Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Roasted pork tenderloin finished with a tangy balsamic glaze, paired with creamy garlic-infused mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, divided salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin dry and season all over with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Sear pork tenderloin for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove pork to rest.
  3. Step 3: While pork roasts, combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Place 2 lbs peeled and chunked russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/2 tsp salt and bring to a boil. Cook potatoes for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup warmed whole milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Slice rested pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch medallions. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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