Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Sour Cherry Reduction

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

Pan-seared pork tenderloin finished with a rich and tangy balsamic and sour cherry sauce that adds a deep, fruity sourness to the savory meat. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb pork tenderloin with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork tenderloin and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from skillet and set aside to rest. Lower heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup pitted sour cherries, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the sauce reduces to a glossy glaze.
  5. Step 5: Slice pork tenderloin into medallions and spoon the sour cherry balsamic reduction over the top. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Sour Cherry Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sour Cherry Reduction?

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 Sour Cherry Reduction?

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 Sour Cherry Reduction 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 Sour Cherry Reduction?

Mediterranean 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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