Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin often gets overlooked in favor of chicken or beef, but this cut deserves a spot at your dinner table. It’s naturally lean, cooks quickly, and has a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with bold glazes.

This maple glaze transforms ordinary pork into something special enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory combination creates a glossy coating that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.

The best part? This entire dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This maple glazed pork tenderloin delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

The glaze creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the meat incredibly juicy inside.

Pork tenderloin cooks faster than most other cuts, making it perfect for last-minute dinner plans. The maple glaze adds sweetness without being overwhelming, and the hint of Dijon mustard provides just enough tang to balance the flavors.

It’s naturally gluten-free and pairs well with everything from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes.

Plus, leftovers make incredible sandwiches the next day!

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Maple Glaze:

• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a roasting pan.

Step 2: Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the surface.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the pork with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 4: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloins on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 5: While the pork sears, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Brush half of the glaze over the seared pork tenderloins. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.

Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or move pork to your prepared baking sheet). Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 8: Remove from oven and brush with remaining glaze. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Slice into ½-inch thick medallions and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Results

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—pork tenderloin goes from perfect to dry very quickly. The internal temperature should reach exactly 145°F for juicy, slightly pink meat.

Let the meat rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. This step is crucial for maintaining moisture.

If your glaze starts to burn during cooking, tent the pork loosely with foil for the remaining cook time.

Serving Suggestions

This maple glazed pork pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash, or wild rice pilaf. For a lighter option, serve over mixed greens with the pan juices as dressing.

Try serving alongside roasted fall vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash for a complete seasonal meal.

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