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Cozy Apple Cider Braised Pork Tenderloin: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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This cozy apple cider braised pork tenderloin is a one-pan wonder that combines tender pork with a sweet and savory apple cider sauce. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s an easy, comforting meal that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin (trimmed of silver skin)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the pork tenderloin sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Remove to a plate.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add sliced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Scrape up any browned bits.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any remaining browned bits.
  7. Return the pork to the pot, nestling it into the liquid. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the pork. Cover with lid.
  8. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Braise for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  9. Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Transfer pork to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.
  10. While pork rests, make the sauce: Place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Remove cinnamon stick. Stir in butter and let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
  11. Slice the pork into 1-inch thick medallions. Arrange on a platter and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and sautéed apple slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and let simmer for 1-2 minutes. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a large skillet and transfer to a baking dish covered with foil for the oven. Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider braised pork, pork tenderloin, one-pan dinner, fall recipe, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-apple-cider-braised-pork-tenderloin-easy-one-pan-dinner/