Sour Cherry and Vinegar Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Roasted pork tenderloin finished with a sour cherry and vinegar glaze that balances sweetness with sharp acidity. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, salt, black pepper 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 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, pitted fresh or frozen sour cherries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin and season all sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 3: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast pork for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove pork to rest on a cutting board.
- Step 4: While pork rests, place the skillet back on medium heat and add 1 cup pitted sour cherries, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cherries break down and the glaze thickens.
- Step 5: Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and spoon the sour cherry glaze over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sour Cherry and Vinegar 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 Sour Cherry and Vinegar 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 Sour Cherry and Vinegar 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 Sour Cherry and Vinegar 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 Sour Cherry and Vinegar 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.