Did you know that Americans consume over 27 billion pounds of pork each year? That’s a lot of pork! Our delectable pan roasted pork tenderloin is smothered in a rich bourbon fig glaze, making it a gourmet yet easy-to-make centerpiece for your next dinner party. The key to success is coating the pork in cornstarch before searing it, which helps it develop a beautiful caramelized crust. The bourbon-soaked figs and rich glaze take this dish to the next level, creating a truly impressive yet simple meal that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying on a cozy weeknight.
The Secret to a Succulent Pork Tenderloin
To elevate our pan roasted pork tenderloin with bourbon fig glaze, we’ve discovered a few key techniques that make all the difference. First, coating the pork tenderloin in cornstarch not only helps it brown beautifully, but also provides a surface for the rich glaze to cling to, ensuring every bite is coated in that delectable flavor.
Coating the Pork with Cornstarch
The cornstarch acts as a barrier, sealing in the juices and creating a deliciously caramelized crust on the exterior of the pork tenderloin. This simple step takes just a minute but makes a world of difference in the final texture and appearance of the dish.
Searing Before Roasting
Next, we sear the pork tenderloin on the stovetop before finishing it in the oven. This two-step process ensures we get that mouthwatering caramelized crust on the outside, while keeping the interior tender and juicy. No need to preheat the oven – we can do it all on the cooktop for maximum convenience.
pan roasted pork tenderloin bourbon fig glaze recipe
I start by soaking dried Mission figs in a little bourbon, which helps them plump up and infuses them with flavor. After searing the pork, I build the sauce by sautéing shallots in the pan drippings, then adding the bourbon-soaked figs and a mixture of chicken stock, mustard, and maple syrup. The pork finishes cooking right in the sauce, allowing it to become coated in the rich, glossy glaze.
Bourbon-Soaked Figs
The key to this dish is the bourbon-soaked figs, which add a delicious sweetness and depth of flavor to the glaze. By soaking the dried figs in a splash of bourbon, we infuse them with a subtle boozy note that complements the savory pork perfectly.
Finishing With a Rich Glaze
Once the pork has been seared, we build the rich glaze right in the same pan. The shallots and bourbon-soaked figs combine with chicken stock, mustard, and maple syrup to create a beautifully glossy coating that the pork simmers in until it’s cooked through.
Letting the Pork Rest
After the pork has finished cooking in the rich glaze, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the tender pork to reabsorb its juices, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful with every bite.
Easy Weeknight Gourmet Dinner
Our pan roasted pork tenderloin with bourbon fig glaze is the perfect gourmet yet easy-to-make dinner for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or planning a cozy date night, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers restaurant-worthy flavor. The hardest part is waiting for the pork to rest before digging in and enjoying every bite of this delectable dish.
This easy weeknight dinner is truly the best of both worlds – a gourmet meal that’s simple to prepare. The combination of the rich bourbon fig glaze and the perfectly seared pork tenderloin is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Plus, with minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a hassle-free yet elevated dining experience in the comfort of your own home.
So, the next time you’re looking for a gourmet meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night, reach for this pan roasted pork tenderloin with bourbon fig glaze. It’s the easy weeknight dinner of your dreams, perfect for any holiday or date night occasion.