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Morbius

(583 posts)
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 09:11 PM Jul 5

My oven doesn't work.

The last time I tried to use it I got the smell of methane in my kitchen. I think there's a leak. There's no problem with the stove. I can't afford a new oven. Accordingly, I live without the oven, at least for the time being.

So this week, I tried a way to make frozen pizza without the oven, and it worked. I took a 12" frozen pizza (Jack's brand) and did the following:

Preheat skillet, high temperature
Microwave pizza on large plate for 90 seconds
Transfer pizza to skillet; cover; cook for 2 minutes
Transfer pizza back to plate, microwave for 90 seconds more
Transfer pizza back to skillet, cook uncovered for one minute.

Done! Crispy, all the way cooked. Is it good? Well, it's cheap frozen pizza. Good wasn't gonna happen even with the oven. But it's not bad; quite acceptable. Fast, too.

Now, here's the deal: before this thing with my oven occurred, I purchased a package of pork tenderloin. I have made this in the past as a stir fry, but there's way too much meat for that - over 1.6 lb (and there's just the three of us). Can anyone recommend a way to cook this so it is tender?

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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niyad

(125,307 posts)
1. There is only me, so the tenderloin goes in the freezer, and I just slice off medallions
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 09:16 PM
Jul 5

and treat them like pork chops. A 1.6 piece would give me about 6 servings.

sheshe2

(92,927 posts)
2. here are a few suggestions, Morbius.
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 09:20 PM
Jul 5


Cook Perfect Pork Tenderloin on the Stovetop: A Step-by-Step Guide
by Brent Tanksley
When it comes to cooking pork tenderloin, the stovetop is a fantastic option for achieving juicy, tender results without the need for an oven. This guide will provide you with all the knowledge you need to prepare pork tenderloin on the stovetop, including how long to cook it, the best techniques, and tips for flavoring your dish. Whether you are a novice cook or an experienced chef, this article will help you master the art of cooking pork tenderloin quickly and efficiently

https://thecookingbooks.com/how-long-to-cook-pork-tenderloin-on-stove-top/

Tetrachloride

(8,848 posts)
3. slow cooker or big marinade.
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 09:45 PM
Jul 5

chainsaw or machete if it won’t fit in slow cooker

or give to the zoo for the lions and tigers

Kali

(56,330 posts)
5. pork LOIN, or pork TENDERLOIN?
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 10:09 PM
Jul 5

as per the name, tenderloin is usually pretty dang tender. Loin can be more variable. Slow and low in a bit of liquid is best way to get tough cuts more tender. Heavy covered pan on stove top works fine.

Attilatheblond

(6,711 posts)
6. Do you have a slow cooker/crock pot
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 10:11 PM
Jul 5

I have put pork loins in crock pot with green enchilada sauce. Worked very well

Also, diced and seasoned with cumin, Tajin, garlic and onion powders and a bit of lemon or lime juice. Let diced meat & seasonings sit in covered container in fridge for a day. Then heat a little oil in skillet and brown the diced meat. A little crispy on the outside, not dry on the inside. This I serve with rice cooked with chopped onion, garlic, cumin, Mexican oregano, salt and can of diced tomatoes.

Will try to remember how my sister did pork tenderloin, browned in a heavy skillet, cut into medallions, then simmered with caramelized onions and diced figs. It was to die for

usonian

(19,166 posts)
7. If you smell gas (It's hyrdogen sulfide) added to odorless gas
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 10:37 PM
Jul 5

Get it fixed. Fire hazard. If you have pilots (I do, this ancient stove) check that all three are lit. There are two on top and one below the oven and on top of the broiler. Most are spark ignition, and not flaming all the time.

Best to call the gas or propane company to do it free. They want live customers. If it's a leak in the stove or fittings, first try the freebie gas company route and then call a plumber.

Do nothing until the leak is fixed.

I had a propane tank leak and the gas company was up in a half hour ( they are on call 24 by 7) and then the fire engine, so the whole damn county didn't go up in flames.

They gave me a new tank the second business day.

Fix it first. Cheaper than an insurance claim.

You can get a hot plate or even a nice slow cooker at any thrift store for real cheap.

I would shut off the gas oven completely but I'd have to pull it out to access the valve. I rarely use it, and I got a countertop oven on sale for its excellent temperature regulation. I have totally had it with inaccurate ovens.

Pork should slow cook fine. I made some pork ribs that were extra tender.

Morbius

(583 posts)
8. The stove is fine.
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 11:15 PM
Jul 5

I promise you, my gas company won't do this for free. The problem is internal, inside the oven. They would tell me to buy a new one, but I don't have $700 lying about.

I have a slow cooker. Pork tenderloin is not a good choice for a slow cooker because it dries out very quickly.

usonian

(19,166 posts)
10. Well, I can't tell you how to repair an oven.
Sun Jul 6, 2025, 12:21 AM
Jul 6

And my experience with pork is about zero, so I defer. If there is a problem with the oven, I would shut it down and work around.

I simply don't use mine, to conserve propane in case of a wildfire and power loss. The propane company says they'll never let my tank run low, but I'm not expecting anyone to drive a propane truck anywhere near a wildfire.

marble falls

(67,046 posts)
9. A good skillet and a good Dutch oven and one can do without an oven. Good work! ...
Sat Jul 5, 2025, 11:46 PM
Jul 5

... tenderloin cooks really fast. If it's tough, it most likely is over cooked. Resting is important, too. It's best MR.

justaprogressive

(4,730 posts)
12. Here ya go...Easy Stovetop Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Sun Jul 6, 2025, 10:52 AM
Jul 6

Tender and juicy pork tenderloin is seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze made with simple ingredients like brown sugar, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for an easy, one-pan dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!



Ingredients
1 pork tenderloin (1.00 – 1.75 lbs)
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
⅓ cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried rosemary (or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped)
1 tbs olive oil

Instructions
1 Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season all sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, garlic, Dijon mustard, and rosemary, then set it aside.

2 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the pork tenderloin in the skillet and sear it for about 2 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Set aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the balsamic glaze into the skillet, add the pork tenderloin back in. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning the tenderloin occasionally and spooning the glaze over it as it cooks. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, removing the pork at 135°F (it will rise to 145°F during resting).

3 Remove the pork from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5–7 minutes. During this time, increase the skillet’s heat to medium and simmer the glaze for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens slightly.
Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and drizzle the thickened glaze over the top. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

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