Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin is a quick and flavorful dinner recipe that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly crispy pork tenderloin every time. The maple dijon glaze adds a sweet and tangy kick that my family begs for. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Chilled Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Coconut Cream and Creamy Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms and Egg Noodles.
Why This Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy pork tenderloin with a sweet and tangy glaze
- Quick and easy dinner recipe
- Better than takeout flavor
- Perfect for meal prepping
What You'll Need for Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Pork tenderloin
- Maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Optional: Fresh thyme leaves
- Optional: Minced garlic
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Pork tenderloin: Trim any excess fat and silver skin before cooking.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures perfect doneness every time → See on Amazon
- High-quality cast iron skillet — Achieves the best sear and crispiness → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
- Prepare the pork tenderloin: Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the pork tenderloin. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the pork tenderloin: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Bake the pork tenderloin: Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Glaze the pork tenderloin: Remove the skillet from the oven and brush the glaze over the pork tenderloin. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pork tenderloin from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh thyme leaves and minced garlic.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking the pork tenderloin can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F and no more.
- Time-saving tip: Prepare the glaze while the pork tenderloin is baking to save time.
- Substitution tip: No cast iron skillet? A heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet will work as well.
Storing & Reheating Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the pork tenderloin and glaze up to a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
Freezing Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
Freeze cooked and sliced pork tenderloin for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple dijon mixture.
- Best substitution: No pork tenderloin? Try this recipe with chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze starts to burn in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and keep an eye on it.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin
- Maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Thyme
Optional Toppings
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the pork tenderloin: Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the pork tenderloin. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the pork tenderloin: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Bake the pork tenderloin: Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Glaze the pork tenderloin: Remove the skillet from the oven and brush the glaze over the pork tenderloin. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pork tenderloin from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh thyme leaves and minced garlic.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple dijon mixture.
- Best substitution: No pork tenderloin? Try this recipe with chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze starts to burn in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and keep an eye on it.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked and sliced pork tenderloin for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the pork tenderloin and glaze up to a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the pork tenderloin and glaze up to a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry pork tenderloin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F and no more.
Yes, you can freeze cooked and sliced pork tenderloin for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, you can cook the pork tenderloin in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Brush with the glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for the best texture. The microwave can make the pork tenderloin soggy.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
