Minnesota Maple-Scented Pork Tenderloin
A tender pork loin glazed with locally sourced maple syrup and apple cider, finished with a hint of smoked paprika for a sweet-savory Midwest-inspired main course. This american-inspired grilling (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 pounds pork tenderloin
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then rub 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper evenly over all sides.
- Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven.
- Step 3: While pork roasts, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. After 15 minutes of roasting, brush half the glaze over the pork and continue cooking until a meat thermometer reads 145°F (about 10 more minutes).
- Step 4: Remove pork from skillet, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 10 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze and sprinkle with fresh thyme before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Minnesota Maple-Scented 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 Minnesota Maple-Scented 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 Minnesota Maple-Scented 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 Minnesota Maple-Scented 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 Minnesota Maple-Scented 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.








