Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Molasses Sauce
Tender pork tenderloin glazed with a rich Caribbean rum and molasses sauce, offering a balance of sweet and smoky flavors. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends pounds pork tenderloin, dark Caribbean rum, molasses 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
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup dark Caribbean rum
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper evenly on all sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork tenderloin for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark Caribbean rum, 2 tablespoons molasses, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the rum glaze over the pork in the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove pork and let rest for 5 minutes. Place skillet back on stove over medium heat, add 1/4 cup water, and simmer glaze for 3-4 minutes until thickened and syrupy.
- Step 6: Slice pork tenderloin and drizzle with the thickened rum glaze before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Molasses Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Molasses 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Molasses 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Molasses 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Molasses 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.
