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Inside: A 5-ingredient pork tenderloin recipe that your toddlers 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, 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.
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 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
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ cup apricot preserves
How to make this quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe in the oven
- Preheat oven to 425° F.
- Wash the pork tenderloin and pat it dry.
- Cut three ¼ inch deep slashes on it.
- Place the tenderloin in a lightly greased 9×5 loaf pan.
- Brush it with olive oil.
- Mix all dry ingredients and rub the mixture on the pork.
- Place pork tenderloin with the cut side up in a loaf pan.
- Pour the apricot preserves onto the pork making sure that it covers the whole top of the pork.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
A few tips for your Toddlers’ Pork Tenderloin
- 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 pork. 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.
- Serve it with baby potatoes and vegetables of your choice in a small bowl. Baby Bok Choy is a house favorite!
- Cut smaller pieces of food for your toddler to practice their pincer grasp.
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
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.
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.
I find it best to cook pork tenderloins fast. However, to ensure it is perfectly cooked, you will need to watch the temperature closely.
Store them in airtight glass containers. Pork tenderloin leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.
There you have it, Momma! If you believe your pork tenderloin recipe is better, 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 welcome all your 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!
I mean, I could go to Taste of Home as well (*winks), but I’d rather start with my readers’ favorite pork loin recipes first.
Take a look around while you’re here. You might find a thing or two you will like. I have a simple and easy spaghetti recipe you should try as well. It’s a big hit with my toddlers!
Talk to you soon,
So, what’s your quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe?
Care to share a great recipe with the group? Don’t forget to write it down below!
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!