Toddler-Approved: Quick & Easy Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Inside: A 5-ingredient pork tenderloin recipe 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 am not alone on this one! The pressure is on, Momma!

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 little fat, such as pork tenderloin, can provide some benefits. The right amount is beneficial to 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! Do you 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 goes well with either white or brown rice.

Tell me what you think in the comment section below. I really would love to know.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Wash the pork tenderloin and pat it dry.
3. Cut three ¼-inch-deep slashes on it.
4. Place the tenderloin in a lightly greased 9×5 loaf pan.
5. Brush it with olive oil.
6. Mix all the dry ingredients and rub the mixture on the pork.
7. Place pork tenderloin, cut side up, in a loaf pan.
8. Pour the apricot preserves onto the pork, making sure that it covers the whole top of the pork.
9. Bake for 30 minutes.

A few tips for your Toddlers’ Pork Tenderloin

• If you have extra time, consider giving your pork tenderloin a good sear before baking to enhance its flavor.
• Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is thoroughly cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should register a temperature of 145° to 150°F. Food-borne illnesses are a possibility if your children consume undercooked pork.
• Allow the pork tenderloin to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it completely to lock the juices in. This results in a more delectable 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. This 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 best seller and has a year’s warranty. You can always return it if you don’t like 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 going to bake 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 several factors such as taste preferences, dietary restrictions, cooking skills, and available ingredients might make or break your pork tenderloin, the best way to ensure that it best meets your child’s taste and needs is to test out 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, Momma! This delicious recipe also works with pork chops. If you believe you have the best pork tenderloin recipe, a great way to show it off is by sharing it with me in the comment section below or emailing me at theupwardblip@gmail.com.

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 also send an easy dinner recipe my way. I welcome all your delicious meal ideas! This mama needs it! My husband and little ones (and by “husband and little ones, I mean “me”) will be as happy as a clam at high tide 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!

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