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Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin

brown sugar bourbon glazed pork tenderloin - featured image

A quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe featuring a rich, caramelized brown sugar and bourbon glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly for an impressive dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
  2. Trim the pork tenderloin by removing any silver skin or excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the pork generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or rosemary.
  4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes). Sear the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. While the pork sears, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until smooth.
  6. Transfer the skillet with pork to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140ยฐF (60ยฐC).
  7. Remove the pork from the oven, transfer to a plate, loosely tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Place the skillet back on medium heat on the stove. Pour in the glaze mixture and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened to a syrupy consistency.
  9. Slice the rested pork into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick medallions. Drizzle generously with the warm bourbon glaze.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after roasting to keep it juicy. Stir the glaze constantly while simmering to prevent burning. For a richer glaze, add a small pat of butter before serving. Soy sauce can be swapped with coconut aminos or tamari for gluten-free. Bourbon can be replaced with apple cider or whiskey if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, bourbon glaze, brown sugar, easy dinner, savory sweet, quick recipe, weeknight meal