Are you looking for a delicious and easy protein to cook for your weeknight meals? Look no further than the marinated Smithfield Pork Tenderloins! These tenderloins come in a variety of flavors, including Applewood Smoked Bacon, Roasted Garlic and Herb, Roasted Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper, Steakhouse Seasoned, Slow Roasted Golden Rotisserie Flavor, and more. Whether you prefer to cook them in the oven, on the grill, or in a slow cooker, these pork tenderloins are sure to become a family favorite for quick and tasty dinners.
Key Takeaways
Storing, Freezing, and Defrosting Smithfield Pork Tenderloin
Smithfield Pork Tenderloins can be found in the refrigerated meat section of your grocery store. They come pre-marinated in various flavors. Once you’ve purchased your tenderloins, you can keep them in the refrigerator until the use-by date or freeze them for future use. To freeze, simply place the sealed pork tenderloins directly into the freezer.
When it’s time to cook, you have two options for defrosting your frozen pork tenderloin. The first option is to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight, ensuring it will be ready to cook the next day. The second option is to place the frozen tenderloin in a sink filled with cold water and let it slowly defrost. Avoid using warm water, as this can affect the quality of the meat. Defrosting in cold water usually takes between 1 to 3 hours. Once your pork tenderloin is fully defrosted, you’re ready to start cooking!
Preparing the Pork Tenderloin for Cooking
To prepare your pork tenderloin for cooking, simply slice open the plastic bag and remove the tenderloin. It’s a good practice to do this over the sink or trash to avoid any dripping juices making a mess on your counter.
Before cooking, take a moment to check your tenderloin for any excess fat or silver skin. Silver skin is a tough connective tissue that appears silver and shiny. It’s best to remove this tissue before cooking, as it doesn’t break down during the cooking process. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the silver skin by cutting under it and down the pork loin. Take your time to avoid removing too much good meat along with the silver skin. Removing the silver skin will ensure your cooked pork loin is tender and delicious.
Always remember to sanitize your surfaces before and after handling raw meat, and thoroughly wash your hands. Proper hygiene is essential to prevent bacteria transfer and maintain food safety.
Three Fantastic Ways to Cook Smithfield Pork Tenderloin
There are three fantastic ways to cook your Smithfield Pork Tenderloin: in the oven, on the grill, or in a slow cooker.
Cooking Smithfield Pork Tenderloin in the Oven
To cook your tenderloin in the oven, preheat it to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius). Place your prepared pork tenderloins on a greased shallow roasting pan and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes per pound. If you have smaller tenderloins, adjust the cooking time to around 30 to 35 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) for medium-rare or 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for medium doneness. Once cooked, let the pork tenderloin rest for 10 minutes on a cutting board to allow the juices to redistribute evenly. These baking directions can also be found on the product packaging.
For a convenient sheet pan dinner, use a larger roasting pan and add baby potatoes and fresh vegetables. This way, everything cooks together for a super simple and tasty meal.
Cooking Smithfield Pork Tenderloin on the Grill
If you prefer the smoky, charred flavor of grilled meat, you can cook your Smithfield Pork Tenderloin on the grill. Start by preparing the pork as described earlier, removing any excess fat and silver skin. Preheat your charcoal or gas grill to medium heat. Grill the tenderloin for approximately 18 to 30 minutes, depending on its size. Flip the pork tenderloin after 10 to 12 minutes to ensure even cooking on both sides. Again, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) for medium-rare or 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for medium doneness. Once cooked, remove the tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Smithfield Pork Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker
When you’re pressed for time but still want a deliciously tender pork tenderloin, the slow cooker is your best friend. This method is perfect for busy days when you want dinner to be ready when you get home. However, it’s important to note that this method should only be used with a small crockpot or when cooking at least 2-3 pounds of pork tenderloin. A slow cooker can overcook meat if there isn’t enough in the pot.
Place your prepared pork tenderloin in the slow cooker and add a little chicken stock or vegetable broth. Cook the pork tenderloin on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Before removing the pork from the crockpot, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit (63-71 degrees Celsius). Allow the tenderloin to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you’re looking for more easy meal ideas, check out our Garlic Broccoli Lo Mein, Simple Honey Garlic Pork Chops, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, 5 Ingredient Crock Pot Orange Chicken, Sheet Pan Sausage Potatoes and Green Beans, and our list of 43 Main Dishes to serve with mashed potatoes.
For the best Smithfield Pork Tenderloin recipes and products, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ.
