Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-10 · Updated 2026-07-10

A tender pork tenderloin roasted and basted with a smoky bourbon glaze that caramelizes to a rich finish. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Rub 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat evenly with half the bourbon glaze.
3. Step 3: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.