Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Onions and Apples is a boldly delicious dish ready in 30 minutes. It's perfect for weeknights and fancy enough for special occasions. Pair this with French onion soup casserole for a hearty meal.
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Pork tenderloin is perfect for weeknight dinners. It's easy to prepare and cooks in less than thirty minutes. When served family-style on a platter, the beautiful presentation makes it perfect for special occasions as well.
Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Onions and Apples is seasoned with warm spices and sweet apples. These flavors bring cozy vibes, which is exactly what I crave when the weather starts to turn a little cooler. Try pairing this dish with roasted honeynut squash for the most festive fall meal.
Spice rub ingredients
The spices in this rub pack a ton of flavor. They create a flavorful crust on the pork and also provide beautiful color.
Other ingredients
- pork tenderloin - this lean cut cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknight meals
- apples - I like using Honey Crisp or a similar variety that will stand up well during cooking. I like the apples to retain some of their crisp texture.
- onions - sweet or yellow onions are perfect here.
- ground cloves and fresh thyme - for seasoning
Tips for preparing
- Combine the spices and spread on a meat-safe cutting board. Pat the tenderloin dry and roll it in the spices to evenly coat on all sides. You can also use a piece of parchment paper for this.
- Sear the tenderloin in an oven-safe skillet before finishing in the oven. This helps to create a nice brown crust on the outside. After searing, transfer to the oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 (medium rare) - 160 (medium) degrees. This will take 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees, depending on the thickness of the tenderloin. At medium rare, the pork will be slightly pink in the middle. Then, let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the apples and onions and saute them while the pork cooks. Start with some butter for flavor and season with a pinch of cloves. Cook the onions until they start to turn lightly brown and the apples soften slightly. I prefer to leave the skin on the apple for color and texture. Peeling the apple is optional.
- Arrange the tenderloin on a platter along with the apples and onions.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve family-style.
How to use leftover pork
- Toasted pork sliders: Thinly slice the leftover pork. Pile on a slider bun slathered with mayo and top with red onion, pickles, and your favorite cheese. Toast to melt the cheese.
- Pork fried rice: Cut the leftover pork into small cubes or thin strips. Stir fry with veggies, rice, and your favorite sauce.
Equipment
Skillet | Measuring spoons | Instant-read thermometer
More weeknight dinner recipes you may enjoy
- Chicken with Kale and Artichokes (30 Minute Recipe)
- Skillet Sausage and Shells
- Pesto Pappardelle (Pasta with Pesto and Tomatoes)
- Easy Baked Pizza Chicken
- Pumpkin Sage Ravioli
- Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms
- Chicken with Cordon Bleu Sauce
- Mushroom Ravioli with Sage Butter
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Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Onions and Apples
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EQUIPMENT
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil (or similar)
Spice rub
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Onions and apples
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 honey crisp apple (sliced, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. Pat the pork tenderloin dry and set aside.
- Preheat an oven-safe skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
- Meanwhile, combine the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl. Mix together. Spread out on a meat-safe cutting board (or on a piece of parchment paper). Roll the pork in the spice mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
- Add the oil to the skillet and add the tenderloin. Sear for 3-4 minutes until browned. Flip and cook on the second side for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145℉ for medium-rare or 160℉ for medium. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the tenderloin.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- While the pork roasts in the oven, preheat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the apples and onions and season with the ground cloves. Cook until the onions are lightly brown and the apples are slightly softened but still firm.
- Slice the pork and serve family-style alongside the apples and onions. Garnish with fresh thyme.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
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