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.
Why This Recipe Shines
Looking for more simple yet elegant dinner ideas? Be sure to try our blueberry BBQ chicken, chicken and potatoes with cider cream sauce, our oven-baked pesto crusted salmon, our lemon herb-crusted cod, and our quick pesto butter salmon.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight:
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.
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.
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Recipe Roadmap with Images
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.
There you have it – a meal that’s sure to impress without the stress. This Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
It’s fresh, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s delicious. Enjoy the process, enjoy the meal, and hey, enjoy the compliments that are about to come your way. Happy cooking!
Recipe 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
Complement the delightful flavors of your Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce with these perfectly paired side dishes. From rich starchy sides to fresh salads, these recipes will complete your meal and impress your guests.
Starchy Side Dishes
For a hearty, comforting side, these starchy dishes perfectly complement the tender pork and sweet-tangy sauce:
- Buttered New Potatoes with Dill, Lemon, and Garlic: Tender new potatoes are tossed in butter and infused with fresh dill, zesty lemon, and garlic, creating a simple yet flavorful dish that soaks up the pork’s delicious sauce beautifully.
- Pesto Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin: Creamy mashed potatoes are elevated with the bold flavors of pesto and topped with a golden, cheesy crust, offering a rich and satisfying addition to your plate.
- Spring Vegetable Au Gratin: A medley of spring vegetables baked in a creamy Mornay sauce and topped with a crispy, golden crust, this elegant dish adds a touch of sophistication and pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy pork.
Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
Roasted or grilled vegetables enhance the natural sweetness and add a smoky depth, perfectly complementing the vibrant flavors of the pork tenderloin and strawberry balsamic sauce:
- Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Garlic, and Parmesan: Broccolini charred to perfection and finished with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan offers a deliciously smoky and savory side that enhances the fruity notes of the strawberry balsamic sauce.
- Simple Italian Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with Italian herbs, olive oil, and a hint of balsamic vinegar creates a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment, bringing out the best in the pork tenderloin.
- Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Tarragon Butter: Sweet roasted carrots and tender asparagus are elevated with a luxurious tarragon butter, adding a sophisticated touch that pairs wonderfully with the pork and strawberry sauce.
- Grilled Squash and Zucchini: Summer squash and zucchini, grilled to perfection and topped with a lemon basil drizzle, make a light, refreshing side that pairs beautifully with our Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce. Bright, zesty, and perfect for a summer dinner!
Salads
Fresh and vibrant salads offer a refreshing contrast to the savory pork tenderloin, creating a light and balanced meal:
- Lemony Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese: Crisp green beans tossed with a lemony vinaigrette and topped with creamy goat cheese create a refreshing and tangy salad that perfectly complements the flavors of the pork and strawberry sauce.
- Spinach and Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan: A mix of fresh spinach and peppery arugula dressed in a light vinaigrette and topped with shaved Parmesan offers a simple yet elegant side, balancing the rich flavors of the pork.
- Simple Strawberry Spring Mix Salad: A delightful combination of spring mix greens, juicy strawberries, and a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing salad, with the sweetness of the strawberries providing a lovely complement to the balsamic strawberry sauce on the pork.
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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
- 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.
- Pork Tenderloin:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals.
- Sauce: Reheat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add water or balsamic vinegar if too thick.
- Avoid overcooking the pork when reheating.
- Stir the sauce occasionally while reheating for even warming.
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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