Maple Garlic Marinated Pork Tenderloin: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
This Maple Garlic Marinated Pork Tenderloin recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with sweet and savory flavors, and results in a tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked pork tenderloin every time. The combination of maple syrup, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings creates a luscious marinade that infuses the pork with a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Tender and Juicy:** Pork tenderloin is a naturally lean cut of meat, which means it can easily dry out if overcooked. The marinade helps to keep it moist and tender during cooking, ensuring a succulent final result.
* **Flavorful:** The maple garlic marinade is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, the garlic provides a pungent aroma, and the soy sauce contributes a salty, umami depth.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients. Simply whisk together the marinade, marinate the pork, and then cook it to perfection.
* **Versatile:** Pork tenderloin is a blank canvas that can be paired with a variety of sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Pork Tenderloin:** 2 (about 1 pound each) – Make sure to trim any silverskin from the tenderloin.
* **Maple Syrup:** 1/4 cup – Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup – Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Don’t substitute with garlic powder.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons – Helps to keep the pork moist and aids in browning.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon – Adds a tangy depth to the marinade.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon – Provides a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon – Adds an earthy, herbaceous note.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground – Enhances the other flavors and adds a bit of spice.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon – Use sparingly, as soy sauce already contains salt.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the marinade.
* **Whisk:** For combining the marinade ingredients.
* **Resealable Plastic Bag or Dish:** For marinating the pork tenderloin.
* **Instant-Read Thermometer:** Essential for ensuring the pork is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Baking Sheet or Cast Iron Skillet:** For roasting the pork tenderloin.
* **Aluminum Foil:** For tenting the pork while resting.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare the Marinade
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
### 2. Marinate the Pork Tenderloin
Place the pork tenderloins in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful it will be. However, don’t marinate for more than 4 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the proteins and make the pork mushy.
### 3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help to create a nice sear on the pork.
### 4. Sear the Pork Tenderloin (Optional)
While searing is optional, it adds a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor of the pork. If you’re searing, remove the pork tenderloins from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the remaining marinade.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork tenderloins in the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned.
### 5. Roast the Pork Tenderloin
If you seared the pork, leave it in the skillet. If you didn’t sear it, transfer the pork tenderloins to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Roast the pork tenderloins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F (63°C) for medium.
**Important Note:** Pork is safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), but it’s recommended to let it rest for a few minutes to allow the temperature to rise slightly. This will also help to redistribute the juices and make the pork more tender.
### 6. Rest the Pork Tenderloin
Remove the pork tenderloins from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Tent them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
### 7. Slice and Serve
After resting, slice the pork tenderloins against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Pork Tenderloin
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked pork tenderloin is dry and tough. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Let it Rest:** Resting the pork after cooking is crucial for retaining its juices and tenderness.
* **Trim the Silverskin:** Silverskin is a thin membrane on the surface of the pork tenderloin that can be tough and chewy. Remove it before marinating for a more enjoyable eating experience. Use a sharp knife to slide under the silverskin and trim it away.
* **Marinate for at least 30 Minutes:** Marinating the pork allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and helps to keep it moist during cooking. However, don’t marinate for more than 4 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the proteins.
* **Sear for Extra Flavor:** Searing the pork before roasting adds a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor.
* **Use High Quality Ingredients:** Using pure maple syrup, fresh garlic, and good quality soy sauce will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the final dish.
## Serving Suggestions
This Maple Garlic Marinated Pork Tenderloin is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are a classic pairing with pork. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them alongside the pork.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish that complements the sweetness of the maple garlic marinade.
* **Rice:** Serve the pork with a side of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the pork.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthy and nutritious side, serve the pork with quinoa.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or roasted green beans are a simple and healthy side dish that pairs well with the pork.
## Variations
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
* **Add Ginger:** Grate a teaspoon of fresh ginger into the marinade for a warm, aromatic flavor.
* **Use Honey:** Substitute honey for the maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to customize the flavor of the marinade.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the marinade for a bright, citrusy flavor.
## Make Ahead Instructions
* **Marinade:** The marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Marinating:** The pork can be marinated for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftovers:** Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pork in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can become dry.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per Serving)
* Calories: 300-350
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
## Recipe Card
**Maple Garlic Marinated Pork Tenderloin**
A flavorful and easy recipe for tender and juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a delicious maple garlic sauce.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Marinating Time:** 30 minutes – 4 hours
**Cook Time:** 20-25 minutes
**Resting Time:** 5-10 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour (minimum)
**Yield:** 6-8 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each), trimmed
* 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
* 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
2. Place the pork tenderloins in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Optional: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloins for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Discard remaining marinade.
5. Transfer the pork tenderloins to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if not searing. If searing, leave it in the skillet.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F (63°C).
7. Remove from oven, transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
8. Slice against the grain and serve immediately.
**Notes:**
* For extra flavor, sear the pork before roasting.
* Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
* Resting the pork is crucial for retaining its juices.
Enjoy your delicious Maple Garlic Marinated Pork Tenderloin!