Cider Vinegar Braised Pork with Apples and Onions
Tender pork tenderloin braised in a tangy apple cider vinegar sauce with caramelized onions and apples, offering a perfect balance of sweet and sour. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs Pork tenderloin, tablespoons Olive oil, Yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1.5 lbs Pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Yellow onion
- 1 cup Apple
- 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped yellow onion and 1 cup chopped apple to the pot, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and golden.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Return the pork to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until pork reaches 145°F internal temperature.
- Step 6: Remove pork, slice, and serve with sauce and vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cider Vinegar Braised Pork with Apples and Onions take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Cider Vinegar Braised Pork with Apples and Onions?
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 Cider Vinegar Braised Pork with Apples and Onions?
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 Cider Vinegar Braised Pork with Apples and Onions 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 Cider Vinegar Braised Pork with Apples and Onions?
American one pot 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
