Description
A tender, aromatic pork tenderloin braised in apple cider, white wine, and fresh herbs, topped with a caramelized apple-onion compote. Easy to make, and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
PORK TENDERLOIN
- 2 1/2 – 3 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (Garlic or Tuscan Herb recommended)
- 1 cup apple cider (try my quick & easy recipe here)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 tablespoons Cranberry Pear Balsamic (optional, but recommended)
APPLE-ONION COMPOTE
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Season the Pork : Pat the pork tenderloins dry. Rub with Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- Sear : Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until deeply golden, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze : Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the apple cider, white wine, and Cranberry Pear Balsamic. Scrape up any browned bits — this builds the foundation of your sauce.
- Braise : Return the pork to the pot. Cover and braise in a 350°F oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Compote : While the pork rests, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook for 10–12 minutes until golden. Add apples, brown sugar, vinegar, thyme, and salt. Cook another 8–10 minutes until caramelized and glossy.
- Serve : Slice the pork and spoon the warm compote generously over the top. Finish with extra thyme and a drizzle of Cranberry Pear Balsamic if desired.
Notes
- Pork tenderloin cooks best when removed from the oven at 140℉.
- Use unfiltered apple cider for the richest flavor. I highly recommend making my easy recipe for Apple Cider!
- Compote reheats beautifully and can be made in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Holiday Recipes
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American, Seasonal

