Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin – Sweet & Savory Delight

If you’re looking for a flavorful and simple way to prepare pork tenderloin, this Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe is a must-try! The natural sweetness of maple syrup perfectly complements the savory, tender pork, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any dinner. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions. The combination of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs brings out the best in the pork, with a glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.

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Why You’ll Love Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory—to create a pork dish that’s truly irresistible. The maple glaze enhances the pork’s natural flavor without overpowering it, and the crispy caramelized crust adds both texture and flavor. The best part is that it’s easy to make and doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours of prep time.

The pork tenderloin itself is tender and juicy, while the glaze gives it that extra punch of sweetness. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to round out the meal. Plus, it’s great for meal prep or leftovers!

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Ingredients

For the Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pork:

• 1.5 to 2 lbs pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if preferred)

For the Maple Glaze:

• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for saltiness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (optional, or you can use thyme)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

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How to Make Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, and it comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s dive in!

1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a beautiful sear.
• Rub the pork with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (or fresh herbs if you prefer).

2. Sear the Pork

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork tenderloin to the skillet. Sear the pork on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and caramelized. This step is essential for locking in the juices and adding flavor.

3. Make the Maple Glaze

• While the pork is searing, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Stir in the rosemary and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat) and remove from the heat. Set the glaze aside.

4. Roast the Pork

• Once the pork is seared, brush some of the maple glaze over the top of the pork.
• Transfer the skillet with the pork to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste the pork with the glaze halfway through cooking to ensure it gets a nice coating.
• If you prefer a slightly more caramelized glaze, you can broil the pork for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, but be careful not to burn it.

5. Rest and Serve

• Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices so the pork stays moist and tender.
• Slice the pork into 1-inch thick medallions, drizzle with the remaining maple glaze, and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for a beautiful presentation.

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Pro Tips

1. Don’t Overcook the Pork: Pork tenderloin is best when cooked to 145°F (63°C). Overcooking will lead to dry meat, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Make Extra Glaze: If you love the maple glaze, double the recipe and set some aside for drizzling over the pork after it’s cooked. You can also serve extra glaze on the side for dipping!
3. Searing is Key: The searing step adds incredible flavor and texture to the pork, so don’t skip it. It helps create a crispy exterior that holds in all the moisture.
4. Rest the Meat: Allowing the pork to rest after roasting is essential for keeping it juicy. It helps redistribute the juices inside the meat, making each bite tender and flavorful.

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How to Serve

Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or a mixture of carrots and parsnips for a hearty, healthy side.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower are a perfect match for this sweet-savory pork.
• Rice or Quinoa: Pair the pork with a serving of steamed rice or quinoa to absorb all the delicious glaze.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 320-350 (without sides)
• Protein: 30-35g (from the pork)
• Fat: 18-20g (from the pork and olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g (mainly from the maple syrup and glaze)
• Fiber: 1-2g (from the glaze ingredients)

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Leftover Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. You can also add a little splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist while reheating.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pork for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

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Conclusion

This Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe is a great way to elevate your dinner with minimal effort. The sweet, sticky glaze paired with the juicy, tender pork creates a flavor combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a family meal, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich, sweet, and savory flavors, and don’t forget to drizzle extra glaze on top for that perfect finish!