This Apple Pork Tenderloin is one of those recipes that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy a meal together. Juicy, tender pork gets brushed with a glossy apple butter glaze that's equal parts savory, tangy and just a little sweet. The apple butter gives it the best subtle spiced flavor, making every bite feel warm and comforting.
Just like my Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin recipe, this one fits right into those busy family nights when you want something that feels special but doesn't take all night. You can sear it ahead, pop it in the oven before everyone gets home from practice and have dinner on the table in under an hour.
I love serving this with roasted potatoes or a simple green salad. A complete meal that makes it feel a little more like a Sunday dinner, even if it's a Tuesday night.
If you're looking for more easy dinners, try my Parmesan Panko Baked Cod or Turkey Basil Pesto Panini which are both quick, family favorites.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple but special. This recipe looks and tastes like something you'd order out, but it comes together with pantry staples and in one skillet. It is perfect for weeknights that still deserve a good meal.
- Perfect fall flavor. The apple butter adds just the right touch of sweetness and a subtle spiced flavor that makes the pork feel cozy and seasonal without being overpowering.
- Family-friendly dinner. Tender, juicy pork with a slightly sweet glaze wins over both kids and adults. Plus, it pairs easily with sides you already have. Pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes, green beans or a simple salad.
- Meal prep-friendly. You can make the sauce ahead, sear the pork earlier in the day or slice and reheat leftovers for quick lunches or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Here are notes about some of the ingredients needed for this recipe:
- Pork tenderloin: Be sure to use tenderloin, not pork loin, since they cook differently. Tenderloins are usually sold in packs of two and weigh around 1¼ to 1½ pounds each.
- Apple butter: Store-bought works perfectly, but if you have homemade, even better. If you're out, try using unsweetened applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves. It won't be quite the same, but it still adds a nice apple flavor.
- Whole grain mustard: Adds a little texture and tang to the glaze. If you prefer something smoother or don't have it on hand, Dijon mustard is an easy swap.
- Honey: Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a slightly richer flavor.
- Red wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works as a great substitute with a softer, fruitier tang.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme brings that classic fall flavor, but dried works just as well. Rosemary or sage are great alternatives.
Scroll to the recipe card below for all ingredient amounts and details.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy apple glaze: For a hint of heat, stir in ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Sandwich-style leftovers: Slice the leftover pork thin and layer it on toasted ciabatta rolls with extra glaze and a handful of arugula or slaw.
This easy pork tenderloin recipe has not been tested with these variations. If you give any of these a try, please let me know how it worked out in the comments below!
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or large skillet: A large cast iron skillet works best so you can sear the pork on the stovetop and transfer it straight to the oven.
- Instant-read thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer for the easiest way to make sure your pork is cooked perfectly. Look for 140°F in the thickest part before resting.
- Small saucepan: A small saucepan is perfect for simmering the apple butter glaze. Choose one with a heavy bottom so it doesn't scorch.
- Basting brush: Use a basting brush for brushing on that glossy apple butter glaze before and during roasting.
Step by Step Instructions for the Onions
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 475°F. Pat the pork tenderloin dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
STEP 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, mustard, honey, apple butter, red wine vinegar, and thyme. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reserve about ¼ cup of the glaze in a small bowl for brushing during roasting and keep the rest warm for serving.
STEP 3: Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Place the pork in the skillet and sear for 2 minutes per side on the first two sides, then 1 minute per side on the remaining two sides.
STEP 4: Remove the skillet from heat and brush the pork with half of the reserved glaze. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 10 minutes. Flip the pork, brush with the remaining reserved glaze, and roast for another 8-10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part reads 140°F.
STEP 5: Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
STEP 6: Slice the pork and drizzle with the warm apple butter sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.
Expert Tips
- A few simple ways to make this simple meal turn out just right:
- Don't skip the sear. Searing gives the pork that beautiful golden crust and locks in the juices before roasting. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat.
- Use a thermometer. The best way to avoid dry pork is to cook it to exactly 140°F, then let it rest. The temperature will rise a few degrees as it sits, leaving it perfectly tender and juicy.
- Reserve some glaze for brushing. Set aside a small portion before brushing it on the raw pork so you have plenty of clean glaze to serve at the end.
- Let it rest before slicing. This gives the juices time to redistribute through the meat so every bite stays moist and flavorful.
Game Plan 📋
This delicious meal is easy to prep ahead and just as good the next day, making it a great option for those evenings when everyone's coming and going from practice or late games.
- Make Ahead: You can mix the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just reheat it on the stove until warm and glossy. You can also sear the pork earlier in the day, then glaze and roast it right before dinner.
- Pack It Up: Leftover pork is delicious sliced thin and packed for sandwiches or wraps. Try it on a roll with a little extra glaze or alongside roasted veggies or a simple salad for an easy on-the-go meal.
- Reheat & Reuse: Warm slices gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra glaze to keep them moist. Or enjoy it cold - it's great tossed into grain bowls or wraps.
FAQ
You can, but it will need a longer cooking time since pork loin is thicker and larger. Roast until it reaches 140°F, checking with an instant-read thermometer. The flavor will be similar, but the texture will be a little less tender.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F, but removing it from the oven at 140°F and letting it rest for 10 minutes keeps it juicy and perfectly tender.
You can make a quick substitute by mixing unsweetened applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The flavor won't be quite as rich, but it still gives that warm, spiced sweetness.
Yes! You can freeze these before or after glazing. To freeze unbaked dough balls, roll them in sugar and freeze on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then move to a zip-top bag. For baked and glazed cookies, let the glaze harden completely, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover pork and glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze sliced pork with some of the glaze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or glaze, or microwave at 50% power until heated through.
More Recipes To Try
Looking for other recipes to make? Try these:
Made this for dinner after a busy night? I'd love to know how it fit into your week! ❤️
Leave a review below or tag @heysnickerdoodle on Instagram - I love seeing how these easy dinners make it to your table.
Recipe
Apple Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 3 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce/glaze:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon shallot finely minced
- 3 tablespoon apple butter
- 2 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F. Pat the pork tenderloin dry and season on all sides with salt and pepper.3 lb pork tenderloin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoon butter.2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Add garlic and shallot, sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoon shallot
- Stir in tomato paste, mustard, honey, apple butter, red wine vinegar, and thyme.1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 tablespoon whole grain mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 3 tablespoon apple butter, 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust: add a splash more vinegar for brightness or apple butter for sweetness.½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- Reserve about ¼ cup in a small bowl for brushing during roasting. Keep the rest warm for serving.
- Sear the pork: Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Place pork in skillet and sear: 2 minutes per side for the first two sides, then 1 minute each for the remaining two sides (total 6 minutes).1 tablespoon olive oil
- Remove skillet from heat. Brush pork with half of the reserved apple butter glaze.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 10 minutes.
- Flip pork, brush with remaining reserved glaze, and roast another 8-10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part registers 140°F.
- Remove from oven and let pork rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.
- Slice pork tenderloin and drizzle with the warm apple butter sauce. Garnish with thyme sprigs if desired.Fresh thyme sprigs
Nutrition Information
Please note that these nutrition facts are approximations and may not be entirely precise.
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