Smoky Mezcal-Peach Glazed Pork Tenderloin

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

Roasted pork tenderloin coated in a smoky mezcal and peach glaze, delivering a juicy, caramelized crust with a hint of smoky sweetness. This general-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, mezcal, peach preserves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 25 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin and season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup mezcal, 1/3 cup peach preserves, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Brush the mezcal-peach glaze all over the seared pork tenderloin, reserving a small amount for basting.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork for 15-20 minutes, basting with reserved glaze halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and maximize tenderness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Mezcal-Peach Glazed Pork Tenderloin 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 Smoky Mezcal-Peach 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 pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Mezcal-Peach 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 Mezcal-Peach 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 Mezcal-Peach Glazed Pork Tenderloin?

General 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.

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