Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click one and purchase the product, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that I only link to items I truly believe in. Kindly read my full disclosure policy for more information.
Inside: A 5-ingredient baked pork tenderloin recipe with apricot glaze that your toddlers and the entire family will love!
Do you feel like there are not enough meal ideas for toddlers out there? Please tell me I’m not alone on this one… The pressure is on, Mama!
I mean, fried finger foods are an option, but I don’t want to feed them to my toddlers all the time. Instead, I can be a little more daring in the kitchen and create something they won’t be able to resist.
I can start with pork!
Did you know that some pork is white meat? I thought they were red meat all my life! Still…
According to experts, pork is high in vitamins and minerals that your body needs, such as iron and zinc. It also holds a lot of high-quality protein. Great first food for babies!
When consumed in moderation, minimally processed, well-cooked pork with low fat, such as pork tenderloin, can have some health benefits. The right amount benefits both adults and toddlers.
These tender cuts of pork loin are not difficult to find. They are widely available; even your local grocery store has them.
People who love to eat are always the best people.
~ Julia Child
Busy moms like us always struggle with what dish to prepare for mealtime.
My toddlers aren’t picky eaters and eat almost everything I make, but I’m not the best cook. My menu selection is limited.
I simply stick to food that I know my small family will enjoy. Sure, it’s simple and safe most of the time, but I know my kids will eat it.
My children love pasta dishes. They will seriously devour all the pasta dishes you prepare. You name it: spaghetti, stroganoff, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, and penne. They’ll gobble it up!
However, I can’t just keep serving plates of pasta to my little ones! Agree?
Pork Tenderloin Recipe to the Rescue!
Thank God for my husband’s help; I learned an unbelievably quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe. It’s the best baked pork tenderloin recipe I’ve ever come across. Props to my hubby!
Many great cooks have created versions of this pork tenderloin recipe, but I am certain that my version is by far the quickest and simplest to make. (*winks)
Related Toddler-Approved Recipe: A Quick and Easy Spaghetti Recipe Your Kids (And the Rest of the Family) Will Absolutely Love
Our Go-to Pork Tenderloin Recipe
So, without further ado, here’s my take on a quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe that your entire family will enjoy. It pairs well with white or brown rice or even your favorite potato dish.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound pork tenderloin (or boneless pork loin for a larger cut)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ cup apricot preserves or apricot jam
How to make this quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe in the oven
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the package and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cut three ¼-inch-deep slashes on it.
- Place the tenderloin in a lightly greased 9×5 loaf pan.
- Brush it with olive oil.
- Combine the dry ingredients and rub them onto the pork.
- Place pork tenderloin, cut side up, in a loaf pan.
- Pour the apricot preserves over the pork, ensuring that it completely covers the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
🛡️Quick Food-Safety Note: If you grew up seeing meat rinsed before cooking, you’re definitely not alone. In many kitchens, that habit came with strict separation, careful prep order, and serious cleanup afterward. For most home kitchens today, though, USDA doesn’t recommend washing raw meat before cooking because it can spread bacteria around the sink, counters, and nearby surfaces. For pork tenderloin, it’s safer to pat it dry with paper towels, season it, wash your hands, and clean anything that touched the raw pork. Cooking it to 145°F and letting it rest before slicing is what handles the food-safety side.
A few tips for your toddler’s pork tenderloin
- For a more flavorful pork tenderloin, sear it before baking if you have time.
- Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to ensure that it’s thoroughly cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should register a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, followed by at least a 3-minute rest. If your children consume undercooked pork, they risk contracting food-borne illnesses.
- To lock in the juices, let the pork tenderloin rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it completely. This produces a more delicious and tender pork tenderloin.
- Serve it with red potatoes and vegetables of your choice in a small bowl or directly on your toddler’s tray. Baby bok choy and green beans are a house favorite!
- Try making your own apricot jam for a healthier option. A homemade recipe only requires three ingredients—apricots, brown sugar, and lemon juice!
- Cut smaller pieces of food for your toddler to practice their pincer grasp.
- Use your favorite store-bought (or homemade) dry rub for an even quicker cooking process.
- Consider adding a dash of garlic powder to your pork tenderloin recipe. Garlic can complement the mild flavor of pork. It gives it a richer, more seasoned flavor.
This meat thermometer is a bestseller with a one-year warranty. If you’re not satisfied, you can always return it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Pork Tenderloin
How long does it take to cook a pork tenderloin in the oven at 350?
When cooking your pork tenderloin in the oven at 350 degrees F, bake it for at least 25 minutes. You must use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat is safe for your toddler to consume.
Should I wrap my pork tenderloin in foil?
It all depends on how you like your pork tenderloin. If you’re only baking it with dry ingredients, wrap your pork tenderloin in foil to keep the juices in. Pork tenderloins prepared with a marinade, however, won’t require foil wrapping.
Should pork tenderloin be cooked fast or slow?
I find it best to cook pork tenderloins quickly at a higher temperature. However, to ensure it is perfectly cooked, you will need to watch the temperature closely. For juicier pork, let your pork rest for about 10 minutes.
How do you store cooked pork tenderloin leftovers?
Store your pork tenderloin leftovers in an airtight container—preferably a glass container. Leftover pork tenderloin can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pork Tenderloin Recipe
While taste preferences, dietary restrictions, cooking skills, and available ingredients might make or break your pork tenderloin, the best way to make sure it best suits your child’s taste and needs is to experiment with different recipes.
Try making this perfect dish the next time you’re in a hurry. You won’t regret trying it out. If time is not an issue, slow-cooking it in a crockpot or an Instant Pot is an option.
There you have it, Mama! This delicious recipe also works with pork chops. If you believe you have the best pork tenderloin recipe, show it off in the comment section below.
I mean, I could take the easy way and go straight to Taste of Home (*winks), but I’d rather start with my readers’ favorite pork tenderloin recipes first.
Talk to you soon,
So, what are some of your quick and easy, delicious pork recipes?
Care to share a great recipe with the group? Don’t forget to write it down below!
Please send an easy dinner recipe my way. I welcome your delicious meal ideas! This mama needs it! My husband and children (and by “children,” I mean “me”) will be overjoyed with it!
Additionally, take a look around while you’re here. You might find a thing or two you like. I have a simple and easy spaghetti recipe you should try as well. It’s the perfect dinner idea and a big hit with my toddlers!
Download your Free Menu Planner and Meal Ideas Sheet (No sign-up is needed, I promise.)
If you’re looking for something other than these printables, please visit the freebies page. We have more there. And as I said, everything available around this blog is free.
Ooooo! I never thought of using apricot preserves! Thanks for the idea! Sometimes I place my pork cuts on top of peeled apple slices and then pour a butter and cinnamon sauce over the top and bake! Then I serve with cinnamon applesauce on the side.
WOW! That sounds really good, Gina! Never thought of that and I haven’t really seen a recipe like that before. That is such a great idea. I should keep that pork tenderloin recipe in mind. It sounds easy too! Thank you again!