Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe elevates your dinner table with an irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors. The marinade, crafted from rich bourbon, dark brown sugar, and a touch of soy sauce, infuses the pork with a delightful sweetness and depth. Fresh cilantro and zesty lemon juice brighten the mix, making it a harmonious blend that complements both the tenderness of the pork and the smoky notes of the bourbon. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish promises to impress and satisfy. Feel free to experiment with pork chops using the same marinade for a quick and easy alternative!
4
Servings
550
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bourbon or Jack Daniel's sour mash
1/2 cup (liquid)
Dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Soy sauce
1/3 cup (liquid)
Fresh cilantro
1/2 bunch (coarsely chopped)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons (liquid)
Water
1 cup (liquid)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Pork tenderloin or pork chops
2 lbs (whole tenderloin or 4-6 chops)
Instructions
1
In a shallow glass casserole dish, combine the bourbon (or Jack Daniel's), dark brown sugar, soy sauce, chopped fresh cilantro, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, water, and dried thyme. Whisk together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
2
Add the pork tenderloin (or pork chops) to the marinade, ensuring that the meat is well-coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, turning the meat occasionally for even flavor absorption.
3
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
4
Line a baking sheet or the bottom of your roasting pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier, as the marinade can create a sticky mess.
5
For cooking pork tenderloin: Place the tenderloins side by side on a wire rack set in a shallow roasting pan, ensuring they are not touching to allow even cooking.
6
For cooking pork chops: Arrange the marinated pork chops on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C). During roasting, baste the meat occasionally with the marinade for enhanced flavor.
8
Once done, remove the pork from the oven, discard any remaining marinade, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
35
Carbs
62.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Maple Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
The dish features an irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors, blending rich bourbon, dark brown sugar, and soy sauce with zesty lemon and fresh cilantro.
How long should I marinate the pork for this recipe?
The pork should be marinated in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours to ensure optimal flavor absorption.
Can I use pork chops instead of pork tenderloin?
Yes, this recipe is versatile and you can use 4 to 6 pork chops as an alternative to the tenderloin.
What kind of bourbon is recommended?
You can use your favorite bourbon or Jack Daniel's sour mash for the marinade.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) for roasting the pork.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C).
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts regarding calories and protein?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories and 62.5 grams of protein.
Do I need to baste the pork while it is roasting?
Yes, basting the meat occasionally with the marinade during roasting will enhance the flavor.
Why should I use aluminum foil on the baking sheet?
Lining the pan with foil is highly recommended because the sugar in the marinade can create a sticky mess that is difficult to clean.
Is a wire rack necessary for cooking?
Using a wire rack set in a shallow roasting pan allows for even cooking by letting heat circulate around the tenderloins.
Can I use light brown sugar if I don't have dark brown sugar?
Yes, light brown sugar can be used, though dark brown sugar provides a deeper molasses flavor.
What should I do with the remaining marinade after cooking?
Any remaining marinade that has been in contact with raw meat should be discarded once the pork is removed from the oven.
How much fat is in one serving of this pork tenderloin?
There are approximately 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
What type of dish should I use for marinating?
A shallow glass casserole dish is ideal for marinating the pork.
Is fresh cilantro required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped, to brighten the flavor profile.
How long does the pork need to roast?
Roasting typically takes about 30 minutes in a 450°F oven.
Should the pork tenderloins be touching while roasting?
No, place them side by side without touching to ensure even cooking.
How much soy sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of liquid soy sauce.
What should I do after taking the pork out of the oven?
Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Is lemon juice essential to the marinade?
Yes, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe use Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
How much water is added to the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of water to be whisked into the marinade.
Can I use dried thyme or fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
Should I cover the dish during the marinating process?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap while it refrigerates.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, while it requires advance marinating, the actual cooking time is only 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with pork, tenderloin, bourbon, marinade, glazed, dinner, and easy recipe.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be whisked together beforehand until the sugar is dissolved.