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Best Easy Apple Cider Braised Pork Tenderloin

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This tender, juicy pork tenderloin is braised in apple cider with onions, garlic, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and savory fall-inspired meal. It’s a budget-friendly, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressive enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds pork tenderloin
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Let pork tenderloin sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Pat pork dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until butter stops foaming.
  4. Sear pork for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Remove to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion and cook 5-6 minutes, scraping up browned bits, until soft and starting to caramelize.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Scrape up any remaining browned bits.
  8. Stir in Dijon mustard. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
  9. Return pork to the pot, nestling into the liquid. Liquid should come about halfway up the meat.
  10. Bring to a gentle simmer on stovetop, then cover and transfer to preheated oven.
  11. Braise for 35-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  12. Remove pork to a cutting board, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes.
  13. While pork rests, remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves from sauce. If desired, whisk cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) into simmering sauce and cook 2-3 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, simmer sauce uncovered for 5 minutes to reduce.
  14. Slice pork against the grain into 1/2-inch medallions. Arrange on platter and spoon sauce and caramelized onions over top.

Notes

Don’t skip searing—it builds flavor. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let pork rest before slicing. Taste sauce and adjust sweetness with a splash of apple cider vinegar or brown sugar if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, apple cider, braised pork, fall recipe, one-pan meal, budget-friendly, easy dinner

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/best-easy-apple-cider-braised-pork-tenderloin-recipe/