Glazed Pork Tenderloin
A flavorful glazed pork tenderloin with spicy jalapeo-cilantro sauce, perfect for entertaining or a tasty weeknight dinner with bold, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 pork tenderloin (1 lb.) ⓘ
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/2 c. pineapple preserves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish
- 3 large fresh jalapeños, seeded and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. plus 3 Tbsp. coarsely chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 3 large garlic cloves, smashed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- kosher salt ⓘ
- olive oil (for brushing) ⓘ
- 4 oz. Pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 c.) ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 4 hamburger buns ⓘ
- olive oil (for brushing) ⓘ
- about 1/4 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the fresh jalapeños, 1/2 cup of cilantro, garlic, lime juice, water, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and a generous pinch of salt. Puree until smooth.
- Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear the pork tenderloin until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the pork to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Brush the pork with pineapple preserves and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- While the pork is roasting, prepare the jalapeo-cilantro sauce by combining the pureed mixture with prepared horseradish and chopped jalapeños as desired.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve sliced pork with the jalapeo-cilantro sauce spooned over the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you can't find pineapple preserves, apricot or peach preserves work well as substitutes. Make sure to let the pork rest before slicing; this helps retain the juices and ensures a tender bite. Pair this dish with Summer Potatoes for a refreshing side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sliced pork on toasted hamburger buns for a delicious sandwich option. The jalapeño-cilantro sauce adds a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the savory pork. Consider pairing this dish with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Texas Pork Chops for a hearty gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover glazed pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 30-45 seconds, covered, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Pork Tenderloin contains roughly 914 calories, with 13g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (128% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use another type of meat instead of pork tenderloin?
Yes, you can substitute pork loin or chicken breasts for the pork tenderloin. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while pork should still be cooked to 145°F (63°C). The glaze will work well with these proteins too.
What can I serve with glazed pork tenderloin?
This glazed pork tenderloin is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even rice. For an extra kick, serve alongside a spicy coleslaw. It also goes well with classic American recipes like baked beans or cornbread.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
To increase the heat of the jalapeño-cilantro sauce, add more jalapeños or include a dash of hot sauce. You can also blend in a small amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
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).