Baked Pork Tenderloin

Step 1

Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. With a sharp knife, cut away and discard the silver skin (tough membrane) from the pork.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, salt, cumin, mustard, black pepper, and chipotle powder in a bowl.

Step 3

Heat a cast-iron pan or similar oven-safe, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the oil and let it warm up for another minute or two.

Step 4

Coat the pork tenderloin on all sides with the spice rub.

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, sear the pork on all sides (be careful to lower the pork into the pan away from you in case of oil splatters). You’ll need about 2 to 3 minutes per side—it can get a bit smoky, so turn on your fan (or open the windows if you don't have one). The pork should have a nice crust but not be all the way cooked through.

Step 6

Transfer the pan to the oven. Bake the pork tenderloin until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees F on an instant read thermometer, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate, cover, and let rest at least 10 minutes (pork is considered safe to eat at 145 degrees F, but its internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests). Slice the pork into 1-inch medallions. Serve warm, with pan juices spooned over the top.