Sweet, tangy, savory, and perfectly juicy — Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a dinner winner that’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight meal. The tenderloin is seared until golden brown and finished in the oven with a sticky apricot glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Paired with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad, this dish is a standout. And the best part? It’s ready in under an hour!
1. Why You’ll Love Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This dish is flavorful, versatile, and easier than it looks. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
🍑 Sweet & Savory Flavor
The apricot glaze blends fruitiness with a tangy bite from vinegar and mustard, making every slice burst with flavor.
🐖 Perfectly Juicy Pork
Pork tenderloin is lean, tender, and quick to cook — especially when seared and roasted properly.
🧑🍳 Easy to Make
Minimal prep, no fancy ingredients, and a short cook time make this a great go-to recipe.
🍽️ Great for Meal Prep or Entertaining
Make ahead and reheat beautifully. The flavors get even better the next day!
2. Ingredients for Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
With a few pantry staples and one star ingredient — apricot preserves — you can create magic.
🐖 For the Pork:
- 1–1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
🍑 For the Apricot Glaze:
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
💡 Tip: For added spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
3. How to Make Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This recipe follows the sear + roast + glaze method for the perfect finish.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Season the Pork
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels.
- Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the Pork
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side) until golden brown. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Apricot Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic.
4. Glaze and Roast
- Brush half the glaze over the pork tenderloin.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Finish with Glaze
- Remove from oven, brush with remaining glaze, and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
6. Slice and Serve
- Slice the pork into medallions and spoon any pan juices or leftover glaze over the top. Serve hot!
4. Why This Dish Works So Well
It’s all about balance — sweet, tangy, savory, and tender.
🐖 Pork Tenderloin = Perfect Cut
It’s lean, mild, and quick to cook, making it ideal for bold glazes and sauces.
🍑 Apricot Glaze = Flavor Explosion
Apricot’s natural sweetness gets a tangy upgrade from mustard and vinegar, enhancing the pork without overpowering it.
🍴 Easy Yet Impressive
It feels fancy, but it’s foolproof. Just sear, roast, and glaze. That’s it!
5. Serving Suggestions for Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Complete your meal with these simple and delicious pairings:
🥔 Starch Pairings:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Wild rice or quinoa
- Buttery couscous
🥦 Veggie Sides:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Sautéed spinach with garlic
- Honey-glazed carrots
🥗 Light Options:
- Mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Apple and walnut salad for a sweet-crunchy contrast
6. Storage and Reheating Tips
Make it ahead and enjoy later — it reheats beautifully.
🧊 Storing:
- Let pork cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
❄️ Freezing:
- Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔁 Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes).
- Or slice and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or leftover glaze.
✅ FAQs – Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
1. Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?
Yes, but cooking time will increase. Pork loin is thicker and less tender, so roast at 375°F (190°C) for 30–40 minutes until the center reaches 145°F (63°C).
2. What can I use instead of apricot preserves?
Try peach jam, orange marmalade, or apple jelly. Each offers a similar sweet-fruit base for the glaze.
3. How do I know when the pork is done?
Use a meat thermometer — pork tenderloin is done at 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
4. Can I grill this instead of roasting?
Yes! Sear the pork over direct heat for a few minutes per side, then move to indirect heat. Brush with glaze and grill until cooked through.
5. Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the glaze and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Warm slightly before brushing onto the pork.
6. Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add heat. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha to the glaze.
7. Can I double the glaze for more sauce?
Yes! The glaze is delicious — feel free to double it and serve some extra on the side.
8. Can I use a cast iron skillet?
Yes, cast iron is perfect for searing and oven-roasting. Just make sure it’s oven-safe and well-seasoned.
9. What wine pairs well with this dish?
Try a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or dry Riesling. The fruity glaze pairs nicely with light, crisp wines.
10. What should I do with leftovers?
Slice the pork and serve it cold on sandwiches, wraps, or salads. It’s delicious with arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic drizzle.
Sweet, savory, and incredibly juicy, this Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a dish that’s as easy to love as it is to cook. Want to turn it into a full dinner party menu or try it with a side sauce? Just ask! 🐖🍑🔥