Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a simple, sweet-and-savory recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special meal. Pork tenderloins cook quickly, require just a handful of ingredients, and deliver tender, juicy results in about 30 minutes. This maple-glazed version layers rich sweetness with a touch of acidity for great flavor and a glossy finish the whole family will enjoy.
Delicious Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is prized for its tenderness and mild flavor. Because it’s a lean cut, it has less fat than many other pork cuts, yet when cooked properly it stays moist and succulent. The goal is a golden-brown exterior with a juicy, slightly pink center.
When shopping, choose tenderloins that are pinkish and firm with only a small amount of fat. Most packages include two tenderloins — cook both at once for a larger meal or freeze one for a later date. If there is silverskin attached, remove it before cooking for more even seasoning and a better texture.
Ingredients for Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Gather these simple ingredients to make the maple glaze pork tenderloin:
- pork tenderloins (2 total, about 1–1.5 pounds each, silverskin removed)
- avocado oil or your preferred cooking oil
- sea salt
- ground black pepper
- paprika
- garlic powder
Maple glaze:
- pure maple syrup
- soy sauce
- balsamic vinegar
- butter
⭐️ Full ingredient measurements and a printable recipe card are included further down in the recipe section.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin on the Stove
This recipe is cooked entirely on the stovetop, so a heavy skillet such as a cast iron or enameled pan works best for even browning. If you prefer another skillet, just monitor the heat so the tenderloin browns without burning.
Start by patting the tenderloins dry with paper towels. If any silverskin remains, remove it by sliding a sharp knife under the silver membrane and trimming it away — this prevents chewing through tough connective tissue when eating.
Mix the sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl, then rub the blend over all sides of the tenderloins for even seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Sear the tenderloins in the hot pan, turning every 3–4 minutes so each side browns evenly. Depending on thickness, total cooking before the glaze is about 12–15 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature — remove the pork from direct heat when it reaches 135°F, then add the glaze to finish cooking.
The Maple Glaze
The glaze brings the dish together with a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. In the final minutes of cooking combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and butter directly in the pan. Stir gently to melt the butter and blend the glaze.
Spoon the glaze over the tenderloins as they finish cooking, turning to coat all sides. Continue until the pork reaches 145°F internal temperature and the glaze has reduced to a glossy, slightly thickened sauce — this should take another 5–7 minutes. Rest the pork for about 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute. Pour any remaining pan glaze over the sliced meat when serving.
What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin
Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin pairs well with simple, flavorful sides. Try roasted vegetables, Brussels sprouts, garlic butter asparagus, or steamed broccoli to complement the sweet glaze. A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.
How to Store Leftover Pork Tenderloin
Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place tightly wrapped slices or whole tenderloins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid drying out the meat.
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Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin
A quick, sweet-and-savory pork tenderloin recipe finished with a glossy maple glaze. Ready in about 25–30 minutes for a simple weeknight meal or an elegant dinner.
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 6 | Calories: 105 kcal
Author: Sarah Alvord, Feeding Your Fam
Equipment
- cast iron or enameled cast iron pan
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1–1.5 pounds each), silverskin removed
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Maple Glaze
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Pat tenderloins dry with paper towels. Trim any remaining silverskin.
- Combine sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Season the tenderloins on all sides.
- Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat with the avocado oil.
- Place the tenderloins in the hot pan and sear, turning every 3–4 minutes to brown all sides, about 12–15 minutes total before glazing.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, then add the maple glaze ingredients to the pan and stir until combined.
- Spoon the glaze over the pork and continue cooking, turning and basting, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the glaze has thickened, another 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with any remaining glaze.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure accurate doneness for juicy results.
Nutrition (per serving estimate)
Calories: 105 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 7 g | Sodium: 741 mg | Sugar: 9 g