- 1.5-2 pounds: 25-40 minutes
- Whole tenderloin (2.5-3 pounds): 35-45 minutes
The most accurate way to test doneness is using an instant-read thermometer. Cook until it reaches 135°F internally then allow the tenderloin to rest to finish cooking.
Tips for the Best Medium Rare Pork Tenderloin
Follow these tips for flavorful, tender and juicy medium rare pork:
- Brine the tenderloin – Soaking in a saltwater brine ensures seasoned and moist meat.
- Sear the outside – Browning creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction.
- Let it rest – Resting allows juices to redistribute instead of spill out when sliced.
- Slice against the grain – Cutting against the grain shortens muscle fibers for tender texture.
- Avoid overcooking – Use a meat thermometer and remove from heat at 135°F.
Complementary Flavors for Medium Rare Pork
Medium rare pork pairs beautifully with sweet and acidic ingredients to balance its richness:
- Fruit chutneys or compotes
- Stone fruits like peaches, plums, apricots
- Fresh citrus wedges
- Sweet glazes using ingredients like honey, maple, brown sugar
- Spicy rubs and sauces
- Tangy salad dressings like vinaigrettes
Herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage also complement pork’s mildness. Consider serving your medium rare tenderloin with a fruit relish or maple-Dijon glaze for best results.
Conclusion
Medium rare pork tenderloin can be delicious when cooked properly to a safe internal temperature. Follow the guidelines to roast or pan sear the pork to 140-145°F, allowing it to rest so the interior finishes cooking gently. Use a thermometer for best results. Pair the juicy, pink pork with sweet, acidic ingredients to highlight its tenderness and flavor.