Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Balsamic Sauce
Spring has arrived, and this Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Balsamic Sauce is just the thing to brighten up your dinner table. A little sweet, a little tangy, and super easy to make, it’s a simple, tasty recipe that’s sure to be a hit!
Easy Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Spring is in the air, and it’s bringing with it the freshest flavors to your kitchen. Today, we’re talking about a dish that’ll make your dinner plans a whole lot brighter: Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce.
It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and a whole lot of delicious. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that looks like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually have. Win-win, right?
This dish perfectly balances the savory tenderness of the pork with a sweet and tangy strawberry glaze.
Looking for more simple yet elegant dinner ideas? Be sure to try our pork tenderloin with apples and onions, blueberry BBQ chicken, and our chicken and potatoes with cider cream sauce.
Why This Recipe Shines
Ingredient Notes
- Pork tenderloin – the star of the show.
- Salt and pepper – because some classics are classic for a reason.
- Olive oil – for that golden sear.
- Minced garlic – for that flavor kick.
- Strawberries – hello, fresh spring sweetness!
- Balsamic vinegar – for that tangy twist.
- Honey – because we’re all about balance.
- Fresh thyme (optional) – if you’re feeling fancy.
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Strawberries
June in the Pacific Northwest is a magical time when local farmers’ markets are overflowing with the season’s star: fresh strawberries.
These locally nurtured strawberries truly capture the essence of the region. Grown with sustainable practices, they’re as kind to the environment as they are delicious. Each bite reflects local passion and the Pacific Northwest’s rich terroir.
Step-By-Step Directions
1
Prep & Sear
Preheat oven to 375°F. Season pork with salt & pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear all sides until golden.
2
Roast
Transfer skillet to oven. Roast 15-20 mins until pork reaches 145°F. Rest for 5 mins.
3
Sauce it Up
In the same skillet, first cook the garlic for 1 minute then combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Cook until sauce thickens. Stir in fresh thyme.
4
Serve
Slice pork, drizzle with sauce, garnish with thyme.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Sear: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the pork to get a beautiful golden-brown crust without overcooking the inside.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Rest the Meat: Let the pork rest for a few minutes after roasting to retain its juices and stay tender.
- Sauce Color: Cooking the strawberry sauce in the same pan as the pork results in a darker color. If you prefer to maintain a brighter red color for the strawberries, make the sauce in a separate pan.
- Balanced Flavor: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more honey or a pinch of sugar if your strawberries are on the tart side.
Favorite Sides for Serving
Pair your Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce with these easy and delicious sides. From hearty potatoes to fresh veggies, these dishes complete the meal.
Starchy Sides:
- Spring Vegetable Au Gratin: A mix of spring veggies baked in a creamy sauce with a crispy topping. Elegant yet simple to pair with pork.
- Buttered New Potatoes with Dill, Lemon, and Garlic: Tender potatoes tossed in butter with fresh dill, lemon, and garlic. Perfect for soaking up that sweet and tangy sauce.
- Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin: Creamy mashed potatoes with bold pesto flavor, topped with a golden, cheesy crust. Rich and satisfying.
Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
- Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Garlic, and Parmesan: Smoky broccolini with fresh lemon, garlic, and Parmesan to enhance the fruity sauce.
- Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Tarragon Butter: Sweet carrots and tender asparagus with rich tarragon-infused butter for an elegant touch.
- Grilled Squash and Zucchini: Light and zesty with a lemon basil drizzle, perfect for a summer dinner.
Salads
- Lemony Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese: Crisp beans, tangy lemon vinaigrette, and creamy goat cheese for a refreshing side.
- Spinach and Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan: A simple mix of greens with a simple vinaigrette and Parmesan to complement the savory pork.
- Simple Strawberry Spring Mix Salad: Juicy strawberries and greens with a light citrus vinaigrette to complement the sweet balsamic sauce.
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Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Balsamic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1-1.5 lbs)
- salt and pepper for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 sprig fresh thyme plus more for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- First things first, let’s get that oven fired up to 375°F. While it’s warming, season your pork tenderloin with a good pinch of salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add your tenderloin and sear each side until golden brown – about 2-3 minutes per side should do it. It’s all about locking in those flavors.
- Once your pork is beautifully browned, transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast it for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 145°F. Then, let it rest. Yes, this is the hard part, but it’s so worth it.
- While your pork is taking a well-deserved break, let’s whip up that sauce. In the same skillet (because who likes extra dishes?), first add and stir the garlic over medium heat for about 30 seconds.
- Then add the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and 1 sprig of thyme if desired. But be careful because that skillet is HOT.
- Once the sauce begins to simmer, lower the heat and continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the strawberries soften up and release all their juicy flavors, about 5 minutes. Remove the thyme sprig from the sauce.
- Slice that tenderloin into juicy medallions and arrange them on your prettiest plate. Drizzle generously with your balsamic strawberry sauce and garnish with fresh thyme if you went that extra mile.
- Serve immediately and enjoy all that sweet, savory, and tangy goodness!
Recipe Notes
Top Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Cook the pork to 145°F for perfectly tender and juicy meat. Don’t forget to rest it for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Cook Strawberries Separately (Optional): For a brighter red-colored sauce, cook the strawberries in a separate pan before combining with the balsamic reduction.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust sweetness with honey if the strawberries are tart, or add more balsamic for extra depth.
Storing Leftovers:
- Pork Tenderloin: Cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Strawberry Balsamic Sauce: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
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