Name: Broiled Pork Tenderloin for Two
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 pound pork tenderloin , trimmed; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 teaspoon vegetable oil; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 teaspoon baking soda; 1 (13 by 9-inch) disposable aluminum roasting pan

Why This Recipe Works

Recipes for broiled pork tenderloin promise roasts with well-browned exteriors and rosy-pink, juicy centers, but the results are more likely pallid, overcooked meat or spottily browned roasts with undercooked interiors. Using a disposable aluminum pan to cook the pork reflected the radiant heat of the broiler toward the pork, enhancing browning and ensuring that the interior didn’t overcook by the time deep browning had been achieved. Since some ovens preheat faster than others and are likely to cycle off if preheated at such an intense heat for too long, we evened the playing field by preheating the oven to 325 degrees before putting in the roast and turning on the broiler. And finally, because of the broiler’s intense heat, we found that there was a much bigger carryover cooking effect, so we pulled the roast from the oven when it hit 125 to 130 degrees instead of our usual 140 degrees to ensure that it was a perfect medium-rare after its 10-minute rest.

Before You Begin

We prefer natural pork, but if you use enhanced pork (injected with a salt solution) reduce salt in step 2 to 3/4 teaspoon. A 3-inch-deep aluminum roasting pan is essential. Do not attempt this recipe with a drawer broiler. If you like, serve the pork with our Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Salsa for Two or our Mustard–Crème Fraîche Sauce for Two.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack 4 to 5 inches from broiler element and heat oven to 325 degrees. Fold thin tip of tenderloin under about 2 inches to create uniformly shaped roast. Tie tenderloin crosswise with kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals, making sure folded tip is secured underneath. Trim any excess twine close to meat to prevent it from scorching under the broiler.

Mix salt, oil, and pepper in small bowl until salt is evenly coated with oil. Add baking soda and stir until well combined. Rub mixture evenly over pork. Place tenderloin in disposable pan.

Turn oven to broil. Immediately place meat in oven and broil tenderloin for 5 minutes. Flip tenderloin and continue to broil until golden brown and meat registers 125 to 130 degrees, 8 to 14 minutes. Remove disposable pan from oven, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Remove twine, slice tenderloin into ½-inch-thick slices, and serve.