Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Juicy, pan-seared pork tenderloin served with a savory-sweet sauce of tender apples and onions. A perfect one-pan meal for a cozy weeknight dinner, ready in under 45 minutes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Pork and Preheat Oven
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps create a better sear.
- d.Season the pork generously on all sides with 1 tsp of salt and 0.5 tsp of black pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Pork Tenderloin
- b.Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully place the seasoned tenderloin in the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms all around.
- d.Remove the seared pork from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Apples
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet.
- c.Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Add the sliced apples and chopped fresh thyme. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, until the apples begin to soften.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Pan Sauce
- b.Pour the apple cider into the skillet to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Allow the cider to simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- d.Stir in the chicken broth and Dijon mustard. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Roast to Perfection
- b.Return the seared pork tenderloin to the skillet, nestling it amongst the apples and onions.
- c.Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.
- d.Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F (63°C).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest, Slice, and Serve
- b.Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Do not skip this step; it is crucial for juicy pork.
- c.While the pork rests, you can return the skillet to the stovetop and simmer the sauce over low heat to thicken it slightly if desired.
- d.Slice the rested tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions. Arrange on a platter and spoon the warm apple and onion sauce over the top to serve.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, be sure to trim the 'silver skin' (a thin, silvery membrane) from the pork tenderloin before seasoning.
- 2Use a meat thermometer for perfect results. Pork tenderloin is lean and can dry out if overcooked. 145°F is the ideal temperature for juicy, tender pork.
- 3Don't skip the resting step! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
- 4Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart.
- 5The browned bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan after searing are packed with flavor. Make sure to scrape them all up when you deglaze with the cider.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Swap
Replace thyme with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped sage or 1.5 teaspoons of fresh chopped rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
Creamy SauceCreamy Sauce
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or crème fraîche into the pan sauce at the very end, just before serving.
Add SpiceAdd Spice
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the apples to enhance the warm, autumnal flavors of the dish.
Fruit AlternativeFruit Alternative
Firm pears, like Bosc or Anjou, can be used as a delicious substitute for apples.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat, providing high-quality protein essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork is a great source of B vitamins, particularly thiamin (B1), niacin (B3), and B6, which are crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
Provides Dietary Fiber
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Contains Beneficial Antioxidants
Garlic, onions, and thyme contain powerful antioxidants like allicin and flavonoids, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this dish contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the exact size of the tenderloin and apples used. It provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.