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Savory Honey Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin

honey bourbon glazed pork tenderloin - featured image

A quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe featuring a rich, glossy honey bourbon glaze that balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin
  • ⅓ cup (about 113g) honey, preferably raw or wildflower
  • ¼ cup (60ml) bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Salt to taste, ideally kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then trim off any silver skin or excess fat. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, using tongs to turn gently.
  4. While searing, mix honey, bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the glaze mixture into the skillet with the pork.
  6. Let the glaze bubble gently around the pork, spooning it over the meat often for about 8-10 minutes until thick and sticky. Ensure the pork’s internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  7. Remove the tenderloin from the pan and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. If needed, simmer the glaze a few more minutes to thicken.
  8. Slice the pork into ½-inch (1.3 cm) medallions and drizzle with the honey bourbon glaze before serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F for perfect doneness. Let the pork rest after cooking to keep it juicy. If glaze thickens too quickly, add a splash of water or bourbon to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Marinating pork in half the glaze for an hour enhances flavor. Slow cooker adaptation: brown pork, cook on low 4 hours with glaze, then reduce glaze before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, honey bourbon glaze, easy dinner, weeknight meal, savory pork, quick pork recipe, glazed pork, bourbon pork