Cranberry Pork Tenderloin
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
338 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cranberry Pork Tenderloin
Description
This recipe begins by seasoning a pork tenderloin with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then searing it in hot oil to develop a browned crust. A sauce made from cranberry sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and optional orange zest is prepared and poured over the pork before roasting. A sprig of rosemary is placed on top to infuse the meat with herbal notes.
The pork is baked in the oven at 375°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, ensuring juiciness and tenderness. After resting briefly, the pork is sliced and served with the pan sauce.
The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze balances the savory pork and is enhanced by the balsamic and soy sauce's depth. The orange zest adds brightness when used. Searing first locks in flavor and texture while roasting finishes cooking evenly.
For an alternative method, the pork can be cooked in a crockpot after searing, slow-cooked on low for 4–5 hours. Avoid adding fresh garlic during searing as it may burn; incorporate it into the sauce if preferred. Letting the meat rest after cooking preserves juiciness.
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 prig rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, fresh
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°Fahrenheit.
- Season the pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a bowl, mix together cranberry sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Add orange zest if using.
- Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the pork in the skillet. Place the rosemary sprig on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove the pork from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice. Serve the pork slices with the cranberry sauce from the skillet and enjoy!
Notes
- Sear pork on all sides in a hot skillet before baking to create a flavorful crust.
- Adjust the brown sugar in the glaze to modify sweetness to your liking.
- Avoid adding fresh garlic during searing since it can burn; add it to the sauce instead if desired.
- Cook the pork until internal temperature reaches 145°F for best tenderness and juiciness.
- Let the pork rest after baking to retain juices before slicing.
- Alternatively, slow cook the seared pork in a crockpot on low for 4-5 hours until done.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 338 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 338kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 568mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 505mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
| Vitamin A | 34IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.