Birch-Sap Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Glazed Carrots
A tender pork dish with a sweet-savory glaze, featuring locally foraged birch sap and caramelized carrots. This american-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, birch sap syrup, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pork tenderloin
- 3 tbsp birch sap syrup
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 12 oz carrots
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat pork tenderloin dry with paper towels; season evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear pork for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 2: Whisk birch sap syrup, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Pour half the mixture over the seared pork, spooning it over the top to coat.
- Step 3: Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F and sauce is bubbling.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, slice carrots into 1/2-inch coins. Heat remaining olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat, add carrots and thyme, and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Let pork rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with glazed carrots and drizzle with remaining sauce from the skillet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Birch-Sap Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Glazed Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Birch-Sap Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Glazed Carrots?
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 Birch-Sap Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Glazed Carrots?
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 Birch-Sap Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Glazed Carrots for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Birch-Sap Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Glazed Carrots gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Cooked this for my in-laws and they raved about the carrots. So simple for a fancy dinner!
- ★★★★★
The birch-sap glaze was unexpected but perfect with the pork—my family kept asking for seconds!
- ★★★★☆
Great flavors overall, but the glaze was slightly too sweet for my taste. Would reduce maple next time.
