Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash

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

Juicy pork tenderloin glazed with a sweet and tangy Caribbean rum sauce paired with creamy sweet potato mash seasoned with warm spices. This caribbean ready in about 50 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, dark rum, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves to create the rum glaze.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb pork tenderloin with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear it for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Brush half of the rum glaze over the pork, then transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the tenderloin for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, basting with remaining glaze halfway through roasting.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, boil 2 large peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Let pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced rum-glazed pork tenderloin alongside the spiced sweet potato mash for a comforting Caribbean meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash 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 Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Spiced Sweet Potato Mash 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 Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

Caribbean caribbean 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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