Northern Lights Cranberry and Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

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

Roasted pork tenderloin glazed with a tangy cranberry and maple syrup sauce inspired by northern forest berries. This american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh cranberries, pure maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 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 (200°C). Pat dry 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Sear pork tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes each until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: While searing, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves in a small saucepan.
  5. Step 5: Bring the cranberry mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Transfer skillet with pork to the preheated oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  7. Step 7: Remove pork from oven and brush generously with the warm cranberry-maple glaze.
  8. Step 8: Let pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing; serve drizzled with remaining glaze.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Northern Lights Cranberry and Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Northern Lights Cranberry and Maple Glazed 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 Northern Lights Cranberry and Maple Glazed 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 Northern Lights Cranberry and Maple Glazed 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 Northern Lights Cranberry and Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin?

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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