Free shipping on orders over $85*

How to Microwave Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin cooked in an Anyday dish, coated with fresh herbs and garnished with rosemary sprigs.
PT1M PT12M

Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

12-15 mins

Free Time

to look up your local butcher shop

Need help?

How to Microwave Pork Tenderloin

Be the first to review this recipe!

Say goodbye to dry pork and hours of oven babysitting — there’s a better way to make pork tenderloin! Microwaving pork tenderloin in an Anyday dish guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked results with minimal effort. Lowering the power level lets the pork cook gently and evenly, locking in all that moisture and flavor. Whether it’s dinner or next week’s lunches, this method makes tenderloin easy, versatile, and totally delicious!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

Recommended Products

5.5-Cup Glass Square Shallow Dish

This square-shaped dish is ideal for cooking bacon, green beans, or steaming asparagus in the microwave.

Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!

Lid Organizer

Keep your lids of all shapes and sizes tidy and organized with our specially designed lid organizer set.

Try Anyday

Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 tenderloin
  • 1 tenderloin
  • 2 tenderloins
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

5.5-Cup Glass Square Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz (450g) pork tenderloin
  • Salt, to taste

Preparation

  1. Trim the silver skin from the pork tenderloin using a sharp knife, avoiding excess meat removal.
  2. Place the trimmed tenderloin in an Anyday dish, season as desired, and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Microwave at Power Level 5
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  4. If needed, continue cooking for 2–3 more minutes at the same power level.
  5. Allow the pork to rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Slice and serve as desired.

Suggestions

  • Want a golden finish? Pop it on a hot grill, in a high-preheated oven, or the air fryer for a quick sear.
  • Herb-crusted tenderloin: Coat the cooked pork tenderloin with Dijon mustard, then roll it in a mixture of freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, dill, and chives, for a vibrant, flavorful crust.
  • Spicy sesame crust: Coat the cooked pork tenderloin with a thin layer of gochujang (Korean pepper paste), then roll it in toasted sesame seeds.
  • Smoky BBQ rub: Rub the pork tenderloin with a mixture of smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin for a smoky, slightly sweet rub.
  • Healthy cold cuts: Allow the cooked pork tenderloin to cool completely, then slice it thinly to use as a healthy homemade cold cut or lunch meat. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, or served with a side of mustard and pickles.
  • For more cold cut ideas, check out our recipes for turkey breast, and chicken.

Recipe Notes

  • This recipe is the ultimate hack for homemade, preservative-free lunch meat or cold cuts!
  • For a golden finish, sear on a hot grill, in a 500°F (260°C) preheated oven, or 400°F (204°C) preheated air fryer. This method makes tenderloin tender, versatile, and delicious — perfect for dinner or meal prep!
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Compatible Dishes for this Recipe

7-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish

7-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish

$42

Glass

Clear Frosted
Shop Now
variant-image

10-Cup Glass Square Shallow Dish

$55
Shop Now

Microwave Match Up: Pork Tenderloin

See for yourself— microwaving pork tenderloin is simply faster, start to finish. *Includes defrosting time

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 12-15 mins
Grill* 45-50 mins
Stovetop* 45-50 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 45-50 mins
*Includes defrosting time
Shop Anyday

All You Need to Know About Microwaving Pork Tenderloin

Ingredient Power Level Cook Time
1 16 oz (450g) pork tenderloin 5 12-15 mins
2 16 oz (450g) pork tenderloins 5 23-25 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

Can I cook pork tenderloin in the microwave?

Yes, pork tenderloin can be cooked in the microwave using an Anyday dish. Microwaving it at a reduced power level ensures even heating and prevents the pork from drying out, making it tender and juicy. Discover more pork recipes by exploring our collection here!

Why is pork tenderloin cooked on a lower power level in the microwave?

Lowering the power level allows the pork tenderloin to cook gently, similar to slow roasting. This prevents the exterior from overcooking while the interior finishes cooking, resulting in evenly cooked, tender meat.

How do I know when pork tenderloin is fully cooked?

Pork tenderloin is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and allow the pork to rest for at least 3 minutes after cooking. This will help lock in the moisture for a juicy, flavorful result.

Can I use microwaved pork tenderloin for cold cuts?

Absolutely! Cooking pork tenderloin in the microwave makes it easy to prepare tender, flavorful meat that can be chilled and sliced thinly for cold cuts. This is a great option for sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards.

How do I store cooked pork tenderloin?

Once cooled, cover the pork tenderloin in the Anyday dish with its lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the meat fresh and ready for slicing, reheating, or using cold.

Can I freeze cooked pork tenderloin?

Yes, cooked pork tenderloin freezes well. Dice the cooked pork into bite-sized pieces and portion it into our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays. Cover with the lid and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in an Anyday dish for a quick and convenient protein option.

What’s the best way to reheat pork tenderloin?

To reheat from the fridge, place the pork loin in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on 50-70% power for 2-4 minutes, depending on the portion size, flipping halfway through. From frozen, place the frozen portion of cooked pork in an Anyday Dish and reheat on the same power level for 4-8 minutes, checking and stirring or flipping as needed.

Can I marinate pork tenderloin before microwaving?

Yes, pork tenderloin absorbs marinades wonderfully. We recommend using dry rubs instead of liquid marinades to avoid adding excess moisture. Dry rubs allow the seasonings in the pork loin and place it in and Anyday dish. Cover with lid (knob pressed down) and marinate overnight, if time permits.

Want more pork recipes?

More chicken recipes

What Customers Are Saying

© 2025 Anyday Meyer Corporation, U.S. 2023. 
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa