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Flavorful Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Easy Sweet Apple Glaze

pork tenderloin with sweet apple glaze - featured image

A juicy pork tenderloin roasted to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy apple reduction, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season generously
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup apple butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Thin apple slices (optional, for plating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim any silver skin or excess fat from the pork using a sharp knife. Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
  3. Generously rub the tenderloin with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering but not smoking, add the pork tenderloin.
  5. Brown the tenderloin on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms.
  6. Place the seared tenderloin into an oven-safe roasting pan or baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer.
  7. While the pork roasts, combine 1 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup apple butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir well.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  9. Remove the tenderloin from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes.
  10. Slice the pork into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) slices, arrange on a platter, and drizzle generously with the warm sweet apple glaze. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary and thin apple slices if desired.

Notes

If the glaze thickens too much, add a splash of apple cider or water to loosen it. Resting the pork after roasting is crucial to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The recipe is naturally gluten-free but double-check apple butter and mustard brands if needed. For a dairy-free glaze, this recipe contains no milk products.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, apple glaze, sweet apple glaze, easy pork recipe, weeknight dinner, roasted pork, apple cider glaze, quick pork recipe