Description
Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider is a tender, juicy roasted pork dish infused with a sweet-tangy apple cider sauce, caramelized onions, and herbs. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for fall or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
- 1–1.5 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- For the Apple Cider Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Season Pork: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat pork dry and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Make Sauce: Pour in apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), and cinnamon. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Roast: Return pork to the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest & Reduce Sauce: Remove pork and let rest 5–10 minutes. Simmer sauce on the stovetop for 3–5 minutes to thicken if desired.
- Serve: Slice pork and spoon the apple cider sauce over top. Garnish with fresh thyme.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use hard cider instead of apple cider.
- Add sliced apples to the skillet while roasting for extra sweetness.
- Don’t overcook—pork tenderloin is best slightly pink inside.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sear & Roast
- Cuisine: American