Oh, the allure of honey and garlic—two flavors colliding in a symphony of sweet and savory—never fails to captivate my taste buds. This roasted pork tenderloin, drizzled in that golden nectar, is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, reminding me of cozy dinners by the fire. Imagine slicing into that juicy, tender meat, and suddenly, everything else fades away—except maybe that time I accidentally served it with burnt carrots (oops, but live and learn, right?).
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Place the pork tenderloins in the dish, brush them with oil, and sprinkle seasoning salt over the entire surface.
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Pour the prepared sauce around the pork tenderloins in the baking dish, avoiding pouring it directly on top to ensure proper browning.
- Bake the pork uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads at least 140°F. Remove from the oven and allow the meat to rest under cover for 10 minutes.
- After resting, slice the pork tenderloin and serve it with the sauce drizzled over the top for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (trimmed, approximately 1-1¼ lbs each, totaling about 2-2½ lbs)
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ? cup honey
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth (or substitute with water)
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but recommended for extra heat)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1150cal | Carbohydrates: 130g | Protein: 133g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 370mg | Sodium: 2875mg | Potassium: 2560mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 115g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 5mg
FAQ
- What is the recommended cooking temperature for pork tenderloin?
- To achieve the best results, bake pork tenderloin at 400ºF. This temperature allows the meat to brown nicely on top while ensuring the inside remains juicy and tender.
- How long should I bake pork tenderloin in the oven?
- Typically, pork tenderloin will be fully cooked in 15-20 minutes, depending on its thickness. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to confirm it’s reached the safe internal temperature of 140ºF.
- Can I substitute pork loin for pork tenderloin in this recipe?
- Using pork loin is not recommended for this recipe since it is larger and requires a longer cooking time. Attempting this could result in the sauce burning before the meat is properly cooked.
- What is the best way to store leftover pork tenderloin?
- Store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 4-6 months. When reheating, thaw first if frozen, and then warm in the oven or microwave.
- Is it possible to make this recipe using a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish in a slow cooker. Simply place the pork tenderloins and sauce in the cooker, and cook on low for about 3 hours or until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Tips
- Pour Sauce Around, Not On: When adding the sauce to the pork tenderloin, make sure to pour it around the meat rather than directly on top. This helps the pork to brown properly in the oven.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145ºF. This helps prevent overcooking, which can make the pork dry.
- Allow the Pork to Rest: After removing the pork from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
- Adjust Sauce Timing for Larger Tenderloins: If your pork tenderloins are larger than 1.25 pounds each, consider adding the sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning while ensuring the meat cooks through.
Equipment
- Meat Thermometer – To accurately measure the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin to ensure it is cooked properly.
- 9×13″ Baking Dish – A specific size is mentioned which you might need to purchase if you don’t already have one that fits these dimensions.