Return to the Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Affiliates Program. This post may contain affiliate links for which we may earn a profit if a purchase is made at no additional cost to you.
Marinated Smithfield Pork Tenderloins are the perfect easy protein to cook at home for weeknight meals. They come in a variety of flavors such as Applewood Smoked Bacon, Roasted Garlic and Herb, Roasted Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper, Steakhouse Seasoned, Slow Roasted Golden Rotisserie Flavor and more! We like to cook our pork tenderloins in the oven, slow cooker or on the grill. These pork tenderloins are sure to be a family favorite for quick weeknight dinners.
How to Store, Freeze and Defrost Pork Tenderloin
Smithfield Pork Tenderloins are usually found in the refrigerated meat section and they come marinated in a variety of options. Once purchased they can be kept in the refrigerator until the use by date or frozen for later use. To freeze, simply place the sealed pork tenderloins directly into the freezer.
To defrost frozen pork before cooking there are two options. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and it will be ready to cook the next day. Or place in a sink filled with cold water and let slowly defrost. Do not place pork into warm water. The pork should defrost within 1-3 hours in cold water. Once defrosted you are ready to cook.
Preparing the Pork Tenderloin to Cook
To remove the pork tenderloin from the bag simply slice the plastic with scissors and pull out the pork tenderloin. I like to do this over the trash or sink so any juice that drips is not all over the counter.
If your cut of meat has any excess fat silver skin that should also be removed before cooking. Silver skin is a tough connective tissue that is silver and shiny in appearance. This tissue will not break down while cooking so it best removed before cooking.
To remove silver skin, use a sharp knife to remove it from the pork loin. Carefully cut under the silver skin and down the pork loin to remove it. You don’t want to remove a bunch of good meat with the silver skin so take your time. If the silver skin is not removed those pieces will be very chewy after cooking. It will not ruin the pork loin but it is easiest to remove before cooking.
When working with raw meat always be sure to sanitize your surfaces before and after and to wash your hands thoroughly. Not taking care when working with raw meat can cause bacteria to transfer to different foods or surfaces.
Three Different Ways to Cook Smithfield Pork Tenderloin
Our three preferred ways to cook these delicious pork tenderloins are the oven, grill and slow cooker.
How to Cook Smithfield Pork Tenderloin in the Oven
To start, heat oven to 425 degrees. Place prepared pork tenderloins on a greased shallow roasting pan and bake in the preheated oven at 425 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes per pound. For the smaller pork tenderloins this will be about 30 to 35 minutes. Always be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat for an internal temperature of 145 (medium-rare) to 160 (medium) degrees. Once the pork tenderloin is cooked remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing on a cutting board. This will allow the meat to rest and the the juices to be evenly distributed within the meat again. These baking directions can also be found on the product packaging.
These pork tenderloins make for a super simple sheet pan dinner. Use a larger roasting pan and add baby potatoes and fresh vegetables to the pan to be cooked right along with your pork.
How to Cook Smithfield Pork Tenderloin on the Grill
First, prepare the pork as described above by removing any excess fat and silver skin. Then, heat the charcoal or gas grill to medium. Grill tenderloin for about 18-30 minutes depending on size. Turn the pork tenderloin after 10-12 minutes to cook evenly. Always be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat for an internal end temperature of 145 (medium-rare) to 160 (medium) degrees. Once the pork tenderloin is cooked remove from the oven and for best results let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to Cook Smithfield Pork Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker
Another easy way to cook these pork tenderloins is in the crock pot or slow cooker. This method is great for when you want to cook dinner on busy days so it’s ready when you get home! This method should only be used with a small crock pot or if you are cooking at least 2-3 pounds of pork tenderloin at one time. The crock pot or slow cooker can easily over cook meat if there is not enough in the slow cooker.
Place prepared pork tenderloin into the slow cooker and add a little chicken stock or vegetable broth. Cook pork tenderloin on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Be sure to check the pork for an internal temperature of 145-160 degrees before removing from the crock pot. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Side Dish Suggestions to Pair with Pork Tenderloin
Cooking a pork tenderloin and adding a couple sides is an easy meal idea that should please the whole family! Check out these suggestions for making a complete meal:
- Brown rice and sauteed or steamed vegetables such as green beans, brussel sprouts, carrots, etc.
- Add a side of Tomato Basil Pasta Salad during the summer or spring
- Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad and Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
- Easy Oven Baked Zucchini Chips and white rice
- Mashed potatoes and a simple salad
Frequently Asked Questions
These delicious pork tenderloins that make for an easy quick meal can be found at most grocery stores including Publix, Target, Stop and Shop and your local Walmart.
Leftovers should be stored once fully cooled in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers should be eaten within 5 days.
Try using this dry rub made for pork or create your own. Seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper and paprika all pair really well with pork. You will want to make sure to season the pork really well to have a flavorful pork tenderloin after cooking.
For a behind the scenes look at Return to the Kitchen, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest! Also, if you make this recipe or any of our recipes be sure to tag us @returntothekitchen!
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 What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes | 43 Main Dishes.