Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple Dijon Sauce

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

Juicy pork tenderloin pan-seared and brushed with a rich bourbon glaze, served alongside a tangy maple Dijon sauce. This american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes blends pork tenderloin, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork tenderloin on all sides for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup bourbon, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Brush the pork with half of this bourbon glaze.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast pork for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F, brushing with remaining bourbon glaze halfway through roasting.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from skillet and let rest on a cutting board.
  6. Step 6: Place skillet back on medium heat and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Slice pork tenderloin and drizzle with the maple Dijon sauce before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple Dijon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple Dijon Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Maple Dijon Sauce?

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 Maple Dijon Sauce 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 Maple Dijon Sauce?

American 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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