Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Marsala Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
3 -4
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Calories
336 kcal
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Course
Dinner
Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Marsala Sauce
Description
This recipe begins by seasoning and searing pork tenderloin to develop a golden crust, then roasting it until the desired doneness is reached. Meanwhile, the Marsala sauce is made in the same pan by sautéing mushrooms, shallots or onions, and garlic in butter. Flour is added to form a roux, then Marsala wine, chicken broth, and herbs like tarragon are stirred in and reduced. Cream finishes the sauce, adding richness and smoothing the flavors.
The combination of the lightly sweet Marsala wine and earthy mushrooms creates a sauce that pairs well with the pork’s juicy, tender texture. Cooking the pork in the pan with the sauce after resting allows the flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
This dish suits serving alongside potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. The sauce can be adjusted with either sweet or dry Marsala wine, and tarragon may be substituted with thyme or omitted. Internal temperature guidance helps achieve the preferred pork doneness.
Marsala is a fortified wine with caramel and spiced undertones. If alcohol is not preferred, omitting Marsala produces a creamy gravy variant. Stored leftovers should be reheated gently to preserve texture. This sauce also works well with chicken or other pork cuts.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb / 500g pork tenderloin (Note 1)
Creamy Marsala Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
- 5 oz / 150g mushrooms , sliced (I used Swiss Brown)
- 1/4 cup onion or shallots; finely chopped
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- 1 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml marsala wine Note 2
- 2 cups / 500 ml chicken broth , low sodium
- 5 tarragon optional) (thyme is also lovely) (Note 3, leaves
- 1/4 cup / 65 ml cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C/390F.
- Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in an ovenproof skillet over high heat. Sear on all sides until nicely browned.
- Place in the oven for 15 minutes for the faintest blush of pink (pictured) or 18 to 20 minutes for no pink. See Note 4 for internal cook temperatures.
- Remove pork from skillet onto a plate, cover with foil and set aside in a warm place while you make the sauce.
Creamy Marsala Sauce
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet over high heat. Cook mushrooms until browned, then remove.
- Reduce heat to medium high, melt 1 tbsp butter,. Add onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes or until onion is softened. Add flour and mix.
- Add marsala, cook until mostly evaporated (about 1 minute). Add tarragon and chicken broth, whisk until dissolved. Bring to simmer and cook until the liquid reduces by half - 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add cream and mix, then return the mushrooms and pork into the skillet as well as juices pooled on the plate. Simmer for 1 - 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a thin gravy consistency (it will thicken more as you serve).
- Transfer to serving platter with the gravy on the side or poured over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes of course!! (Here is my Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes recipe)
Notes
- Marsala wine is sweet and spiced; use sweet Marsala for this recipe or swap with sherry, sweet vermouth, port, or brandy.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Marsala; the sauce will resemble a creamy gravy.
- Tarragon adds a distinctive anise-like flavor but can be replaced with thyme or left out.
- Cook pork tenderloin to 150°F/65°C for a slight pink center or 155°F/68°C for fully cooked; allow to rest for 10 minutes to reach final temperature.
- This sauce pairs well with pork, chicken, or other pork cuts like cutlets.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3-4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 336 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 337g | |
| Calories | 336cal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.1g | 2% |
| Protein | 36.9g | 74% |
| Fat | 15.3g | 24% |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4g | 32% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.9g | 52% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 502mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 0.6g | 2% |
| Sugar | 1.8g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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