Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (2024)

  • Pork Tenderloin
  • Quick Dinners
  • Apple
  • Pork Roasts

This easy pork tenderloin recipe comes together in 35 minutes. Brown tenderloins in a skillet, then make a quick pan sauce with apples, wine, and stock. Great for company or weeknight dinners!

By

Elise Bauer

Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated April 07, 2022

Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (2)

13 ratings

Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (3)

New to Cooking? Here Are 12 Ridiculously Easy RecipesFEATURED IN:

Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite things to cook, especially for a midweek meal. It's no fuss, partners well with fruit (especially apples), onions, or mustard, loves spice rubs, and even the fanciest preparations cook up quickly.

All You Need to Know About Cooking Pork Tenderloin

In fact, the only thing you really have to worry about with pork tenderloin is overcooking it. Because it's so lean, it can go from tender to dry if you aren't paying attention.

Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (4)

A Pork Tenderloin Recipe Made Even Better

This recipe was one of the first recipes I posted on the site so many years ago. We've since changed it up a bit, including making a pan gravy from the juices and stock to pour over the sliced tenderloin and apples. Enjoy!

The Best Apples for BakingREAD MORE:

Tips for Buying Pork Tenderloin

A pork tenderloin is usually about 1 pound and is a lean cut of meat. Follow these tips when purchasing the pork tenderloins for this recipe.

  • Don't confuse it with pork loin, which is larger and runs about 2 or 3 pounds per loin.
  • Look for a little marbling on the tenderloin so you'll get the flavor from the fat.
  • The meat should be pinkish red.

What to Serve With Pork Tenderloin

  • Brussels Sprouts Gratin
  • Fig Galette
  • Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Green Beans With Almonds and Thyme
  • Potato Dinner Rolls

More Delicious Pork Tenderloin Recipes to Try!

  • Panko Crusted Pork Tenderloin With Dijon Cream Sauce
  • Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Orange Marmalade Glaze
  • Pork Tenderloin With Figs and Onions
  • Pork Medallions With Mustard-Caper Sauce
  • Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork Kebabs

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Pork Tenderloin With Apples

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time40 mins

Servings4to 6 servings

Use a good cooking apple such as a Jonagold, Fuji, or Pink Lady (not Red Delicious). You can easily cut this recipe in half for a quick meal for two people.

Ingredients

  • 2 pork tenderloins

  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and cut into slivers

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 cup (235ml) chicken or beef broth

  • 1 cup (235ml) dry white wine (can sub with apple brandy or apple cider)

  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

Method

  1. Preheat the oven:

    Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

  2. Prepare the tenderloins and insert the garlic:

    With the tip of a sharp knife, make deep little slits all over the tenderloins and insert the garlic slivers.

    Season with salt, pepper, and cumin.

  3. Sear the tenderloins:

    Heat the oil in a skillet on medium high heat and sear the tenderloins well on all sides (about 10 minutes).

    Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (5)

    Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (6)

  4. Add the tenderloins to a roasting pan and pour in broth and wine:

    Remove the tenderloins from the skillet (do not discard the juices in the skillet) and place the tenderloins in a roasting pan.

    Add the broth and white wine to the roasting pan.

    Cook in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or longer, until their internal temperature reaches 140°F.

    Safe Pork Temperature: What's the Temperature of Cooked Pork?READ MORE:
  5. Cook the apples:

    After you've placed the tenderloins in the oven, cook the apple slices in the same skillet (with the remaining oil and juices) that you used to brown the tenderloin.

    Saute until soft. Remove the apples from the pan, set them aside, saving the juices once again in the pan.

    Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (7)

  6. Rest the tenderloins:

    After the tenderloins have reached 140°F internal temperature, remove them from the oven. Transfer the tenderloins from the pan to a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. The internal temperature of the tenderloins will continue to rise while they rest.

  7. Make the gravy:

    While the pork is resting, pour the roasting pan juices into the skillet and boil everything on high heat for 5 minutes, or until you get a gravy the consistency of melted ice cream.

    Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (8)

  8. Slice and serve:

    Slice the tenderloins into 1/4-inch-thick slices, add the sliced apples to the meat in the serving dish, drizzle some gravy over and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
333Calories
11g Fat
10g Carbs
40g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4to 6
Amount per serving
Calories333
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g14%
Saturated Fat 3g14%
Cholesterol 111mg37%
Sodium 441mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 2g6%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 40g
Vitamin C 3mg16%
Calcium 27mg2%
Iron 2mg14%
Potassium 752mg16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out? ›

Brine the pork to maintain moisture by soaking it in a mixture of salt and water, baking soda, vinegar or even milk. You can also pour hot water over the loin to shrink the rind, which can enable better absorption of brine, milk, oil or marinade.

What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow? ›

The size and structure of a tenderloin make it perfect for cooking quickly on high heat. You want to be able to brown the outside while still keeping it a little pink on the inside.

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin covered or uncovered? ›

Cooking Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

Rub the exterior with olive oil and then add your preferred seasonings, whether that's simple salt and pepper or a blend of orange zest and rosemary. Once your tenderloin is seasoned, place it on a baking dish and pop it into your preheated oven, uncovered.

What is the best way to cook pork so it is tender? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

How do you keep pork moist when baking? ›

Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop. Even a quick 30-minute brine (or up to four hours) makes a big difference.

How do Chinese make pork so tender? ›

How do you tenderise pork for stir fry? Velveting is a Chinese technique that helps keep meat tender during stir frying. Adding cornstarch and bicarb to your meat during the marinating process helps to coat your meat, giving it a velvety feel that makes the meat feel extra soft.

Does pork loin get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

At 400 degrees F, a 1-pound pork tenderloin will cook in 8 to 10 minutes after being seared on the stove. Unlike tough, fatty cuts of meat (like the shoulder used for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), leaner cuts like pork tenderloin do not become more tender the longer they cook. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Is it better to sear pork tenderloin before baking? ›

Sear + Roast

This cooking method is a surefire way to make moist and juicy pork tenderloin without much fuss. Searing the meat first gives it that golden-brown crust before a quick roast in the oven finishes it off. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing meal for any night of the week.

Should you salt pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

Once you know how to cook pork tenderloin using the sear-and-roast method, your pork will come out tender every time. Seasoning the pork simply with just salt and pepper works, but this lean cut of meat takes well to a spice rub or marinade.

What is the best temperature to cook pork tenderloin? ›

Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F, then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at the high temperature of 425 degrees F helps it cook quickly and prevents it from drying out.

Should I cut pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

But instead of cooking the whole tenderloin, cut it into smaller pieces. Slicing the tenderloin into pieces means they'll cook quicker, a lot quicker than the 40 minutes or so it takes for a whole piece. When slicing the tenderloin, start at the tapered (smaller) end and slice on a slight diagonal for even pieces.

Should I wrap my pork tenderloin in foil? ›

Cooking pork loin in the oven with foil is a foolproof method that ensures tender and flavorful results every time.

What temperature should you cook pork tenderloin? ›

Pre-heat oven to 325F (165C). Bake pork tenderloin in the oven UNCOVERED for approximately 20-25 MINUTES *PER POUND* (44-55 MINUTES PER KILOGRAM) Or until internal temperature reaches 155F (68C), rested to a final 160F (71C).

How to make pork soft and tender? ›

You can slow cook it in a slow cooker or oven at a low temperature for several hours until it's fully cooked and tender. This will help break down the tough connective tissues and collagen in the meat, resulting in a succulent and tender pork belly. Braising: Braising is another method that works well for pork belly.

References

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