Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slices
Tender pork tenderloin seared and glazed with bourbon, served with caramelized apple slices and thyme for a rich, aromatic main course. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, tablespoons bourbon, tablespoons brown sugar 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 apple
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F; season 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; sear pork for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons bourbon, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; pour over pork and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Step 4: Place skillet in oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F; arrange 2 thinly sliced apples around pork during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slices take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Slices?
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 pounds pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slices?
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 Slices 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 Slices?
American one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Loved the bourbon glaze! The pork was tender and the apples added a perfect crunch. Served with mashed potatoes and it was a hit.
- ★★★★★
Quick and delicious! My husband loved the sweet and smoky flavor. Will make again.
- ★★★★☆
Good recipe, but it took 20 minutes longer than the cooking time stated. Still tasty though.
