Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Michigan Cherry Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork tenderloin glazed with sweet maple syrup and served with a tangy cherry sauce inspired by Michigan’s famous cherry harvest. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends pork tenderloin, maple syrup, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. 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 and sear the pork on all sides, about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Brush the pork tenderloin with 1/4 cup maple syrup, then transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
  3. Step 3: While pork roasts, combine 1 cup tart cherries, 1/2 cup red wine, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes until cherries soften.
  4. Step 4: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the cherry sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from oven and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced pork topped with warm Michigan cherry sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Michigan Cherry Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Michigan Cherry Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Michigan Cherry Sauce?

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 Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Michigan Cherry Sauce 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 Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Michigan Cherry Sauce?

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.

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