Northern Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Cabbage Slaw

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork tenderloin coated in a warming spice rub, roasted and served alongside a crisp apple and cabbage slaw for a balance of savory and fresh. This american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, ground cinnamon, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 1.5 lb pork tenderloin evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil and then coat it thoroughly with the spice rub. Place on a roasting pan and roast for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  3. Step 3: While pork roasts, prepare the slaw: in a large bowl, toss 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 medium julienned apple, and 1 grated medium carrot.
  4. Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp mayonnaise until smooth. Pour over the slaw and toss to combine well.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices alongside the fresh apple-cabbage slaw.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Northern Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Cabbage Slaw 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 Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Cabbage Slaw?

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 Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Cabbage Slaw?

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 Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Cabbage Slaw 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 Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Apple-Cabbage Slaw?

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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