Rum-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Plantains
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 2 large ripe plantains
- 1/4 cup for frying vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a special dinner, the plantains were a hit.
- ★★★★★
Loved the glaze! My family went crazy for it.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, took a bit longer than expected but the flavors were spot on.