Updated: Nov. 17, 2023
These two popular cuts are often confused for each other, but they're easy to tell apart. We'll explain the difference between pork loin vs. pork tenderloin.
If you’re shopping for a pork recipe, you might make an easy mistake: thinking that pork loin and pork tenderloin are the same thing. Unfortunately, picking up the wrong one could mean disaster for your cooking plans! Although they’re both lean cuts of pork that taste delicious, there are a few key differences between the two. Never mistake one for the other by learning the main differences between pork loin vs pork tenderloin. (Learn more about whether pork can be pink.)
What’s the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?
The most obvious difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin is the size. Pork loin is wide and thick, with a sizable fat cap running along the top. Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is narrow and thin, with little to no visible fat. They also cook differently: One is better suited for quick, high-temperature cooking while the other benefits from a hard sear before being finished with lower, slower heat.
What Is Pork Loin?
Taste of Home
Pork loin (also called center loin roast or a pork center rib roast) is a lean and tender cut that features a juicy fat cap. It’s large, wide and thick, and it’s generally sold as a boneless roast to make it easier to slice after cooking. You may recognize it from another favorite cut—pork chops, which are the steaks cut from the loin roast.
What does pork loin taste like?
The meat in a pork loin is light-colored, resulting in a pale pink or white color when it’s cooked through. It has a mild flavor, and the fat cap keeps the meat moist as it cooks. When cooked properly, pork loin is juicy and tender. (Wondering if pink pork is safe to eat? We have the answers.)
Where does it come from?
The pork loin is the muscle that runs along the back between the back fat and the ribs. If the butcher does not remove the backbone or the rib bones, the pork roast may be sold as a pork crown roast or rack of pork.
What is pork loin good for?
Pork loin is perfect for feeding a crowd or making enough for leftovers—especially if you love pork sandwiches. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to prepare a half-pound of uncooked pork loin per person. Most boneless loin roasts weigh between four and five pounds, so you should be able to feed eight to ten people from a single roast.
How to cook pork loin
Our favorite pork loin recipes are usually grilled or seared first to get a crispy, caramelized exterior. Then, the loin is finished over indirect heat on the grill or roasted at low temperatures in the oven to finish cooking the center. Alternatively, you could cook a pork loin using the slow cooker. For best results, always use a probe thermometer, pull the loin when it reaches 145° F and rest it for at least 15 minutes to lock in the moisture.
Pork Loin Recipes
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Homemade Sweet-and-Sour PorkI stir up a homemade sauce for this colorful combination of tender meat, crunchy vegetables and tangy pineapple. Serve my sweet-and-sour pork over hot rice, chow mein noodles or both. —Eleanor Dunbar, Peoria, IllinoisGo to Recipe
Italian Herb-Crusted Pork LoinI like to change things up during the holidays with pork loin recipes that incorporate my favorite herbs and veggies. This showpiece dish really dazzles my family. —Kim Palmer, Kingston, Georgia
Pennsylvania-Style Pork RoastOur children first had this tender and juicy pork roast with sauerkraut at a family celebration. They devoured it and went back for seconds! Now it's a mainstay in my recipe file. —Ronda Jay Holcimb, Farmington, New Mexico
Chinese Pork Fried RicePretty peas and crunchy carrots add color to tender meat and rice in this Chinese pork fried rice recipe. —Peggy Vaught, Glasgow, West Virginia.
