English Cranberry-Pear Pork Tenderloin
A sophisticated main course featuring succulent pork tenderloin glazed with tart cranberry and sweet pear, inspired by the 2020 Census's 'English' ethnicity write-in data. This british-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, Dijon mustard, fresh cranberries for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 1.25 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 medium, finely diced pear
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat pork dry, season with salt and pepper, then rub evenly with Dijon mustard. Heat cooking oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; sear pork for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 2: Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F; remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: While pork rests, add cranberries, diced pear, and red wine to skillet; simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Step 4: Stir in butter and fresh thyme until melted and combined, then spoon glaze over sliced pork tenderloin just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does English Cranberry-Pear Pork Tenderloin 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 English Cranberry-Pear Pork Tenderloin?
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 English Cranberry-Pear Pork Tenderloin?
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 English Cranberry-Pear Pork Tenderloin 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 English Cranberry-Pear Pork Tenderloin?
British grilling 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
