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Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Tenderloin (Easy 30-Min Recipe)

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This apple cider braised pork tenderloin is a quick and easy 30-minute recipe that turns a simple pork tenderloin into a tender, flavorful dish with a silky, tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknights or company, it uses simple ingredients and delivers unforgettable results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1 cup unsweetened, unfiltered apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the pork in the pan and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms (total searing time about 8 to 10 minutes).
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and smashed garlic cloves to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the pork for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth. Add the fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Braise uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 140°F (60°C).
  6. Remove the skillet from the oven. Using tongs, transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes.
  7. While the pork rests, place the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Slice the pork against the grain into ½-inch thick medallions. Arrange on a platter and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it builds flavor. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (pull at 140°F). Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy. For a dairy-free version, swap butter for olive oil or plant-based butter. If using apple juice instead of cider, add 1 teaspoon brown sugar for depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider braised pork tenderloin, easy pork tenderloin recipe, 30-minute pork dinner, braised pork tenderloin, apple cider pork

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/tender-apple-cider-braised-pork-tenderloin-easy-30-min-recipe/