Smoked Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple

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

Juicy pork tenderloin glazed with a smoky whiskey sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet charred pineapple for a rich, balanced flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, whiskey, brown sugar 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Rub 1 lb pork tenderloin with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder, then drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, massaging the spices into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup whiskey and 2 tbsp brown sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves to form the glaze.
  4. Step 4: Brush the whiskey glaze all over the seared pork, then transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. Step 5: While the pork roasts, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill 4 pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and lightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle remaining whiskey glaze over sliced pork and serve with grilled pineapple drizzled with 1 tbsp lime juice and sprinkled with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple?

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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple?

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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple?

American bbq & smoked 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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