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Tender Apple Cider Braised Pork Tenderloin

apple cider braised pork tenderloin - featured image
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A cozy fall dinner recipe featuring pork tenderloin braised in apple cider and served with roasted apples for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh or organic)
  • 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Sear the pork on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  5. Remove the pork and set aside on a plate.
  6. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter.
  7. Sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant.
  8. Add the apple cider and chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  9. Stir in the apple cider vinegar (if using), fresh thyme, and brown sugar. Let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  10. Return the pork tenderloin to the pan and nestle the quartered apples around it.
  11. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and braise for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Check the apples occasionally; they should become tender and lightly caramelized.
  12. Remove from oven and let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  13. Serve the sliced pork tenderloin topped with the roasted apples and pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

Use fresh or organic apple cider for best flavor. If pan juices are thin, simmer on stove for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Rest pork for 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 145°F (63°C). For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternative. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, apple cider, braised pork, roasted apples, fall dinner, easy pork recipe, cozy meal

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