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Weeknight • Pork

Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

A deliciously tender pork tenderloin glazed with a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce.

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

Tired of dry, boring pork? This Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin is here to change that! It's incredibly tender, quick-cooking, and slathered in a glaze that hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, and with a gentle kick of spice. It feels fancy, but it's totally achievable on a weeknight. Prepare for compliments!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Glaze

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste)
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish (Optional)

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.

  2. Step 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic to make the glaze.

  3. Step 3

    Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes total.

  4. Step 4

    Pour about half of the glaze over the pork in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

  5. Step 5

    Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, brushing with the remaining glaze halfway through cooking. (Note: The temperature will rise a few degrees after resting.)

  6. Step 6

    Remove from oven, transfer pork to a cutting board, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the pork juicy.

  7. Step 7

    Slice the pork into 1/2-inch thick medallions. If desired, pour any pan juices/glaze from the skillet over the sliced pork. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if using. Serve with rice or roasted vegetables.

Tips

  • Don't skip searing the pork; it develops a delicious crust and adds flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level.
  • Letting the pork rest is crucial for juiciness. Don't cut into it immediately!

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