Caribbean Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Rum Sauce
Juicy pork tenderloin glazed with a rich molasses marinade and finished with a smooth Cuban rum sauce that enhances its natural sweetness. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends pork tenderloin, dark molasses, Cuban dark rum 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 3 tbsp dark molasses
- 1/4 cup Cuban dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp dark molasses, 1/4 cup Cuban dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1 lb pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to absorb the flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the pork for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then remove and rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
- Step 6: Slice the pork tenderloin and drizzle with the rum-infused molasses sauce before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Rum Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Caribbean Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Rum 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 Caribbean Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Rum 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 Caribbean Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Rum 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 Caribbean Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Rum Sauce?
Caribbean 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.
