Irresistible Cranberry-Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This cranberry-balsamic glazed pork tenderloin is a flavorful dish that feels fancy enough for the holidays but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Juicy pork paired with a sweet and tangy glaze makes it a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1–2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry (or frozen cranberries, no need to thaw)
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the cranberry-balsamic glaze over the pork tenderloin, spreading it evenly to coat.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the pork into medallions, spoon the glaze over each piece, and garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.
Notes
[‘Sear the pork first to lock in juices and create a flavorful crust.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) to avoid overcooking.’, ‘Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by reducing the maple syrup or adding a splash of lemon juice.’, ‘Multitask by seasoning and searing the pork while the glaze is simmering.’, ‘Use fresh cranberries and garlic for the best flavor.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the pork tend
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: cranberry-balsamic pork, pork tenderloin recipe, holiday dinner, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free recipe