Pan-Roasted Pork with Guaraná-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

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

Juicy pan-roasted pork tenderloin paired with sweet potatoes glazed in a guaraná-infused sauce for a regional Brazilian twist. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs divided olive oil, guaraná syrup, minced garlic cloves 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: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add sweet potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until starting to soften.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp guaraná syrup, 1/4 cup water, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sweet potatoes in the glaze for 8 minutes until tender and the sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: While the sweet potatoes cook, season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary.
  4. Step 4: In another skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork medallions and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve pork medallions alongside the guaraná-glazed sweet potatoes.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Pork with Guaraná-Glazed Sweet Potatoes 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 Pan-Roasted Pork with Guaraná-Glazed Sweet Potatoes?

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 divided olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Pork with Guaraná-Glazed Sweet Potatoes?

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 Pan-Roasted Pork with Guaraná-Glazed Sweet Potatoes 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 Pan-Roasted Pork with Guaraná-Glazed Sweet Potatoes?

Brazilian 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.