Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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

Tender pork tenderloin glazed with a smooth whiskey sauce pairs perfectly with creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 65 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, tablespoons olive oil, teaspoon salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss 6 whole garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon olive oil and wrap them in aluminum foil; roast for 30 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, peel and quarter 2 pounds of russet potatoes. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes, then drain.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
  4. Step 4: Transfer pork to the oven and roast for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and let rest.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl. Mash the drained potatoes with the roasted garlic, 4 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup warm whole milk until creamy and smooth.
  6. Step 6: In the same skillet used for pork, reduce heat to medium and add 1/4 cup whiskey and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Stir and cook for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Step 7: Slice the rested pork tenderloin and drizzle with the whiskey glaze. Serve alongside the roasted garlic mashed potatoes topped with 2 tablespoons chopped chives.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes 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 Whiskey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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.

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