Description
This Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin recipe offers a tender, juicy, and flavorful meal combining the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the tangy sharpness of Dijon mustard. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and features a beautifully caramelized glaze on a lean, nutritious cut of pork.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for searing)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish and marinade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. This flavorful marinade will coat the pork and infuse it with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Marinate the Pork: Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the meat is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you sear the pork to achieve a golden crust.
- Sear the Pork Tenderloin: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade. Sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Roast in the Oven: Brush the reserved marinade over the pork and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Slice: Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature without drying out.
- Don’t skip searing, as it locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
- Marinate longer, up to overnight, for deeper flavor.
- Let the meat rest after cooking for maximum juiciness.
- Use fresh garlic and quality Dijon mustard for the best flavor impact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pork tenderloin
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: maple dijon pork tenderloin, pork tenderloin recipe, maple pork glaze, easy pork dinner, gluten free pork tenderloin
