Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme

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

A tender pork tenderloin bathed in a sweet-savory bourbon reduction, paired with caramelized apple cubes and fresh thyme for a sophisticated yet approachable main course. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 55 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, bourbon, apple cider for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lb pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear pork for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 1 diced large apple (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes) and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 tbsp bourbon, 2 tbsp apple cider, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer while scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  3. Step 3: Return pork to skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Add 2 fresh thyme sprigs, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove pork and thyme, let rest 5 minutes, then slice. Simmer sauce uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme?

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 Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme?

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 Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme 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 Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme?

American quick meals 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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