Air-Fryer Pork RoastAfter lots of tweaking, I think I've come up with the perfect air-fryer pork loin recipe. It's simple to pull together, and the leftovers are fantastic. —DeEtta Rasmussen, Fort Madison, Iowa
Ranch Pork RoastOur Test Kitchen created this simple Savory Pork Roast with a mild rub that's perfect for new cooks. The leftover meat is tender and flavorful, and can be used in countless recipes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Thyme & Basil Roast PorkDad’s favorite roast pork was rubbed with cinnamon, thyme, basil and lemon. He loved thick slices and wanted only a salad to finish off the meal. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Slow-Cooker Curry PorkI’m a stay-at-home mom, and the slow cooker helps me create dishes like this pork with a curry and cumin rub. I also add a splash of coconut milk. —Beverly Peychal, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Apple-Roasted Pork with Cherry Balsamic GlazeI added roasted apples, cherries and onions to turn ordinary pork into an impressive dish. There is a short time span between caramelized onions and burned ones, so pay close attention once they start cooking. —Josh Downey, McHenry, Illinois
Hawaiian Pork Roast with PineappleThis is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. It’s wonderful with rice or potatoes and any vegetable. It also reheats well for lunch the next day. —Ruth Chiarenza, La Vale, Maryland
Roast Pork Loin with Rosemary ApplesauceI made this for a family get-together on my husband's birthday. The homemade rosemary applesauce adds an extra layer of comfort to the tender pork. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Moist Cranberry Pork RoastI love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia
Mexican Pork & Pinto BeansWe've lived in Arizona for decades, so Mexican-style cooking has become the same as "Arizona-style cooking" for us. Nothing tastes better than chili-spiced pork with tortillas. —Anne Fatout, Phoenix, Arizona
Southern Loaded Sweet PotatoesFor a taste of a southern classic, we make sweet potatoes stuffed with pulled pork and coleslaw and manage to sidestep the calorie overload. —Amy Burton, Cary, North Carolina
Honey-Orange Glazed Pork LoinAfter finding this idea in a magazine, I changed it up to make it my own. I like to keep a pork loin in the freezer so we can have this special dish anytime. —Marlys Peterson, Centerville, South Dakota
Spice-Brined Pork RoastThis brined and barbecued pork roast is unbelievably moist. Adding seasonings to the coals produces an awesome aroma that draws guests to the grill!—Lorraine Schroeder, Albany, Oregon
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork SandwichesI like to share this dish at potlucks because it can be made ahead, which I especially appreciate during the busy holiday season. The sweet-and-spicy sauce is always a hit. —Martha Anne Carpenter, Mesa, Arizona
Southwestern NachosGuests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana
Grilled Dijon Pork RoastI created this recipe one day when I was scrambling to find ingredients for dinner. My husband absolutely loved it. Now it's the only way I make pork! —Cyndi Lacy-Andersen, Woodinville, Washington
Slow-Cooked Sweet ‘n’ Sour PorkEven though a co-worker gave me this recipe more than 20 years ago, my family still enjoys it today. —Martha Nickerson, Hanco*ck, Maine
Zippy Pork ChiliIn addition to eating this chili the traditional way (with a spoon!), my family likes to scoop bites onto tortilla chips. The leftovers are delicious rolled in tortillas and warmed up. It's so comforting to have a pot simmering when cold Kansas winds are blowing. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Roast Pork Loin with Thyme-Honey Mustard SauceA thyme, honey and mustard marinade lends special flair to this tender pork loin. My family looks forward to this roast for Christmas dinner. I even had a chef compliment me on it. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Southwest Shredded Pork SaladThis knockout shredded pork makes a healthy, delicious and hearty salad with black beans, corn, cotija cheese and plenty of fresh greens. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Slow-Cooked Pork BarbecueYou need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender pork for sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family's tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, Missouri
Roast Pork with Apples & OnionsThe sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp, golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this pork is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Tuscan Pork StewTender chunks of pork slowly cook in a nicely seasoned, wine-infused sauce. Add some crushed red pepper flakes to this pork stew for a little extra kick. —Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina
Pork Loin with Raspberry SauceRaspberries add rub red color and fruity sweetness to the sauce that enhances this savory pork roast. This is an easy way to transform everyday pork into a special-occasion main dish. —Florence Nurczyk, Toronto, Ohio
Orange-Glazed Pork LoinThis is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub, and the glaze brightened with orange juice, are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
What Is Pork Tenderloin?
Taste of Home
Pork tenderloin (also called pork filet or pork tender) is long and skinny, and it’s always sold as a boneless cut. Because each tenderloin only weighs about a pound, you’ll usually find them packaged in pairs. The tenderloin contains very little fat, so one of the best ways to identify it is to look for the cut without a fat cap or intramuscular fat marbling.
What does pork tenderloin taste like?
Pork tenderloin is a dark red color that fades to a light brown when it’s cooked. It’s very flavorful but lean, so it doesn’t have any fat to keep it juicy as it cooks. Tenderloin is very tender but will taste dry if overcooked.
Where does it come from?
Pork tenderloin is a delicate muscle that runs along the spine. It isn’t used for movement, so it’s one of the most tender cuts of pork. In beef, this muscle is often referred to as filet mignon.
What is pork tenderloin good for?
If you’re in a hurry and only need to feed a few people, pork tenderloin is the way to go. It cooks up quickly, and each tenderloin weighs about one pound, feeding about three people. You can stretch the servings by slicing tenderloin and serving it as medallions alongside a few tasty side dishes.
