Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Gravy Recipe
Why Chefs Will Love This Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Gravy Recipe:
This pork tenderloin with apple cider gravy recipe is a perfect fall dish that is both savory and sweet. The pork tenderloin is coated with a rub of warm spices and then roasted to perfection. The apple cider gravy is the perfect complement, adding a tangy and sweet flavor that pairs well with the pork. Here’s what chefs will love about this recipe:
- Flavorful: The warm spice rub on the pork tenderloin and the tangy apple cider gravy make a delicious and unique flavor combination.
- Easy to prepare: The recipe requires minimal prep work and can be prepared in under an hour.
- Versatile: The recipe can be served with a variety of sides to create a complete meal.
- Nutritious: The dish is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Gravy Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sage, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove the pork from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, whisk together apple cider and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes a gravy consistency.
- Slice the pork and serve with the apple cider gravy.
Serving Size:
This recipe makes 4 servings, with each serving consisting of approximately 4 ounces of pork tenderloin and 2 tablespoons of apple cider gravy.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure the pork tenderloin is fully coated in the spice rub to ensure maximum flavor.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven for searing and roasting the pork. This will help prevent the pork from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help ensure the pork is juicy and tender.
Common Spices to Enhance the Flavor:
Some common spices that could potentially be used to enhance the flavor of this dish include:
- Rosemary
- Bay leaves
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
Serving and Side Suggestions:
This pork tenderloin with apple cider gravy pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and brussels sprouts
- Mashed sweet potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- Mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette
Variations:
This recipe can be easily customized to suit personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Some variations include:
- Using a different type of spice rub, such as a BBQ rub or a curry powder.
- Using a different type of meat, such as chicken or beef, for a different flavor profile.
- Adding additional herbs or spices to the apple cider gravy, such as rosemary or thyme, for a more complex flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- The apple cider can be substituted with apple juice or white wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- The cornstarch can be substituted with flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice the pork and place it in a microwave-safe dish with the apple cider gravy. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat the pork and gravy in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Leftover Suggestions:
Leftover pork tenderloin and apple cider gravy can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
- Adding to a wrap or sandwich with some additional vegetables and cheese.
- Mixing with some cooked pasta and a simple vinaigrette for a quick pasta salad.
- Using as a protein source in a stir-fry with vegetables and rice or noodles.
Health Benefits:
Pork tenderloin is a lean protein source that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. A 3-ounce serving of pork tenderloin contains approximately 22 grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. It is also a good source of thiamin, vitamin B6, and niacin, which are important for energy metabolism.
Apple cider is a natural sweetener that is lower on the glycemic index than other sweeteners. It is also a good source of antioxidants and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and potassium.
Nutrition Information and RDA Values:
Each serving (4 oz of pork tenderloin and 2 tablespoons of apple cider gravy) contains approximately:
- Calories: 194
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 71mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 22g
RDA Values:
- Fat: 10%
- Saturated Fat: 10%
- Cholesterol: 24%
- Sodium: 3%
- Carbohydrates: 4%
- Protein: 44%
Shopping List:
- Pork tenderloin
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Dried sage
- Cayenne pepper
- Olive oil
- Apple cider
- Cornstarch
- Vegetables or sides of your choice, if desired.
This pork tenderloin with apple cider gravy recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy fall evening. The warm spice rub on the pork and the tangy apple cider gravy complement each other perfectly to create a unique flavor profile. The dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit personal preferences or dietary restrictions. With proper storage and reheating, this dish can be enjoyed as leftovers for several days.
