Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider
A savory main course featuring tender pork glazed with a rich bourbon and apple cider reduction, perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, bourbon whiskey, apple cider 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then rub evenly with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the seasoned pork for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven.
- Step 3: While pork roasts, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth. After 10 minutes of roasting, pour glaze over pork and return to oven.
- Step 4: Continue roasting for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F, then tent with foil and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider 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 Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider?
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 Cider?
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 Cider 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 Cider?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious. The glaze sticks perfectly and the pork is tender.
- ★★★★★
My kids loved it! So easy to make and the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- ★★★★★
This is my go-to dinner. The bourbon and apple cider make it so flavorful!
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