Pork tenderloin can be a delicious dinner, but what to serve with it? This post is filled with over 40 of the best side dishes that perfectly pair with pork tenderloin! From simple salads, roasted vegetables, cheesy casseroles, and even sauces and toppings.
Jump to:
- What’s the best way to cook pork tenderloin?
- How to season a pork tenderloin?
- Best Sides for Pork Tenderloin
- Vegetable sides for pork tenderloin
- Potato side dishes for pork tenderloin
- Salads to pair with pork tenderloin
- Toppings and sauces for pork tenderloin
- Pasta and rice sides for pork tenderloin
- Frequently Asked Questions
What goes with pork tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is a tender and lean cut of pork. On its own, pork tenderloin has a mild flavor. When prepared properly, it can be juicy and delicious.
There are tons of sides that go well with pork tenderloin! Here are ingredients that complement the flavor of pork tenderloin well.
- Produce: green beans, apples, corn, fennel, mushrooms, onions, butternut squash
- Fresh herbs: sage, rosemary, tarragon
- Spices: cinnamon, ginger, black pepper
- Others: balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, bacon
What’s the best way to cook pork tenderloin?
Since pork tenderloin is a small and lean cut of meat, it can be easily overcooked. When overcooked, pork tenderloin will become tough and dry, so it’s really important to cook it properly!
The best way to cook pork tenderloin is to sear it first at a high heat, then gently finish cooking it in the oven. This ensures the outer browned crust is flavorful, and the inside is tender.
You can see exactly how to make the most juicy pork tenderloin, with recommended seasonings and tools in Blackened Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin.
How to season a pork tenderloin?
The great thing about pork tenderloin, besides being a tender cut of meat, is their versatility! They are pretty mild in flavor on their own, so they pair well with various seasonings.
You can go the simple route and just use olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning works best when using the sear and bake method described in Blackened Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin.
Give your pork tenderloin a Cajun kick with some spicy flavor by using Cajun Seasoning or Blackened Seasoning.
You can also buy pre-seasoned pork tenderloin too! This will save you some time and make cooking a tenderloin even quicker. They come in various flavors like roasted garlic and herb, peppercorn, and lemon pepper.
Best Sides for Pork Tenderloin
From healthy vegetables to cheesy potatoes, these are all the best pork tenderloin sides. They all work well with pork chops or roast pork loin main course too!
Get out of your dinner rut and complete your delicious meal with these tasty side dishes.
- Vegetable sides for pork tenderloin
- Potato side dishes for pork tenderloin
- Salads to pair with pork tenderloin
- Toppings and sauces for pork tenderloin
- Pasta and rice sides for pork tenderloin
Vegetable sides for pork tenderloin
Vegetables are a classic side dish for any main course, but go great with pork tenderloin too. My favorite veggies to pair with pork are brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots.
Potato side dishes for pork tenderloin
Potatoes get their own category, because well, they are an amazing vegetable! Here are some of the best recipes for mashed potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, and even sweet potatoes!
Salads to pair with pork tenderloin
Salads make a great healthy option to serve with a lean pork tenderloin. Especially hearty salads like these.
Toppings and sauces for pork tenderloin
I love a good sauce on my main course, and pork tenderloin is no different. I usually make a quick white wine pan sauce to drizzle over my pork. Check out these other sauces and toppings to elevate your dinner.
Pasta and rice sides for pork tenderloin
When I’m in a hurry, I pair my pork tenderloin with a simple veggie and brown rice. If you want to kick it up a notch, try some of these delicious rice and pasta sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). At this temperature the pork should be slightly pink with a tender and juicy texture. If it is cooked to a higher temperature than this, it will become more tough.
The best way to prevent pork tenderloin from being tough is to NOT overcook it. Pork tenderloin comes out perfectly tender and juicy when cooked to 145°F (63°C), so use a meat thermometer so you know exactly when it's done.
No, although similar cuts of meat, pork tenderloin are smaller and more tender than pork loin. You can usually cook them the same, although pork loin will take longer to cook since it is bigger. The sides that pair well with pork tenderloin will also be great with pork loin!
Let's hang out! Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, or sign up for the newsletter.
About me
Hey good lookin', what ya got cookin'? I'm Lauren and I love to teach you how to make the good stuff, from scratch! I use fresh quality ingredients to create impressive but approachable restaurant worthy recipes.
Leave a Reply