How tocook pork tenderloin
Tenderloin contains a membrane called silver skin that does not tenderize as it cooks. It’s important to remove the silver skin before proceeding to prevent chewy bites. We recommend marinating tenderloin for 12 to 24 hours; in the absence of built-in fat, this marinade will keep the meat juicy and moist. It’s best to stick to quick-cooking methods here, like searing it in a cast-iron skillet or cooking it over direct heat on the grill. You can also cut the tenderloin into smaller pieces for stir-fry recipes.
Pork Tenderloin Recipes
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Creamy Paprika PorkWhen I was little, I would often ask my mom to make "favorite meat." She knew I was requesting this homey pork recipe. It's been in my family for more than 30 years and it's still a favorite! —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, VirginiaGo to Recipe
Parmesan Pork MedallionsHere's one of the best pork medallion recipes I've found. With my own special tweaks, I have served this tender pork countless times for family and friends. It takes very little prep time and adapts easily to serve any number. —Angela Ciocca, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
Cider-Glazed Pork TenderloinThis is a super easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Pork Medallions in Mustard SauceI like pork medallions with apricot preserves and wondered how else I could dress them up. I played around with different flavors until I found this combo. Wows every time. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan
Balsamic-Glazed Pork TenderloinPull out your ovenproof skillet for this juicy balsamic pork tenderloin that goes from stovetop to oven. Balsamic vinegar gives it a tangy glaze. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Asian Long Noodle SoupThis flavorful soup is perfect for when you want something warm and filling in a hurry. If you can't find long noodles, angel hair pasta is a good substitute. —Carol Emerson, Aransas Pass, Texas
Pork with Mustard SauceBack when I was a girl, I couldn't wait until I was grown up and could start cooking for my own family! Now that I am, I really enjoy using pork. The tender meat and the rich mustard sauce in this recipe are delectable together. —Irma Pomeroy, Enfield, Connecticut
Just Peachy Pork TenderloinI had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. The results proved irresistible! This fresh entree tastes like summer. —Julia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont
Broccoli-Pork Stir-Fry with NoodlesI combined several recipes to come up with this dish that my family loves. It is not only quick and delicious but also healthy. I sometimes substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the pork. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Apricot Pork MedallionsThere's nothing we love more than a great pork dish for supper in our house and this recipe is up there with the best of them. I find that apricot preserves gives the pork just the right amount of sweetness without being cloying. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Hoisin Pork TenderloinIn this ramen noodle recipe, ramen graduates from college-casual when served with saucy pork tenderloin. Our guests appreciate sitting down to this Asian-style meal. —Connie Keller, Lake Ozark, Missouri
Curried Pork & Orange KabobsI love the sweet flavor of red, yellow and orange peppers. I always go for these in the summer when they are inexpensive and plentiful. I think they taste a whole lot better than green peppers. —Liv Vors, Peterborough, Ontario
Crispy Pork Tenderloin SandwichesThis breaded tenderloin rekindles memories of a sandwich shop in my Ohio hometown. Even though I've moved away, I'm happy to say my family can still enjoy them thanks to this recipe. —Erin Fitch, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina
Pork Medallions with Sauteed ApplesPork and apples are such a good match, and this down-home supper is proof. I really like that the lean cut of meat is tender and juicy, but healthy, too. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Blue Cheese Pork MedallionsThis comforting pork dish feels fancy, thanks to the creamy sauce kicked up a notch by blue cheese. Guests go crazy over it, and would never guess how quickly it all comes together. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, CA
Spiced Pork Medallions with Bourbon SauceOur tasting panel simply raved over this tender pork with its spicy, sweet sauce. —Kathy Kantrud, Fenton, Michigan
Asian Pork MedallionsWhen I became serious about losing weight and getting healthy, my kids missed the Chinese delivery that I used to order so frequently. I combined a few recipes to come up with this tasty winner. —Dianne James, Edmond, Oklahoma
Pork Tenderloin with Wine SauceHere’s a fast and easy, great-tasting meal that's as big on flavor as it is low in fat and calories. I serve it with fresh green beans and mashed potatoes. —Nancy LaVoice, Wexford, Pennsylvania
Pork Scallopini with MushroomsThis is a great at-home date night recipe. I use reduced-sodium chicken broth because I add salt to season the meat and mushrooms. —Lana Dramstad, Havre, Montana
Pork Medallions with Raspberry-Balsamic SauceWhen I entertain, I prefer spending time with company to being holed up in the kitchen. This fast entree lets me serve a spectacular dinner with almost no hassle. —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina
Plum-Glazed Pork KabobsGet out there and fire up the grill for pork kabobs, a tasty alternative to chicken and beef. These sweet and gingery beauties make dinnertime happy. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
Rosemary Pork Medallions with PeasIt's nice to have a quick meal to fix after coming home from work. It's simple to prepare and doesn't use a lot of ingredients, so it's great for beginner cooks. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina
Flavorful Grilled Pork TenderloinFolks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
Lemon-Caper Pork MedallionsFor an elegant but easy dinner you can put together in a twinkling for guests or unexpected visitors, these lightly breaded medallions are truly something special! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tropical Sweet and Spicy Pork TenderloinWhen we crave something sweet and spicy, pork tenderloin cooked with chipotle, barbecue sauce and pineapple really delivers. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Honey Mustard Pork TenderloinThis meal is so quick, easy, and so good. I usually have all the ingredients on hand and everyone enjoys the honey mustard flavor. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Pork Tenderloin FajitasThese easy slow cooker pork fajitas offer loads of taste appeal. Sizzling tenderloin and veggies are tossed with a bold cilantro sauce and tucked into tortillas for a fun take on taco night. —Rachel Hozey, Pensacola, Florida
Caramelized Pork SlicesThis easy treatment for pork caught my eye when I saw the word "caramelized." The slightly sweet glaze is yummy. I like to serve this over noodles or rice, or with mashed potatoes. —Elisa Lochridge, Beaverton, Oregon.
