Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Orange Zest
Tender pork tenderloin coated in a rich, sweet-savory bourbon glaze, inspired by the classic Old Fashioned's simplicity and depth. This american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, bourbon whiskey, Dijon mustard 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
- 3 tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on all sides.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crust forms, then transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven.
- Step 3: While pork roasts, whisk 3 tbsp bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tbsp fresh orange zest in a small bowl until smooth. Remove pork from oven after 15 minutes, brush generously with half the glaze, and return to oven for 5 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 4: Remove pork from skillet, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice. Brush remaining glaze over slices and serve immediately, ensuring the glaze is glossy and sticky.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Orange Zest take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Orange Zest?
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 Orange Zest?
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 Orange Zest 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 Orange Zest?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
