Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
A tender pork tenderloin roasted and basted with a smoky bourbon glaze that caramelizes to a rich finish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, bourbon 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl to form the glaze.
- Step 2: Rub 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat evenly with half the bourbon glaze.
- Step 3: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 4: Brush the pork with the remaining bourbon glaze, then transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
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 pounds pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin 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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
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.
