Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Plantains

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork tenderloin glazed with a rich rum sauce paired with sweet and spiced fried plantains for a classic Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, dark rum, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp ground allspice. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened to create the rum glaze.
  2. Step 2: Season 1 lb pork tenderloin with salt and black pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, brushing generously with the rum glaze every 7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While pork roasts, peel and slice 2 large ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Fry plantain slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of salt immediately after frying.
  5. Step 5: Let pork rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve pork slices drizzled with remaining rum glaze alongside the spiced fried plantains.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Plantains 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Plantains?

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 Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Plantains?

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 Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Plantains 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Plantains?

Caribbean caribbean 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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