Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash
Juicy pork tenderloin glazed with a sweet and tangy Caribbean rum sauce paired with creamy sweet potato mash seasoned with warm spices. This caribbean-inspired 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A wonderful dish that brought a taste of the Caribbean to my table. The pork was tender and the glaze had the perfect balance of sweetness and rum.
- ★★★★★
The rum glaze was perfect, and the sweet potato mash was creamy and flavorful. My family loved it!
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but the sweet potato mash was a bit bland for my taste. Next time I'll add more spices.