This Sweet Jalapeno Pork Tenderloin comes together in about 30 minutes and bakes up beautifully for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the jalapenos or honey to suit your taste, or toss in some veggies for a “clean out the fridge” meal that helps use up those random ingredients lying around! Trust me, this recipe is about to become your go-to for busy nights!
Ingredient Breakdown
Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a lean and versatile cut of meat that really shines in this recipe. I love it because it cooks quickly and remains tender and juicy. You can use chicken breast if you’re in a bind, but don’t skip the marination step, as it really amps up the flavor!
Jalapenos
For a kick of heat and flavor, we’re using 2-3 jalapenos, finely chopped. I love jalapenos because they offer that perfect balance between spicy and fresh. If you’re not into spice, you can swap them for diced bell peppers or even omit them entirely if you’d rather keep it mild!
Honey
This recipe calls for 1/4 cup of honey, which provides that fabulous sweetness to balance out the heat from the jalapenos. I prefer using raw honey for its rich flavor, but any honey you have on hand will do! You can replace it with agave syrup or maple syrup if you want to go vegan.
Soy Sauce
We need 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for added depth and umami flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that takes this dish from good to WOW! You can use tamari for a gluten-free version or even coconut aminos if you’re avoiding soy.
Olive Oil
A couple of tablespoons of olive oil keep the pork from drying out while it bakes. It also helps to create that lovely caramelization on the outside. You can substitute avocado oil or even melted coconut oil if you want to switch it up.
Garlic Powder
We’re adding 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for that comforting aroma and taste that complements the rest of the flavors perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use fresh minced garlic instead just remember, fresh is always better in my book!
Salt and Pepper
Last but not least, don’t forget a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to taste. This simple seasoning step makes all the difference! Always season your food as you go. It rounds out the flavors spectacularly!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that heat going so you have a nice hot oven to roast the pork in. Trust me, it’s key for that golden-brown exterior we all love!
In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it up until it’s all combined; I like to think of it as a “magic glaze!” Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeno.
Rub the pork tenderloin with the mixture, ensuring it is well coated. If you want, you can let it marinate for a bit to drive home those flavors. I usually whip this up as the oven is preheating, making it super efficient!
Place the tenderloin in a baking dish and pour any remaining glaze over the top. Seriously, don’t skip this step! That sauce is liquid gold!
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The tenderloin should be cooked through, but it will still be super juicy!
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This is crucial! Resting helps keep the juices inside, so don’t skip it, okay?
Serve with your favorite sides. I love to pair it with roasted veggies or a simple salad, just perfect for balancing out the deliciousness of the pork!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and comforting. The combination of sweet and spicy gets me every time, and it’s not just me, my whole family absolutely devours it! I’m a real sucker for meals that come together quickly, especially during those busy weeks when everyone is running from one thing to another. And the best part is you can really use whatever you’ve got on hand! Leftover veggies? Toss ‘em in!
If you loved this Sweet Jalapeno Pork Tenderloin, be sure to check out my Cheesy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf, my Bourbon Chicken Recipe, or my Cuban Mojo Pork! They all share the simplicity and flavor you’ll find in this recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
The secret to this comfort food is the combination of flavors honey, jalapenos, and soy sauce blend beautifully to create something that’s both satisfying and unique. You’ll get tons of flavor without breaking a sweat!
Quick and Easy
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! It comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a reliable choice when time slips away from you. Truly, it’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is super simple to prepare.
Customizable
One of the things I love most about this dish is that it’s incredibly customizable. Don’t have jalapenos? Use whatever peppers you like. Want to add a splash of lime juice or some fresh cilantro? Go for it! Feel free to riff on this!
Minimal Cleanup
You’ll only really need a bowl and a baking dish for this meal, it’s great if you want to avoid a huge pile of dishes afterward! Less cleanup means more time to relax or enjoy the meal.
Meal Prep Friendly
If you’re into meal prepping, this recipe is fantastic for that too! You can double the batch, slice it up, and use it throughout the week in salads, wraps, or even as a topping for rice bowls.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Pork Tenderloin
Pair this Sweet Jalapeno Pork Tenderloin with your favorite sides. It goes wonderfully with roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even some fluffy rice to soak up that sweet glaze! You can also serve it alongside a vibrant vegetable medley for extra color and nutrients.
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they should keep for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled down before sealing it up, nobody likes soggy pork!
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to dive back into those leftovers, reheating in the oven is best if you have the time. Just pop it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it but keep an eye on it, nobody likes rubbery pork!
Freezer Friendly?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly! Slice it first, and place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for about 3 months, just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, if you’re looking for a quick and delightful way to spice up your dinner routine, this Sweet Jalapeno Pork Tenderloin should be at the top of your list! Seriously, it’s easy, fun to make, and loaded with flavor. Plus, who can resist that sweet, spicy combo? It’s one of those meals that just feels good!
Happy cooking, friend! Hope you love it as much as I do! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Sweet Jalapeno Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined.
- Rub the pork tenderloin with the mixture, ensuring it is well coated.
- Place the tenderloin in a baking dish and pour any remaining glaze over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite sides.