Fennel and Orange Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin
Juicy pork tenderloin roasted with a sweet and tangy orange glaze and aromatic fennel seeds for a flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, lightly crushed fennel seeds 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 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, lightly crushed fennel seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and season all over with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lightly crushed fennel seeds.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork tenderloin and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme.
- Step 4: Pour orange glaze over pork in skillet and transfer skillet to preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, basting pork with glaze halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove pork from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with pan juices and extra glaze.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Fennel and Orange Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Fennel and Orange Glazed Roast 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 Fennel and Orange Glazed Roast 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 Fennel and Orange Glazed Roast 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.
Is Fennel and Orange Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.