Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Iowa Maple Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork tenderloin pan-seared to perfection and finished with a sweet and tangy maple glaze inspired by Iowa’s rich pork tradition. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, salt, black pepper 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin and season all over with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork tenderloin and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 smashed garlic cloves, and 2 fresh thyme sprigs to the pan. Spoon melted butter and aromatics over the pork for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to a 400°F oven and roast the pork for 8-10 minutes until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
  5. Step 5: While pork roasts, whisk together 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from oven, brush generously with the maple glaze, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with remaining glaze.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Iowa Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Iowa Maple Glaze?

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 Iowa Maple Glaze?

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 Iowa Maple Glaze 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 Iowa Maple Glaze?

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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