Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

🕒 Prep: 2 hours
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin is a delightful mix of flavors that will warm your heart and spice up your dinner table. It's a perfect balance of sweet honey and fiery red pepper flakes, making it a great choice for any gathering or simple family dinner.

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is the star of the dish, known for being lean and tender. The honey brings sweetness that balances the heat from the spices. Soy sauce adds a savory depth, while apple cider vinegar introduces a tangy kick. Garlic and ginger are aromatic and give the dish its warm, inviting flavor. The red pepper flakes provide the spice, and a dash of black pepper rounds it all off. A mix of olive oil and sesame oil is used for searing, enhancing the flavor with a nutty finish. Finally, fresh cilantro and lime wedges brighten the dish for a fresh finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Marinate the pork overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without guessing.
  • Resting the meat is crucial — it keeps the pork juicy.
  • If you prefer more heat, add extra red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

This pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pork, and perhaps some roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus to complete the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use pork loin, but cooking times may vary as it is a thicker cut.
Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as a substitute.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger instead, though fresh is recommended for the best flavor.

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin Recipe Walkthrough

First, mix your marinade. In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Place your pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, seal the bag, and give it a good shake to ensure the pork is well-coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you're planning ahead — this allows the flavors to really soak in.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Take the pork out of the marinade, but keep that liquid — you’ll need it soon.

Brown the pork in the hot skillet, turning it to get a nice sear on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes. Once browned, pour the reserved marinade over the pork. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let it roast for around 25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Once cooked, move the pork to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5 minutes — this helps keep all those tasty juices inside when you slice it. To serve, slice the pork and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Achieves restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
  • Perfectly tender and juicy every time.
  • Simple marinade that doubles as a delicious glaze.
  • Ready in under an hour (after marinating).

Ingredients

1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
2. Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and sear the tenderloin in the hot skillet until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
6. Pour the reserved marinade over the pork and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Roast the pork for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

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