Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This balsamic glazed pork tenderloin recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that delivers maximum flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and best recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for many reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Delicious: Lean protein packed with flavor, using simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks elegant, perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion.
- Adaptable: Easily customize it to your liking with various herbs and spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 (1.5-2 lb) pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the tenderloin.
Sear the Pork (Optional): For a richer flavor, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds a nice crust.
Glaze and Bake: In the same skillet (or a baking dish if you skipped searing), whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary. Place the pork tenderloin in the skillet and pour the balsamic glaze over it, ensuring it's coated evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet (or baking dish) to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork. Slice and serve the tenderloin, drizzling the remaining balsamic glaze over the top.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If searing, ensure the pan isn't overcrowded to allow for even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your pork tenderloin. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Let it rest: Resting the pork is essential for a juicy and tender result.
Variations:
- Add some heat: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Herbaceous delight: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano.
- Fruity twist: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a sweeter and more complex flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This balsamic glazed pork tenderloin is a truly delightful dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal! It's sure to become a new family favorite. Try it out and let us know what you think!