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 perfect crispy crust. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Burnt Basque Cheesecake Recipe with Creamy Texture and Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Why This Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy pork tenderloin with a sweet and tangy glaze
- Easy weeknight dinner recipe
- Better than takeout flavor at home
- 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 parsley
- Optional: Crushed red pepper
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Pork tenderloin: Trim any excess fat or silver skin.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Meat thermometer — Ensures perfect doneness every time. → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Gives the best sear and crispy crust. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
- Prepare the pork: Trim the pork tenderloin, pat it dry, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Cook the pork: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned. Finish cooking in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Brush the glaze onto the pork during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and serve: Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper. Serve with your favorite sides.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the pork. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy skin, score the fat on the pork tenderloin before searing.
- Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for easy meal prepping.
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 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the pork and glaze up to a day ahead. Cook and glaze just before serving.
Freezing Easy Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner
Freeze cooked and sliced pork tenderloin for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp up in a hot skillet.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breast or chicken thighs for the pork tenderloin.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the pork and glaze up to a day ahead. Cook and glaze just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or broth.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality cast iron skillet — Gives the best sear and crispy crust for pork tenderloin. → Check price on Amazon
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 parsley
- Crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the pork: Trim the pork tenderloin, pat it dry, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Cook the pork: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned. Finish cooking in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Brush the glaze onto the pork during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and serve: Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breast or chicken thighs for the pork tenderloin.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the pork and glaze up to a day ahead. Cook and glaze just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the glaze becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or broth.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked and sliced pork tenderloin for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp up in a hot skillet.
- Make ahead: Prepare the pork and glaze up to a day ahead. Cook and glaze just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 18g
- 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, prepare the pork and glaze up to a day ahead. Cook and glaze just before serving.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry pork. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
Yes, freeze cooked and sliced pork tenderloin for up to 3 months.
Yes, cook the pork at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, then brush with the glaze during the last 5 minutes.
Chicken breast or chicken thighs can be substituted for the pork tenderloin.
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!
