Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme

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

Tender pork seared until golden, finished with a sweet-tart apple-thyme glaze that complements the meat's richness. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, onion 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 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork tenderloin and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add the 1 small finely chopped onion and 1 diced apple to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme. Return the pork tenderloin to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pork from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Strain the pan sauce, discarding the solids, and pour over the sliced pork before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme 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-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme?

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 Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme?

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-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme 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-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Thyme?

American one pot 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes