Pin It A succulent pork tenderloin roasted to perfection, glazed with a tangy-sweet blend of tart cherries and dates. This elegant, budget-friendly main dish delivers complex flavors with minimal effort.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at family dinners where everyone appreciates a balance of sweet and savory in a simple meal.
Ingredients
- Pork: 1.5 lbs (700 g) pork tenderloin trimmed, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Glaze: ½ cup dried tart cherries, 4 Medjool dates pitted and chopped, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic minced, ¼ cup water
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Make Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine tart cherries, dates, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 7 8 minutes until fruit is soft and mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender. Purée until smooth.
- Sear Pork:
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 2 3 minutes per side.
- Brush Glaze and Roast:
- Brush half the cherry-date glaze over the pork. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 18 22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest:
- Remove pork from oven. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Serve pork slices drizzled with remaining glaze. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pin It This dish always brings my family together, sparking conversations over the rich flavors and cozy moments at the table.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair with roasted potatoes or a green salad and a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or Grenache for a complete meal.
Allergen Information
Contains none of the top 8 allergens. Check labels on prepared mustard and dried fruits for hidden allergens or gluten if highly sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 315, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 32 g.
Pin It This pork tenderloin recipe is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, sure to impress at any dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of pork is best for this dish?
Pork tenderloin works best due to its tenderness and quick cooking time, ensuring juicy results.
- → Can I substitute fresh cherries for dried ones?
Fresh cherries can be used but may require adjusting cooking time to reduce moisture and concentrate flavors.
- → How do I make the cherry-date glaze smooth?
Simmer the dried cherries and dates until soft, then blend the mixture until smooth for a silky glaze.
- → What sides pair well with this pork dish?
Roasted potatoes, steamed greens, or a fresh salad complement the rich glaze and tender pork nicely.
- → Is it necessary to rest the pork after roasting?
Resting for 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender bite.
- → Can this dish be prepared gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally contains no gluten when using gluten-free mustard and checking all labels carefully.