Sticky Apricot Pork Tenderloin

We love this sticky apricot pork tenderloin! It’s so tender and juicy, topped with a sticky apricot sauce and packed with flavor. Perfect to serve on a weeknight or even a fancy holiday. Goes with just about any side!

You are not going to believe how easy this dinner is!

We’re making sticky apricot pork tenderloin and let me just tell you: you really only need six ingredients. Actually, four ingredients if we don’t count salt, pepper and water since we usually have those on hand. 

SIMPLE. Delicious. Sticky and tender and juicy and so satisfying. 

The method I use for this pork tenderloin is embarrassingly easy. I use it all the time for chicken and salmon and I’m happy to tell you that it works just as well for pork. It leaves you with a crispy exterior, a sticky apricot sauce and a very tender, juicy tenderloin. 

If that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will!

Here’s how I make it: 

I season the tenderloins all over and sear them in an oven-safe (I prefer cast iron) skillet. 

Next, I whisk together the apricot preserves and the water. This thins it out a bit to make a sauce, and it’s going to bubble up in the skillet!

Then, I pour the mixture into the pan with the pork. It helps to deglaze the pan and also simmers and thickens a bit more. I spoon it over the pork too. 

Time for the oven! The whole pan goes right into the oven for about 20 minutes or so. You will be surprised at how quickly it cooks! Just make sure to take the internal temp. 

THAT’S IT. How easy is that? 

Whenever I make a pork tenderloin, I always wonder why I don’t make it more often. Is this you too?

It’s such an easy, delicious meal – you can make it fairly quickly and it tastes amazing. There are so many ways to enjoy it too! 

And while it’s great for a weeknight meal, it also makes a lovely dish for a dinner party or fancier holiday. You could make this for Easter and serve it with a big salad and mashed or melting potatoes. 

You can also serve this with the pasta chopped salad for a great weeknight meal! It’s such a good complement and very satisfying. 

For leftovers, you can always do sliders or sandwiches. Add some slaw on top or even just lettuce and tomato! BBQ sauce and cheddar… there are so many ways to mix it up.

I like to throw it on a baguette and top with some arugula and chimichurri. That is such a great way to repurpose the meal and make it seem extra special. 

Sometimes I will slice it very thin and serve it on salad. And other times, I will shred what is left and we will even use it for tacos. You could also make fried rice or throw it in pasta too! The apricot sauce is fairly neutral and works will with just about anything. 

It’s a dish to make over and over again!

Sticky Apricot Pork Tenderloin

Sticky Apricot Pork Tenderloin

We love this sticky apricot pork tenderloin! It’s so tender and juicy, topped with a sticky apricot sauce and packed with flavor. Perfect to serve on a weeknight or even a fancy holiday. Goes with just about any side!

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

• Pat the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel. Season it all over liberally with salt and pepper. Season it with garlic powder and smoked paprika.

• Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tenderloin and seared on all sides until deeply golden brown.

• While searing, whisk together the preserves and water. Pour the mixture into the skillet and let it bubble up. Reduce it to the simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

• Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes, then take the internal temperature. I like mine to be at at least 155 degrees F.

• Remove the pan and let the pork rest for a few minutes. Spoon the apricot preserves in the pan over top to serve!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: How Sweet Eats

Yum.