If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dish, this Easy Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin is a must-try. It’s juicy, savory, and sweet, making it the perfect centerpiece for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a sheet pan. Cover one half with foil, creating a raised edge to form a tray and place the pork tenderloin in the center.
- Dry the pork tenderloin with a paper towel. Mix brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, and paprika, then pour the mixture over the pork, ensuring all sides are coated.
- On the uncovered side of the pan, arrange the halved potatoes. Drizzle them with oil, toss to coat, and season with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning the pork every 5-10 minutes with tongs to coat it in the sauce. For a golden finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into 1-inch pieces and serve alongside the potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- ? cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ? teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds baby red and/or gold potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian herb blend
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ? cup grated parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 722 kcal | Carbohydrates: 90 g | Protein: 47 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 118 mg | Sodium: 515 mg | Potassium: 2408 mg | Fiber: 9 g | Sugar: 22 g | Vitamin A: 164 IU | Vitamin C: 78 mg | Calcium: 171 mg | Iron: 5 mg
FAQ
- What vegetables pair well with pork tenderloin?
- Many vegetables complement pork tenderloin beautifully. Some top choices include asparagus, which is easy to prepare and cook, broccoli and cauliflower, which are versatile on their own or together, and green beans, which are a reliable alternative when asparagus is out of season.
- Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While baby red or gold potatoes are recommended, you can substitute them with russet potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into smaller cubes to ensure even cooking alongside the pork.
- How can I adjust the seasoning on the pork tenderloin?
- There are several ways to customize the flavors. You can swap out the brown sugar for honey for a different sweetness, or add other vinegars like white or red for a tangier taste. To increase the heat, consider incorporating more crushed red pepper flakes, a bit of chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce.
- What should I do if I don’t have Italian herbs on hand for the potatoes?
- If Italian herbs are unavailable, you can create a similar flavor profile by adding half a teaspoon each of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the potatoes.
- Is there an alternative to garlic powder in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute garlic powder with minced garlic. Alternatively, try using frozen garlic cubes, which blend seamlessly into the dish and give a fresh garlic taste.
Tips
- Switch Sweeteners: For a delightful twist, substitute the brown sugar with honey to create a delicious balsamic and honey glaze on the pork tenderloin.
- Herb Substitution: If you’re out of Italian herbs, you can make your own blend using half a teaspoon each of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Garlic Alternatives: In place of garlic powder, you can use minced garlic or try frozen garlic cubes, which blend seamlessly into the dish and enhance its flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a bit of chili powder or your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – If someone doesn’t have a suitable sheet pan for baking.
- Tongs – Useful for turning the pork over in the sauces.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the pork is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Silicone Brush – For applying sauces evenly over the pork tenderloin.
- Aluminum Foil – While common, some might need to purchase if they don’t have any at home.
