Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw
Tender pork tenderloin smoked and brushed with a sweet maple glaze, paired with a crisp apple and cabbage slaw for a balanced smoky-sweet dish. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 135 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, maple syrup, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium green apple, julienned
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Pat dry the 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and brush half of the maple glaze evenly over it. Place the pork in the smoker and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F, brushing with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
- Step 3: While the pork smokes, prepare the slaw by combining 1 julienned green apple, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, and 1 grated carrot in a large bowl.
- Step 4: Whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour dressing over the slaw and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Step 5: Once the pork rests for 10 minutes after smoking, slice into 1/2-inch thick medallions and serve alongside the crisp apple slaw for a smoky-sweet feast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw?
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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw?
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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw 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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apple Slaw?
American grilling 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.
