Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Apple Slaw
Juicy pork tenderloin glazed with a bright citrus sauce paired with a crisp, refreshing slaw of fennel and apple for a harmonious flavor balance. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh orange juice, honey 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
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb
- 1 medium, julienned green apple
- 1/4 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves to create the glaze.
- Step 2: Season 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 3: Brush the orange-honey glaze over the pork and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, basting with glaze every 7 minutes.
- Step 4: While the pork roasts, combine 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb, 1 julienned green apple, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. Toss with 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper for the slaw.
- Step 5: Remove pork from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice the tenderloin and serve alongside the crisp fennel-apple slaw, garnished with 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Apple Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Apple Slaw?
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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Apple Slaw?
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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Apple Slaw 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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Apple Slaw?
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.