This Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a fast and flavorful dish that brings together the cozy sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of apple cider vinegar. It’s a perfect fall-inspired dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. The glaze reduces to a rich, sticky finish that beautifully complements the tender pork.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin (1 pound)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3/4 cup apple cider or juice

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Cut pork tenderloin in half to fit a skillet. Sprinkle with salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown pork on all sides.

4. Transfer pork to a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Roast for 12–15 minutes or until a thermometer reads 145°F.

5. Meanwhile, in the same skillet, add cider, maple syrup, vinegar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the pan.

6. Cook uncovered until the sauce reduces to a glaze-like consistency, about 5 minutes.

7. Remove pork from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with glaze.

Nutrients (per 3 oz cooked pork + 1 tbsp glaze)

• Calories: 239

• Fat: 7g (2g saturated fat)

• Cholesterol: 64mg

• Sodium: 200mg

• Carbohydrates: 19g (17g sugars, 0g fiber)

• Protein: 23g

• Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat

The Seasonal Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Few combinations say “comfort food” like pork and apples. This classic pairing dates back centuries in European cuisine, particularly in French, English, and German culinary traditions where pork is often served with some form of fruit compote or cider-based sauce. Apples and pork complement each other beautifully—the natural sweetness and acidity of apples or cider cutting through the richness of the meat.

This modern version uses maple syrup and apple cider vinegar for even more depth. Maple adds warmth and richness, while the vinegar brightens and balances the dish. The resulting glaze is both glossy and thick, clinging perfectly to the tender pork slices and adding flavor to every bite. While perfect for fall, thanks to the apple-forward ingredients, this dish is too good to save for one season alone.

Why This Pork Tenderloin Recipe Stands Out

This isn’t your average pork dinner. The use of real apple cider (or juice), maple syrup, and vinegar creates a glaze that’s not only flavorful but also elegant in texture and presentation. The pork itself, a lean yet succulent cut, is quick to cook and easy to slice, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prepping.

What sets this recipe apart is how it delivers a gourmet result with minimal fuss. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, and the ingredient list is short, accessible, and likely already in your kitchen. There’s no need for exotic spices or hours of marinating. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but won’t overwhelm your weeknight schedule.

This is also a one-pan dish in essence. You start by searing the pork in a skillet, roast it briefly, and then return to that same pan to make the glaze—picking up all the flavorful browned bits left behind from the meat. It’s efficient, flavorful, and leaves you with fewer dishes.

A Comforting Yet Health-Conscious Choice

Despite its indulgent, sticky-sweet glaze, this dish is quite balanced nutritionally. With only 239 calories per serving, it offers a high protein count of 23 grams and only 7 grams of fat—just 2 grams of which are saturated. The glaze contributes natural sugars from maple syrup and apple cider, but overall, the dish avoids being overly sugary or heavy.

Pork tenderloin itself is one of the leanest cuts of meat you can choose. It’s lower in fat than other pork cuts and high in essential nutrients like B vitamins, phosphorus, and zinc. The apple cider and vinegar bring their own health perks, including antioxidants and digestive benefits, while the maple syrup, when used in moderation, provides trace minerals such as manganese and zinc.

Perfect for Entertaining or Weeknight Dinners

This Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin strikes the ideal balance between impressive and practical. It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fine dining restaurant, yet it comes together quickly with common ingredients. That makes it a fantastic choice for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a small dinner party or celebrating a holiday, this dish looks stunning when sliced and served with the syrupy glaze drizzled on top.

But don’t save it only for guests. Its short cook time and simplicity make it just as perfect for a busy Tuesday night when you want something nourishing and delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen. It’s elegant enough for guests, but accessible enough for everyday dinners.

Pairing Suggestions and Ideal Side Dishes

This pork tenderloin pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of side dishes. For a fall-inspired plate, serve it with roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips. A creamy mashed potato or garlic herb polenta also complements the glaze beautifully.

Looking for something lighter? A crisp arugula salad with apples and toasted nuts balances the richness of the glaze, while steamed green beans or sautéed spinach offer a simple, healthy counterpoint.

The tang and sweetness of the glaze also make this dish a natural fit for fruit-forward sides—think apple slaw, cranberry compote, or even roasted pears. For drinks, a dry apple cider, a glass of Chardonnay, or a light-bodied Pinot Noir all pair beautifully with the dish.

Flavor Profile and Texture

The flavor of this dish is deeply comforting with just the right amount of contrast. The pork is juicy and tender thanks to the quick roasting time and a brief rest before slicing. The glaze is where the magic happens—it’s thick and shiny with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The caramel notes from the maple syrup blend with the tart brightness of the vinegar and the crisp apple essence of the cider.

Each slice of pork absorbs the glaze, delivering rich umami with every bite, while the exterior develops a golden-brown sear that locks in the juices and adds a beautiful color to the presentation.

Simple Yet Sophisticated

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is that it fits so many occasions. You can dress it down with rustic sides like roasted potatoes and peas for a cozy family dinner, or elevate it with a wine reduction and delicate vegetable purées for a gourmet holiday spread.

The simplicity of the ingredients means you can make it your own without deviating too far from the original spirit of the recipe. A hint of rosemary or thyme can be added to the glaze. For a spicy twist, a touch of cayenne or Dijon mustard works beautifully. You can also double the glaze if you prefer a saucier dish or want extra for serving at the table.

Nutritional Highlights

This dish is rich in protein, lean in fat, and moderate in carbs—primarily from the natural sugars in the glaze. With only 239 calories per serving, it fits easily into most dietary plans, including low-fat, diabetic-friendly, and high-protein diets. The minimal use of oil and the lean cut of pork ensure that the fat content stays low, and the glaze offers just enough indulgence without going overboard.

The balance of macronutrients makes this dish ideal for anyone looking to eat healthier while still enjoying bold, delicious flavors.

Conclusion

Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and seasonal charm. It proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to feel special. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant—perfect for weeknights, entertaining, or any time you want a meal that feels a little bit elevated.

The sweetness of maple syrup, the crisp tang of apple cider vinegar, and the tender juiciness of pork combine to create an unforgettable experience with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want a new go-to pork recipe, this one delivers on all fronts: ease, flavor, nutrition, and beauty. It’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again, not just for the taste but for how effortlessly it fits into your life.