Pork Tenderloin With Orange Sauce
Tender pork tenderloin glazed with a bright orange sauce, featuring sweet, tangy, and savory flavors—perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork tenderloin in butter in a skillet.
- Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion until tender.
- Add orange juice, grated orange peel, dry sherry, sugar, salt, dash of pepper, and bay leaf to the skillet.
- Return the pork tenderloin to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until the pork is tender, turning the meat occasionally.
- Remove the pork to a platter and slice.
- Thicken the orange sauce in the skillet with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
- Drizzle the sauce over the sliced pork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork tenderloin in orange juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have dry sherry, a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute. To save time, you can use pre-minced garlic and onion. For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork tenderloin sliced with the orange sauce drizzled on top. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside rice or mashed potatoes. This dish also complements a glass of chilled white wine or a light beer for a refreshing pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the pork from drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts, covered, to retain moisture. The sauce can be stored separately and reheated as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Tenderloin With Orange Sauce contains roughly 287 calories, with 9g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
While pork tenderloin is recommended for its tenderness, you can use chicken breast or turkey if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry may cook faster than pork. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I do if my orange sauce is too tart?
If the orange sauce turns out too tart, you can balance the flavors by adding a little more sugar or honey to taste. Alternatively, a splash of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor and reduce acidity.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the orange sauce and cook the pork tenderloin a day in advance. Store both separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the pork gently and warm the sauce on the stove, ensuring the flavors meld together nicely.
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).