Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin offers a perfect blend of savory pork and sweet, tart apple filling, accented with crunchy pecans and a touch of apricot preserves. This elegant dish suits gatherings or a special weeknight dinner, showcasing a delightful combination of flavors and textures that impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut each pork tenderloin lengthwise about 2/3 of the way through.
- Flatten each tenderloin with a meat mallet to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Combine the diced apples, shredded carrot, chopped onion, chopped pecans, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Place equal amounts of the apple mixture inside each tenderloin and spread out.
- Roll up the tenderloins and secure with toothpicks.
- Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes.
- Spread apricot preserves on top of each tenderloin.
- Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the pork is fully cooked.
- Slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork tenderloin in apple cider vinegar or a mix of herbs like rosemary and thyme before stuffing. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes. Feel free to adjust the apple variety for sweetness, using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast. Make sure to secure the rolls tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions for a beautiful presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Consider serving with a side of mashed potatoes or a creamy potato and broccoli casserole for a hearty meal. A light apple chutney can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover apple stuffed pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, covering the slices with a damp paper towel to retain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin contains roughly 911 calories, with 12g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (96% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffed pork tenderloin in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pork tenderloin up to the point of baking. Assemble and roll the tenderloins, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully before cooking.
What can I use instead of apricot preserves?
If apricot preserves aren't available, you can substitute with other fruit preserves like peach or fig. These alternatives will still add a nice sweetness and glaze to the pork. Alternatively, a homemade glaze using honey and mustard can also enhance the flavor.
How can I tell when the pork is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure the pork is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the tenderloin, and it should read 145°F for perfectly cooked pork. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).