Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a sweet, savory, and succulent dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The juicy pork is roasted or seared to perfection and coated with a sticky apricot glaze infused with garlic, mustard, and fresh herbs. The result? A beautifully balanced flavor explosion — slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and totally mouthwatering.
Whether you serve it sliced over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or as a centerpiece at your next dinner party, this dish always brings elegance with minimal effort.
1. Why You’ll Love Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin recipe is an effortless way to bring bold flavor and a hint of elegance to your dinner table. Here’s what makes it so irresistible:
🍑 Sweet Meets Savory
The apricot glaze gives the pork a glossy, caramelized coating while enhancing the meat’s natural savoriness with a fruity, tangy note.
🔥 Easy to Cook
Pork tenderloin cooks quickly and evenly, especially when seared and then finished in the oven. It’s virtually foolproof!
🍽️ Versatile for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a date night meal, or a quick family dinner, this dish fits the mood.
🧑🍳 No Fancy Gear Needed
Just a good pan, a few pantry staples, and fresh pork tenderloin. That’s all you need to make this magic happen.
2. Ingredients for Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tender, juicy dish packed with flavor:
🐖 For the Pork:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs pork tenderloin (trimmed of silver skin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🍑 For the Apricot Glaze:
- ¾ cup apricot preserves (or jam)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
💡 Optional: A splash of white wine or orange juice can be added to the glaze for more depth of flavor.
3. How to Make Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Let’s walk through how to make this dish from start to finish, whether roasting or pan-searing.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then season all over with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Set aside.
3. Sear the Pork
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork and sear on all sides, about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. Glaze and Roast
- Brush the pork generously with the apricot glaze.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Halfway through roasting, brush on more glaze for an extra sticky, flavorful finish.
5. Rest and Serve
- Let the pork rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This locks in juices.
- Slice into medallions and drizzle with remaining glaze or pan juices. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
4. Why This Recipe Works So Well
It’s all about that balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why this one’s a keeper:
🍖 Tenderloin = Lean and Juicy
Pork tenderloin is naturally tender and lean, making it a healthy yet indulgent choice. It cooks fast and soaks up flavor beautifully.
🍑 Apricot Glaze = Sweet Tangy Coating
The glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a sticky outer layer that clings to every slice and delivers bright, bold flavor.
🔥 Searing + Roasting = Perfect Texture
Searing locks in juices and gives you that golden crust, while finishing in the oven ensures it’s evenly cooked inside.
🧂 Simple Ingredients = Big Flavor
You don’t need a ton of ingredients — just a few pantry staples can create a restaurant-quality result.
5. Serving Suggestions for Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Pair this sweet-savory dish with sides that complement the glaze and balance the richness of the pork.
🥔 Starches:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Wild rice pilaf
- Creamy polenta
- Couscous or orzo salad
🥦 Veggies:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- Green beans almondine
- Maple-glazed carrots
- Sautéed spinach with garlic
🥂 Drinks:
- Chardonnay or Riesling pairs beautifully with the fruity glaze.
- A sparkling cider or ginger ale is a non-alcoholic favorite.
6. Storage and Reheating Tips
This pork dish holds up well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day!
🧊 Storage:
- Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezing:
- You can freeze cooked pork slices or the whole tenderloin. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
🔁 Reheating:
- Reheat slices gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
- Microwave in short bursts, covered, to avoid drying out.
✅ FAQs – Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
1. Can I use apricot jam instead of preserves?
Yes! Jam works just as well — it might be a little smoother and sweeter. If using jam, you may want to add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance it out.
2. What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
You can cut into the thickest part — the meat should be pale pink with clear juices. But a thermometer is best for accuracy (look for 145°F internal temp).
3. Can I use another cut of pork?
Yes, you can use pork loin, but it takes longer to cook. Pork chops also work well with this glaze for a quick skillet meal.
4. Can I grill this instead of roasting?
Absolutely! Sear on the grill over medium-high heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking. Baste with glaze during the last few minutes.
5. Is the glaze too sweet?
Not at all! The mustard, soy sauce, and vinegar balance the sweetness. You can adjust proportions to suit your taste.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and glaze the pork ahead, then cook when ready to serve. The glaze can also be made in advance and refrigerated.
7. What herbs pair well with this dish?
Thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley complement both the pork and the apricot flavors beautifully.
8. Can I make it spicier?
Of course! Add red pepper flakes, a splash of sriracha, or even a little jalapeño jelly to the glaze.
9. Can I use bone-in pork?
You can, but it will require longer cooking and may not be as evenly glazed. Boneless tenderloin is ideal for this fast-cooking method.
10. What sides go best with this dish?
Try wild rice, mashed sweet potatoes, or a simple salad with vinaigrette to contrast the sweetness of the glaze.
Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin is the perfect balance of juicy, sweet, tangy, and savory. With its simple prep and elegant presentation, it’s a showstopper without the stress. Want a fruity glaze variation or side pairing ideas? Just ask! 🐖🍑🍷