This Balsamic Pork Tenderloin is a simple yet elegant main course that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Marinated in a rich, tangy balsamic glaze infused with garlic and herbs, the pork comes out tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor every time.
Roasting the pork in the oven after a quick sear locks in all those delicious juices. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
Ingredients
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Balsamic Marinade:
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Pork
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, soy sauce, rosemary, and thyme.
Place the pork tenderloins in a resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven & Sear the Pork
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the pork from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized.
3. Roast in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes to reduce into a flavorful glaze.
4. Rest & Serve
Remove the pork from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Slice the tenderloin into medallions, drizzle with the balsamic glaze, and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Sweeter: Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the marinade for a richer, sweeter glaze.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the pork moist.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing quinoa salad for a complete meal.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
This balsamic pork tenderloin is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory—easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for guests. Give it a try and enjoy a juicy, flavorful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!