Cherry-Infused Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze
Tender pork loin seared with fresh cherries and a tangy balsamic reduction. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 lb pork tenderloin
- 3 tbsp cherry preserves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim excess fat from pork tenderloin and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Sear pork loin for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 tbsp cherry preserves and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar to the skillet, stirring constantly until melted and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Spoon sauce over pork.
- Step 4: Transfer skillet to oven and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice. Stir 1 tbsp chopped thyme into the pan sauce and serve drizzled over slices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cherry-Infused Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Cherry-Infused Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze?
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 Cherry-Infused Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze?
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 Cherry-Infused Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze 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 Cherry-Infused Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made it for date night and it was a hit.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a special dinner. The glaze was beautiful and the pork tenderloin was juicy.
- ★★★★★
The cherries and balsamic made the pork incredibly flavorful. My husband loved it!
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