Glazed Rosemary PorkA honey-rosemary glaze delicately seasons pork tenderloin in this delightful entree. As elegant as it is easy, the main course is ideal for weekend dinner parties and weeknight suppers alike. —Barbara Sistrunk, Fultondale, Alabama
Tenderloin with Herb SauceTender pork is treated to a rich and creamy sauce with a slight red pepper kick. This hearty dish is very simple to prepare and is always a dinnertime winner at my home. —Monica Shipley, Tulare, California
Skewerless Stovetop KabobsMy family loves this quick and easy recipe so much, we never have any leftovers. It's also great on the grill. —Jennifer Mitchell, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Sweet-and-Sour PorkThis fresh take on a beloved Asian-style dish is sure to cause a stir at the dinner table. —Gert Snyder, West Montrose, Ontario
Maple-Glazed Pork TenderloinMy husband and I think this roasted pork tenderloin tastes like a fancy restaurant dish, but it couldn’t be simpler to make at home. The maple-mustard glaze makes it extra special. It's a modification of a recipe we first tasted at a friend's house. —Colleen Mercier, Salmon Arm, British Columbia.
Savory Pork SaladMake an easy-going meal in a bowl by tossing together healthful veggies, pork tenderloin, fresh herbs and spices with a warm soy dressing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mediterranean Pork and OrzoOn a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It's quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Pork & Potato SupperIf you're looking for a down-home one dish dinner that can be easily made on a weeknight, then this recipe is for you. My husband made sure that I added it to the list of Allen family favorites. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
Pork Medallions with Garlic-Strawberry SauceThese crispy pork medallions are treated to a refreshing strawberry sauce that's ideal for a springtime or summer meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Caramelized Pork TenderloinThis is the best pork tenderloin recipe! It is a little bit savory and a little bit sweet, and best of all, tastes grilled even though you made it on the stovetop. —Debi Arone, Fort Collins, Colorado
Mandarin Pork Stir-FryWhen my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
Blackened Pork Caesar SaladWhen I cook, the goal is to have enough leftovers for lunch the next day. This Caesar with pork has fantastic flavor even when the meat is chilled. —Penny Hedges, Dewdney, British Columbia
Quick Ginger PorkMy husband and I are empty nesters. It was a challenge learning to cook for just two again, but recipes like this give us delicious scaled-down dinners. —Esther Johnson Danielson, Lawton, Pennsylvania
Peachy Pork with RicePeach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that’s nice enough for company. Adjust the heat level to taste by using mild or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, Georgia
Pork & Mango Stir-FryA recipe is special when everyone in your family raves about it. My finicky eaters each give a thumbs-up for this hearty, nutty stir-fry. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
Can You Substitute Pork Loin for Pork Tenderloin?
No, we don’t recommend substituting one of these cuts for the other. Pork tenderloin is too lean to cook for the long times called for in pork loin recipes; it would turn out dry and pretty tasteless. Using pork loin in a tenderloin recipe would be equally disastrous—it’s way too thick to cook all the way through, and you’d end up with raw pork.
A better substitute for pork loin would be a sirloin roast. Boston butt could be a potential substitute, but the shoulder cuts contain way more fat than the loin, so it’s not the right substitution for every recipe. For the best tenderloin substitute, look to thick-cut bone-in pork chops.
