Juicy Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Apples and Onions

Key Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Difficulty: Moderate

Diet: Low-carb, High Protein

Equipment Needed

• 12-14 inch oven-safe skillet
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs

Ingredients

• 2 pork tenderloins (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2-3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 1 medium onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup chicken stock or apple cider
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Method

1. Prep Your Ingredients

• Pat pork tenderloins completely dry
• Trim any silver skin
• Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs
• Slice apples and onions

2. Sear the Meat

• Heat skillet to medium-high
• Add olive oil
• Sear tenderloins 8-10 minutes total
• Achieve golden-brown crust on all sides
• Remove meat to a plate

3. Build the Pan Sauce

• Deglaze skillet with stock/cider
• Scrape up browned bits
• Add butter and optional maple syrup
• Toss in apples and onions
• Cook 7-8 minutes until softening

4. Roast to Perfection

• Optional: Brush pork with Dijon mustard
• Return pork to skillet
• Transfer to 350°F oven
• Roast 15-20 minutes
• Target internal temp: 140-145°F

5. Rest and Serve

• Remove from oven
• Tent with foil
• Rest 5 minutes
• Slice into medallions
• Serve with caramelized apples and pan sauce

Crucial Tips

• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet
• Let meat rest to retain juices
• Apples should be tender, not mushy

Storage

• Refrigerate in airtight container
• Keeps 3 days
• Reheat gently with splash of liquid

Variations

• Swap apples for pears
• Add cranberries
• Use fennel instead of onions
• Incorporate sage leaves
• Try different herb combinations

Nutrition Highlights

• Lean protein
• Low-carb
• Rich in vitamins
• Gluten-free

Pro Chef Secrets

• Choose firm, crisp apples
• Sear at high heat for best flavor
• Let skillet do the work
• Fresh herbs make a difference

Perfect Pairings

• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower mash
• Simple green salad
• Pinot Noir or hard cider

Enjoy your delicious, restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make!