Delicious Apple Cider Glazed Pork Tenderloin Recipe to Try

Oh, let me tell you about this apple cider glazed pork tenderloin! It’s really something special—the way the sweetness of the apple cider melds with the juicy, savory pork is just divine. Imagine, if you will, a tender piece of pork, all glazed up and sitting there, ready to be devoured! Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for those cozy nights when you want something comforting yet impressive. Trust me, this dish will have your kitchen smelling absolutely amazing and make your dinner table sparkle with flavor. Just… wow, it’s good!

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super simple to whip up—perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion!
• The glaze is sticky-sweet and tangy, making every bite feel festive and fun.
• Moist, tender pork that practically melts in your mouth… seriously, it’s that good.
• You’ll impress anyone at the dinner table with those rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

The first time I made this, my whole family went absolutely nuts over it—there were practically no leftovers!

What You’ll Need

• Pork tenderloin: about 1.5 to 2 pounds, trimmed of any excess fat for that perfect bite
• Apple cider: 1 cup, the fresher, the better!
• Brown sugar: 1/4 cup to help balance out those flavors
• Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons for a little zing
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—because garlic makes everything better!
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, because we need some seasoning, right?
• Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly cracked if you can
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for searing, giving it a nice golden crust
• Fresh thyme: a little for garnish, if you want to make it pretty

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, so first things first, preheat that oven to 400°F (or about 200°C, if you’re feeling fancy). While that’s heating up, let’s prepare our pork tenderloin. Trim off the funky bits, season it pretty generously with salt and pepper—you really want to make sure it’s got flavor. Then, grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. When you see it shimmering, gently place the pork in there. Sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s got that gorgeous golden brown crust… it smells amazing! Once you’ve got that look, take the pork out – set it aside for a moment.

Now, in that same skillet, pour in your apple cider, add the Dijon mustard, and sprinkle in that minced garlic. Oh, and don’t forget any brown bits stuck down there from the pork—that’s flavor! Just bring this mixture to a simmer, giving it a little stir here and there. Let it bubble for a few minutes until it thickens, then return the seared pork to the pan and spoon that glaze all over it… yum! Now, off it goes into the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Just check that it hits 145°F (63°C) inside before taking it out. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing—this is super important for keeping all those lovely juices in!

Good to Know

• Cooking times can vary based on how big your pork tenderloin is—don’t skip the thermometer!
• You can swap apple cider for apple juice if you don’t have cider on hand, but just know, the flavor might be a little different.
• Leftovers? They keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days—if there’s any left!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it up with some roasted veggies on the side, or mashed potatoes, and a fresh salad… it all goes so well together!

Top Tricks

• Brining the pork beforehand can make it even juicier—just a little saltwater soak for an hour or so can do wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can try other cuts of pork or even chicken, just keep an eye on how long you cook it so it stays juicy.

How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?

Best way is to use a meat thermometer; you want it to hit at least 145°F (63°C) for it to be safe and perfectly cooked.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Sure! You can make the apple cider glaze in advance and just store it until you’re ready to use it.

What can I serve with the apple cider glazed pork tenderloin?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a light salad to balance things out.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover pork tenderloin can hang out in your fridge for about 3-4 days if you keep it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This apple cider glazed pork tenderloin is, honestly, such a beautiful balance of sweet and savory. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress someone special. The way that glaze enriches the meat makes every bite a delight. Pair it with some complementary sides, and I promise, it’ll be a meal that lingers in the memory of your taste buds. Just… trust me on this, okay?

More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so perfect for soaking up that delicious apple cider glaze.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

They caramelize beautifully and add a lovely contrast to the rich flavors of the pork. Plus, they’re just so good!

Apple and Spinach Salad

Fresh and vibrant, this salad offers a nice zing with its tangy vinaigrette, making for a refreshing contrast.

Sweet Potato Casserole

This one’s naturally sweet and goes hand-in-hand with the glaze—seriously comforting!

Honey Glazed Carrots

Give your plate a pop of color and sweetness with these lovely little carrots—so delightful!

Quinoa Pilaf

Trying to keep things healthy? A savory quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs is a great base that complements the pork perfectly.

Apple Crisp

And for dessert… how about a warm apple crisp? It’ll echo the dish’s flavors beautifully!