This delicious Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked all in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients Breakdown
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 to 1.5 lbs Pork tenderloin Juicy and tender cut, perfect for quick cooking.
Seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper A couple pinches of each for seasoning.
Cooking Oil
- 1-2 teaspoons Olive oil or any neutral cooking oil Key for achieving a perfect sear.
Sweetness Factor
- ½ cup Pure maple syrup Adds a lovely sweetness that balances savory flavors.
Flavor Kick
- 2-3 tablespoons Dijon or whole-grain mustard Choose your favorite for the sauce.
Optional Tang
- 1-2 teaspoons Apple cider vinegar Adds extra tanginess.
Aromatic Boost
- 1 clove Garlic, minced Optional but adds depth of flavor.
Touch of Freshness
- to taste Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) Sprinkle for aroma and earthiness.
Basting Goodness
- as needed Extra mustard or maple syrup For basting and drizzling.
Making This Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to whip up this amazing dish! Get ready, it’s going to smell incredible!
Step 1: Prep the Pork
- Start by patting your pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps the sear. Then, generously sprinkle with a couple pinches of salt and pepper all over.
Step 2: Sear the Tenderloin
- Heat a large skillet (I prefer cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and swirl it around. When the oil’s shimmering, carefully place the pork tenderloin into the pan and sear on each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s beautifully browned. You’re building flavor here!
Step 3: Add the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Once the pork is seared, pour this mixture over the tenderloin in the skillet. It’s that easy, layer in that goodness!
Step 4: Flavor It Up
- If you’re using garlic and fresh herbs, sprinkle them around the tenderloin. Give everything a good stir, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom of the skillet. Yum!
Step 5: Cook Until Done
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the pork cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Always use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness!
Step 6: Baste & Rest
- If you want, baste your tenderloin once or twice with the sauce for even more flavor. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the pork to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, this is crucial for juicy pork!
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Slice your pork tenderloin against the grain into medallions and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet before serving. Wow, look at that glaze!
If you loved this Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin, be sure to check out my Garlic Pork Bites, my Simple Lemon Herb Chicken, or check my collection of Best 10 Delicious Pork Recipes!
Why This Recipe Works
Crow-Pleaser
This Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Trust me, the combination of sweet maple and tangy mustard is just magic, my kids gobble it up without complaint! The whole family will love it.
Quick & Easy
Guess what? It comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but incredibly satisfying.
One-Pan Wonder
Minimal cleanup is so appealing! You only need one skillet; so toss it in the sink and you’re done! Love that.
Customizable
Got a different marinade or sauce you want to use? Go for it! This recipe is so flexible; you can use whatever ingredients you have! Honestly, I like to experiment with different mustards every time I make it!
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavors that feel like a warm hug. This is the ultimate comfort food you’ve been dreaming of for those chilly evenings!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Delight
I like to serve Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin with:
- Roast veggies (brussels sprouts, carrots, or whatever is in season)
- Farro or quinoa for a hearty side
- A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Leftover tenderloin can keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but keep the power low if you don’t want it to dry out.
Freezer-Friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked pork for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped or stored in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
So there you have it! This Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin is ready for your weeknight dinner lineup. I promise you’ll feel like a culinary star, and your family will be raving about it for days. It’s comfort food with a twist, and the best part? It’s on the table in just 30 minutes.
Happy cooking! And follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to help achieve a good sear.
- Generously sprinkle salt and pepper all over the pork.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork tenderloin into the pan and sear on each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour this mixture over the seared pork in the skillet.
- If using, sprinkle minced garlic and fresh herbs around the tenderloin, stirring to scrape the tasty bits off the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 12-15 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Baste the tenderloin with sauce if desired, then transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice the pork against the grain into medallions and drizzle with remaining sauce from the skillet before serving.