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Sheet-Pan Pork Tenderloin Dinner: A Simple Yet Flavorful Option for Busy Nights

The Beauty of One-Pan Cooking

Cooking with minimal cleanup is always a bonus, especially on hectic weeknights. One dish that has become a staple in our home is the sheet-pan pork tenderloin with sweet potatoes and broccoli. My partner and I embraced this method several winters ago, and it has transformed our approach to weeknight dinners. Pork tenderloin is not only economical but also stays juicy and satisfying, making it a frequent choice in our kitchen.

Roasting everything on a single sheet pan streamlines meal preparation, allowing for a complete and delicious dinner without the hassle of multiple dishes. This recipe requires just about 30 minutes of cooking time, but to achieve the best results, there are a few crucial steps to follow. Here are my essential tips for mastering this dish.

Strategies for a Delicious Sheet-Pan Meal

1. Choose a Variety of Spices

Incorporating an array of spices can elevate flavors significantly. With my background in Indian cuisine, I find joy in experimenting with spices, even in non-Indian recipes. For this dish, the warm notes of garam masala complement the sweet potatoes, while earthy cumin and coriander enhance the savory elements of the pork and broccoli. Using generous amounts of spices across the different components creates a rich and exciting flavor profile.

It’s best to use freshly ground spices, as they offer the highest flavor potency. Ground spices can lose their oomph over time, so I recommend grinding herbs weekly to maintain their aromatic qualities. If you don’t grind them yourself, ensure you purchase pre-ground spices frequently and use them up quickly for the best outcomes.

2. Infuse the Pork with Garlic

To achieve a particularly savory pork tenderloin, consider studding it with slices of garlic. This method enhances the flavor of the meat during roasting. You can create small slits along the length of the tenderloin and insert the garlic slices into those openings, ensuring they are flush with the surface of the meat to prevent burning while cooking.

Once roasted, the garlic-infused pork not only remains succulent but also pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes and broccoli. You have the option to either discard the garlic slices when serving or enjoy their tenderness as part of the meal.

3. Stagger Cooking Times

A common issue with sheet-pan meals is uneven cooking, which can leave some ingredients overcooked while others remain underdone. To avoid this, start by preheating your baking sheet, which helps initiate browning. Begin roasting the sweet potatoes, then add the pork, and finally incorporate the broccoli—each at intervals tailored to their cooking times. This staggered approach ensures all elements finish cooking simultaneously.

Another advantage of adding ingredients at different stages is the ability to multitask. While your sweet potatoes are roasting, you can prepare the pork, and during the combined cooking time, you are free to get the broccoli ready. This efficient use of time reduces your overall hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy evenings.

4. Keep the Vegetables Warm

After roasting, the pork must rest for 5 to 10 minutes to seal in its juices. To keep the roasted vegetables warm and at ideal serving temperature during this resting period, simply turn off the oven and leave the sheet pan inside. This method ensures that everything is ready to serve and remains warm for your meal.

This recipe typically serves two to three people, generous enough for a couple or a small family. Leftover pork makes for delightful sandwiches the following day, complemented with mayo, cranberry chutney, or mustard, along with fresh veggies.

An Accessible Weeknight Recipe

Here’s how to prepare this easy and satisfying one-pan meal:

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) sweet potatoes, quartered and cut into ½-inch pieces
• 4 ½ tablespoons olive or avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 4 ¼ teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1-pound pork tenderloin, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 4 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 12 ounces (340g) broccoli florets, trimmed
• Pinch of sugar (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rimmed baking sheet inside while the oven heats up.
2. Toss sweet potatoes in a medium bowl with 2 tablespoons oil, garam masala, and 1 ¾ teaspoons salt. Quickly spread the mixture on the preheated sheet and roast for 8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Meanwhile, pat the tenderloin dry, create the garlic slits, and rub with remaining oil, coriander, cumin, and salt.
4. After 8 minutes, move the sweet potatoes aside, place the pork next to them, and continue roasting for 10 minutes.
5. Toss broccoli with remaining oil, spices, and sugar (if using). Add next to the pork and roast everything until the pork reaches the desired internal temperature and the broccoli is tender, about 8-12 minutes.
6. Remove the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes. Keep the vegetables warm in the turned-off oven. Slice the pork and serve with the vegetables and lemon wedges.

Additional Considerations

Equipment Needed

Rimmed baking sheet

Doubling the Recipe

This recipe can easily accommodate four servings. Just use two baking sheets and ensure they cook for the same duration, rotating their positions midway through for even cooking.

Prep and Storage

You can prepare sweet potatoes and broccoli one day in advance by cutting and refrigerating them in airtight containers. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

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