Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze

This Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze is such a flavorful yet simple dish that you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. The pork turns out incredibly tender and juicy, perfectly balanced by the delightful sweetness and tanginess of the apricot ginger sauce. It’s an excellent choice for a delicious and easy weeknight meal. You might choose to serve it over a quick savory cabbage, alongside cauliflower rice, or with your favorite grain. Another pork favorite is these Braised Pork Ribs.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You'll adore this pork tenderloin recipe for its flavorful, succulent pork coated in the irresistible blend of sweet apricot and zesty ginger. This main dish pairs well with various sides, making it versatile. It promises a satisfying and memorable dinner that's both effortlessly prepared and absolutely delightful.

Ingredients You Will Need

Pork Loin: is lean with a mild flavor making it a great choice for absorbing flavors and accommodating various cooking styles.

Apricot Jam: unsweetened apricot jam provides a fruit-forward flavor without excessive sweetness. I love St. Dalfour fruit spreads.

Ginger Root: imparts a zesty, warm flavor that elevates the overall taste with a hint of spiciness and a deep aroma.

Garlic: fresh is best for obtaining a little stronger touch of garlic flavor.

Dried Thyme: in the apricot glaze for the pork adds an earthy touch that pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tangy flavors, elevating the dish’s taste.

Salt and Pepper: salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish and ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Coconut Aminos: a gluten free and soy-free alternative to traditional soy sauce.

Lime: juice brings a bright, citrusy zest that balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing tang to the dish.

Instructions

Get your oven ready: preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare the pork loin: pat it dry with paper towels then place the pork in an oven-safe baking dish.

Make the sauce: add the remaining recipe ingredients to a blender, blending until smooth.

Glaze the pork: pour half of the blender sauce over the pork loin. Brush it all over to ensure the pork is fully coated.

Begin to bake it: bake for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and pour the remaining sauce over the pork.

Finish it off: return the pork to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes longer. Ensure the pork reaches 145˚F at its thickest part. The pork will be slightly pink when served.

Broil: turn the oven to the broil setting, broiling it for a few minutes if you want the sauce to brown and crisp a bit. This step is optional!

Let it rest: once the pork loin comes out of the oven, cover it with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Optimal Cooking Temp: Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees at its thickest part. This guarantees both food safety and a perfectly cooked, juicy pork loin.

Resting for Juiciness: After baking, cover the cooked pork loin with foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy pork loin when served.

Recipe Variations

Create a tangy twist: You can experiment by substituting apricot jam with a mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a dash of sriracha. This creates a sweet and slightly spicy glaze. Brush the pork loin with this glaze before baking, allowing the flavors to infuse into the pork.

Try it grilled: Cook the pork loin over medium heat on the grill, turning occasionally for even cooking. It should take about 10-15 minutes. When the thickest part reaches 145°F, it's perfectly done. Start by grilling the pork seasoned with salt and pepper, and only apply the glaze toward the end of cooking to avoid any risk of burning.

Storage Tips

You can store this apricot pork tenderloin in the fridge for 4-5 days. Place it in a sealed airtight glass container. It's also freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze

What is apricot glaze made of?

The glaze in this apricot glazed pork consists of unsweetened apricot jam, minced ginger root, garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, coconut aminos, and lime juice. Blend these ingredients until smooth.

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin covered or uncovered?

When making a glazed pork tenderloin, it's typically better to cook it uncovered. This allows for better browning and caramelization of the outer surface, enhancing flavor and texture.

What cooking method is best for pork tenderloin with apricot glaze?

For pork tenderloin, methods like roasting or baking in the oven at a moderate temperature (around 350°F) are often considered best. This ensures even cooking and allows the pork to reach the desired internal temperature while preserving its tenderness and juiciness.