Looking for an easy pork recipe that doesn't take forever to make while still being flavorful and juicy? Check out this full-of-fall-flavor Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Apple Butter Glaze Recipe!
This is a sponsored recipe written entirely by Smart Savvy Living on behalf of Smithfield Foods.
I'm so happy that it's starting to actually feel like fall outside. It's honestly kind of weird to enjoy some of my favorite fall flavors while it's still warm enough to wear shorts and flip flops outside.
Warm spices and pumpkin are some of the flavors at the top of my list this time of year, but right now I'm really loving all things apple.
I'm honestly not a huge fan of having a lot of fruit flavor added into meat dishes, but I have always really enjoyed having apples with pork, such as applesauce or apples in the stuffing.
So, when Smithfield asked if I would try their All Natural Pork, I couldn't resist buying some of their beautiful pork tenderloins that I saw when I was at Walmart to pair with some apple flavor.
I wanted a really simple recipe for the weeknights, but that had a nice flavor without being overly fruity or sweet. As such, I decided on this Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Apple Butter Glaze Recipe.
Apple butter is similar to applesauce in texture, but apple butter has a bit richer and deeper flavor. Apple butter is usually cooked down a lot longer than applesauce and has more spices added, thus the richer flavor and darker color.
Pairing the apple butter with balsamic vinegar helps to cut the sweetness and I love balsamic vinegar so much I often look for new dishes I can add it to.
We really like eating pork because it is usually pretty affordable yet has good flavor without usually needing to add a ton of ingredients to it.
Smithfield has always been our favorite brand for pork and I always feel a bit of a sense of pride buying the Smithfield brand since the founding city of Smithfield is actually right here in Hampton Roads.
The tenderloin is cut of meat that cooks rather quickly, making it perfect for those nights you need to get dinner on the table fast.
I know some may think this pork looks undercooked. If you've stayed away from pork tenderloin in the past because it always got overcooked, newer USDA guidelines have reduced the recommended cooking temperature to 145°F (previously 160), which results in a slightly pink and juicy medium-rare.
I especially like this recipe because it takes so few ingredients and takes just a couple of minutes to prep.
Plus, it also looks kind of fancy sliced pretty on a platter that I'd serve to guests at a special dinner party in a heartbeat. Here's how I put it together.
Side Dishes to Serve With Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Apple Butter Glaze
Juicy pork tenderloin is brought to the next level with the fall flavors of an apple butter and balsamic vinegar glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 Package Smithfield All Natural Pork Tenderloin, ~ 4 pounds total
- ½ cup apple butter
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Line a 9 x 13 or half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or foil, or spray with non-stick spray.
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together ½ cup apple butter and ¼ cup balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
- Open the package of pork, rinse tenderloins if desired, and pat dry.
- Season all sides of pork with salt and pepper to taste.
- Brush or spoon balsamic apple butter glaze over all sides of the pork, trying to glaze them as evenly as possible. Keep about 4 tablespoons set aside to baste with later.
- Keep the fattier side of the pork up so it can self-baste while cooking. Place pork in the oven and roast for 25 - 35 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloins, or until they have an internal temperature of at least 145°F. About halfway through cooking, baste the pork with the remaining glaze.
- Remove pork from oven, loosely cover in foil, and let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to settle. Cut into even slices, spooning pan juices over the top if desired, and serve.
Notes
Remember that when roasting meat, it will continue to cook a couple of minutes after being removed from the oven.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 779Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 1076mgCarbohydrates: 178gFiber: 21gSugar: 45gProtein: 22g
Nutrition information may not be accurate. Optional garnishes and toppings aren't included. Nutrition information is calculated automatically by and provided by Nutritionix. Exact nutrition information depends on the specific ingredients, brands, and amounts you use.
Gigi
Monday 8th of January 2018
Oh my gosh! I made this tonight and it was delish! I have never been able to cook pork tenderloin and not have it turn out dry....not tonight! It was perfect. I'm just down 64 in Richmond- I used apple butter from Graves Mountain Lodge- soooo good! thank you for sharing this great recipe!
Smart Savvy Living
Thursday 11th of January 2018
Hey Gigi,
Thanks for trying my recipe and letting me know how it turned out. Glad you enjoyed it. So cool you were able to use local apple butter!