Cranberry Pork Tenderloin

4.97 from 28 votes

Looking for an easy and delicious recipe? You have to try this easy Cranberry Pork Tenderloin Recipe! It is packed with flavor!

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Carrie Barnard

Cost: TOTAL RECIPE COST: $10.65, COST PER SERVING (4 servings): $2.66

Ingredients

1-1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
salt and pepper (to taste)
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Season 1–1.5 pounds pork tenderloin with salt and pepper to taste and ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, coating all sides evenly.
Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the pork tenderloin to the skillet and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
In a bowl, mix together 1 cup cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon orange zest if using.
Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the pork in the skillet. Place 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) on top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Slice the pork and serve with the cranberry sauce from the skillet. Enjoy!

Notes

Searing the Pork: Searing the pork on all sides before baking is crucial for developing depth of flavor and creating a nice crust. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the pork.

Sugar: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to taste by altering the amount of brown sugar.

Garlic: I do not recommend using fresh minced garlic during the searing process in this recipe, as it can easily burn due to the high heat required. If you prefer to use fresh minced garlic instead, consider adding it to the sauce just in case.

Internal Temperature: Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal tenderness and juiciness. Avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from drying out.

Resting the Meat: Allowing the pork to rest for a few minutes after baking is essential for retaining its juices. Cutting the pork too soon after cooking can cause it to dry out.

Crock Pot Instructions: You can easily cook this pork tenderloin in the crock pot instead of baking in the oven. After browning the pork tenderloin, cook on low for 4-5 hours until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

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