Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Apples

Looking for a dinner recipe that’s fancy enough for company, easy to make and friendly on the wallet? Well then, this pork tenderloin with bourbon cider apples is for you. Spiced pork tenderloin with saucy sautéed apples is a dinner that’s equal parts elevated and homey and 100% delicious. Better yet, this pork tenderloin recipe will be on your table in just about 30 minutes. 

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What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?

While the names are similar and they come from the same animal pork loin and pork tenderloin are not the same thing. Pork loin comes from the back of the pig and is a long thick cut most commonly used for pork chops. Other names for pork loin include center cut pork roast and pork loin center cut. A typical pork loin will be between 2-5 pounds and you can get out cut to order at your butcher. This cut is best seared and slow roasted or grilled over medium heat. 

The tenderloin is a small thin cut that runs alongside the pork loin. Pork tenderloins are also known as pork filet or pork tender (this is basically the porcine equivalent of filet mignon). Pork tenderloins are sold whole and weigh about one pound. Pork tenderloin can be cooked quickly,  usually seared and roasted before being sliced into medallions. 

While both are delicious pork loin and pork tenderloin can not be used interchangeably.  (For high quality pork check out this Butcher Box review).

What temperature is safe for pork tenderloin?

Long gone are the days where you had to cook pork to an insanely high internal temperature leaving your meat the temperature of a hockey puck. The National Pork Board recommends cooking to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (a digital meat thermometer is great for monitoring this), followed by a a rest of three minutes before slicing. 

Great Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin

Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

German Red Cabbage and Apples

The Very Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider

How to make spiced pork tenderloin 

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Start of chopping up the shallots and slicing the apples and setting this aside.  Combine all the spices, salt and pepper before preparing the pork tenderloin by removing the silver skin (a thick white band of connective tissue). Rub the spice blend over the pork and transfer to a skillet(I love this multi-purpose cast iron skillet) over medium heat. Sear the tenderloin on all sides and transfer the pan to a 400 degree oven, roast the pork until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees (about 15 minutes).
Move the pan back to the stove and transfer the pork to a clean cutting board. Sauté the apples, shallots and a bit of thyme until soft and then add the bourbon and cider to the pan to create a sauce. Slice up the pork tenderloin, spoon some apples and sauce over the top and let the dinnertime accolades roll in. 

If you like this Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Apples be sure to take a look at some of these other recipes!

Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Skillet

Chicken with Rice, Leeks and Mushrooms

Smoky Beer Cheese Dip

Individual Pumpkin Custards

Apple Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

Pumpkin Cookies with White Chocolate and Pecans

If you make this Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Apples please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!